Genderless Handbags, They’re All the Rage
Naturally, every handbag qualifies as a genderless design- in the sense that anyone who gravitates towards a style should be able to wear it. This isn’t about creating rules or constraints; instead, this is an examination of the new industry trend of designing luxury handbags meant to attract everyone, including men venturing into men’s bags for the very first time.
Designer labels are expanding men’s bag horizons well beyond briefcases and backpacks. The Dior Saddle Bag, long an It bag marketed to female shoppers, recently expanded its reach thanks to Kim Jones. The version selling like crazy to men features one simple adaptation: the shoulder strap has been removed so it may only be worn as a crossbody style. Kim Jones’ reach doesn’t just extend to the Saddle Bag, his collection of Christian Dior Oblique Messenger Bags have been met with fanfare as well. Then there are the bags at Louis Vuitton menswear under the new creative director, Virgil Abloh. Since his very first collection, the genderless appeal of his accessories – with a special focus on bags – has captivated shoppers and the fashion world alike.
Always one to push the boundaries and encourage creative expansion, Pharrell Williams released an exclusive unisex capsule collection with Chanel this past spring. Some of the bags featured many of the house’s beloved codes – from quilting to chain straps – including a croc-embossed tote bag with a large number “5” on the side”, oversized, brightly-colored flap bags, and brightly-hued fanny packs.
Shop Dior Saddle Bags, Virgil Abloh Louis Vuitton, and the Chanel Pharrell Collection on FASHIONPHILE.
January 7, 2020