If it's not one of these five styles, don't bother buying it
Devoting attention to the clothes they wear, guys often ignore the choicest of bags. We are set to change that
If fashion[1] is about taking risks, would you consider betting your savings on a Rs 16,000 designer bag that some say is nothing but a glorified brown paper grocery pouch? Made from 100 per cent coated paper, the 'Vasari' bag from Jil Sander comes with stitched seams, and was showcased at the German fashion house's autumn/winter 2012 menswear show in January. It's become a hit since and is a sell-out the world over. The eccentric W magazine called it, "...turning a necessity into an indulgence... Forget recycling - this bag is a keeper." Created by Belgian designer Raf Simons as part of his final collection for Jil Sander, the bag is available in black leather[2] too. The label is well aware that this one is more about making a statement than actually accommodating your lunch or groceries in.
There are those who refuse to buy the hype, though. The Daily Mail says, for the same price you can buy 50 ham and cheese sandwiches. If not the Vasari, what should guys carry? Here's the guide to help you:
The Briefcase
It's the bag most men tote around - practical, office-approved and ever so manly. Your father and uncles preserved their precious files in the sturdy briefcase. Thankfully, its boxy design has lost the sharp edges. Now, it's called the portfolio bag, is sleeker, and the leather, softer. Yet, the traditional elements stay - neatly divided compartments, polished buckles and a guy-friendly design, like with Kenneth Cole's Durango style.
Pair a formal shirt, trouser (and light coat if it's chilly) with a portfolio bag. It's a bonus if you can match the colour of the leather with that of your belt or shoes.
The Weekender
Like the name suggests, this one (a cousin of the duffle), is the perfect getaway bag because it's spacious. It has a rectangular base making it easy to stack your clothes, but the body does not have a boxed structure, so there really is no limit to how much you can pack. It also works well as a gym bag for the same reasons - it has room for your shoes and change of clothes.
The Messenger
This is the trendy collegian or young executive's answer to the backpack. Think Saif Ali Khan in Cocktail. Its rectangular shape lets you slip in your large journals while leaving enough space for necessities like the wallet and keys. You can afford to go a little crazy because you have a choice of funky graphics and animal print. Bag designer Jyoti Kant says, "Since winter is around the corner, try one with fur accents on the flap." Coach's Bleecker Suede Messenger or their Thompson Leather Messenger are good for a semi-formal look. Team the Messenger with jeans or shorts, a printed tee and sneakers.
Satchel or camera bag
In The Hangover, Zach Galifianakis proudly declared, "It's not a man purse, it's called a satchel. Indiana Jones wears one." That's proof that the satchel is a guy's bag. Don't be fooled by its size. The satchel packs quite a style punch. Its compact shape makes it perfect to carry your essentials without having to lug weight around. Carry it to a casual Sunday brunch, wearing semi-formal trousers and a light shirt. If you still harbour doubts about it undermining your masculinity, try the camera bag - the perfect holiday accessory. You can stash your passport, postcards and visiting cards in here. Like vintage? Check out Banana Republic's Tumbled Leather Camera Bag.
Backpack
The backpack is the perfect on-the-go bag. You can cram the world into it and still have space for spare change. It's best if you pick up a funky one in canvas or leather. The bright blue canvas piece with leather detailing from Polo Ralph Lauren gets our vote. It has pockets on the inside and outside, with adjustable drawstrings so you get a wee bit more space. Hollywood is doing its best to breathe some fresh air into this trend with Zac Efron and David Beckham giving it a sexy spin by lugging it around.
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Photo: © Shutterstock (Main Image)
References
- ^ fashion (www.mensxp.com)
- ^ leather (www.mensxp.com)
- ^ Top 5 Bag Styles for Men (www.mensxp.com)
- ^ Bags for Grabs (www.mensxp.com)
- ^ Accessorize Right (www.mensxp.com)
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