HAND-BAGS an office essential - Daily Star Online

Published: Tuesday, September 10, 2013

LS IDEAS

By Monica Islam

Hand-bags have evolved from fourteenth-century pouches for carrying coins to heavy cases in the seventeenth-century that were used only when travelling long distances, before finally becoming a day-to-day essential from the nineteenth-century onwards.

Today, hand-bags not only serve our functional needs of holding and protecting our prized possessions, but also cater to our social needs of expressing individuality and making a style statement. Stepping out without a bag is inconceivable, especially when heading out to work.

Latest trends

Inspired by 18th-century reticules that emerged as a result of women’s desire for a tidy appearance, small to medium-sized bucket-bags, hobo-bags, satchel-bags, and totes (or streamlined versions of these) are trending.

Apart from the apparent health benefits of carrying a lighter bag, such as reduced strain on the shoulder, there is the functional benefit of not having to rummage through the bag to reach your coveted mascara or your ringing cellphone.

Slightly larger clutch-styled bags with just enough space to accommodate your necessities are becoming increasingly popular. For men, bags styled after ‘Coach Everyday Bag,’ business-like messenger bags (preferably in leather), and sleek briefcases are trending.

For both men and women, office bags do not have to conform to the conventional hues of black, brown, and white. Resist the urge of picking mundane colours and opt to bring in colours to the workplace. Tablet-cases and laptop bags are irreplaceable. And these trends are expected to rule the fashion scene well into 2014.

Where can men buy office bags in Bangladesh?

Hand-bags for men are yet to gain popularity in Bangladesh. Bata offers a minimal collection comprising of leather bags in classic black and brown priced at Tk.6000 and slightly cheaper artificial-leather ones within Tk. 2000-4000.

A few leather bags are available at Apex for Tk. 6000. If you are keen on investing for long-term use, head to Samsonite that boasts an elite collection of black, earthly-brown, and cherry-red leather bags that would cost you well over Tk. 46000. Westecs flaunts a broader array of leather bags.

While most are black or brown and bulky, a few sleek ones are available, all of them carrying a homogenous price tag of Tk.9000. For more variations in colour and size, browse the shops on the ground floor of Gulshan-2 D.C.C. Market, namely Leather Centre, Parika, and Pearl House & Leather Emporium. However, do not be fooled by the humble exterior of these shops as bags here cost between Tk.4000-6000.

Where can women buy office bags in Bangladesh?

Priyo offers a handful of leather bags in black and brown within a price range of Tk.4000-7000. Most are synthetic options in varying sizes and bright hues, priced at around Tk.1000. Embellished, larger bags can cost you anywhere between Tk.5000-7000. Those who favour eccentricity or adopt extreme measures to protect their belongings can opt for a new collection of ‘water-proof’ bags priced at around Tk.5000. These are slightly cheaper at Tk.3000 and come in varying sizes and colours at Ecstasy. Samsonite offers sleek, leather, red laptop bags for over Tk.12000 and elegant bags in black and olive-green for over Tk.26000.

Bata has an extensive collection of artificial-leather bags in a myriad of colours: from traditional black and brown to more vibrant hues, priced between Tk.2000-4000. Leather bags in a host of colours, worth Tk.3000-6000, can be found at Apex.

Jute options are available at Westecs for Tk.3000. Leather bags in formal designs can be found here within a price range of Tk.3000-6000. Parika, located on the ground floor of Gulshan-2 D.C.C. Market, has a wide range of artificial-leather and synthetic bags, prices of which start from Tk.4000. \Celebrations (at Rupayan Centre) prides itself in its store label bags worth around Tk.2000. Replicas of Luis Vuitton, Gucci, and other renowned brands are available here for a price of Tk.9000 and above.

A final reminder…

Assess your needs in terms of purpose, style, and usage before you make your pick. Watch out for durability of fabric; strength of handles; and flexibility of zippers so that the last thing you are doing at work is tugging away at your bag. Lastly, consider the possibility of enhancing your appearance with an appropriate office bag.

Photo: Sazzad Ibne Sayed

Product: Picard.

Located on the fifth floor of Yasmin Tower at Road 113, Gulshan 1, the Picard outlet is a must visit if you love bags, chic briefcases or any other leather product.

Last Modified: 16 days ago