For those of you who don’t know me, I love to swing a bag about. And for those of you who do — I know you’re fed up with me talking about them (sorry!) Since taking more of an interest in fashion, I’d always been curious about wearing bags, but as a guy, I’d been nervous to do it. A year ago, I decided to change it up, and wear things that I really like — and bags are a central part of that for me. They’re a great way to finish off your ensemble, and can ease the transition from day to night when you need to make one outfit work from the office to the party, or lunch to dinner. I also need to feel prepared for all eventualities, and hate the feeling of being weighed down by full pockets, so I’ve got all sorts in there: snacks, charger, fragrance, wallet, keys, a notebook, and pen… maybe a fresh tee and pair of boxers with my toothbrush, just in case I need to transition back to morning…?
For this EIGHT, I’ve put together a selection of my top bags for this season, regardless of whether they’re a design for a men’s or women’s collection. I’ve listed these as I think they would add to anyone’s look – the hes, the shes, and the theys. Hope you enjoy!
1. GUCCI JACKIE
Ever spoken to me about bags? Well you know this is one of my favourites. It’s timeless, and elevates any look. You can dress it up, or down, and walk into a party an hour late and everyone would probably forgive you still. It’s a staple, and looks good on anyone – the people who know, know. Even my dad does. It comes in a variety of different colours and sizes, and they’ve just reintroduced the hook closure. My personal favourite is the black 1961 in the small size. Thank you Jackie O, for inspiring people who make beautiful things.
2. COMMES DES GARÇONS – MADE IN ITALY
Personally, I love simple and distinctive shapes. Although many people might not have the preference for a hand carry, I love it for going out in the evening — I find it adds a swing to my step. I think this offering from CDG, as part of their Made in Italy Collection, perfectly strikes the balance between masculine and feminine. It comes in two sizes which is great in case you need room to take a doggy bag from the restaurant, but the smaller one is cute too. Put on an all black outfit and some shades and you could definitely pretend to be some kind of secret agent – I think there’s a lot of appeal in that for me.
3. BURBERRY ROCKING HORSE
With Daniel Lee’s creative direction comes Burberry’s newest shape, along with a new emblem in the form of the ‘b’ closure, which I think is a great detail – the rocking horse does actually rock, on the curved bottom edge, which makes me chuckle. Again, this one’s available in a variety of sizes and hues, and I think it’s a nice one to have in your arsenal for when you’re looking to be a little more quintessential — the dark green is my highlight.
4. FENDI CONO
OK – who doesn’t love a little bit of Fendi jacquard? And before my friends bully me for sending them a link to something else brown (it’s the only colour I seem to be wearing right now, according to them), there’s also a light blue as well, which someone told me is my colour – obviously my pick then. Perfect for warm evenings, you can pre-order it now — a really nice off-the-shoulder moment, with a shape that sets you apart from the crowd, but in quite an understated way. Speaking of which: it makes me want an ice cream, preferably whilst wearing some kind of linen trousers.
5. DIOR X STONE ISLAND
Circle shape? 3D Logo? Cross-body strap? Yes please. Available in yellow and blue, this one’s for when you might be feeling a bit rowdier, and I love it. Collaboration to remember? For sure.
6. FERRAGAMO TOTE
I can’t do a bag line up without including something from Ferragamo. If you’re looking for a larger tote with soft sides and enough room to pack for a weekend, go with something interesting. You can hand carry or shoulder it, and there’s variants with a shoulder strap, too. Go on, treat your weekend away to the right accessory. Why not be cheeky and do a bright red one? I would…
7. MULBERRY X STEFAN COOKE
We all know Mulberry for their classic bag shapes. I think one of the most interesting collabs I’ve seen recently though, is their perhaps unexpected collaboration with design duo Stefan Cooke — one of London’s true darlings. The signature cut outs, the bows, the mad handles. Be a baby girl, I know you want to!
8. LOEWE PUZZLE BAG & XL PUZZLE FOLD TOTE IN RAFFIA
I know this is technically two bags, but Loewe is killing it right now with their bags, so I can’t not include. EVERYONE is either wearing a puzzle bag, or thinking about a puzzle bag — but this summer, even if you want one to, why not be different and go with something woven? With the rafia variant comes the same great craftsmanship, but with a twist. Same with the fold tote – one of the most simple but effective designs – now woven, too. Go get your beach on with a little spanish flair. Just don’t forget your SPF.
