Accessories Make The Man

Fashion Week Trend Report 2011: By Brooklyn Lifestyles

Clothes speak & accessories whisper; one can wear the trendiest of clothes but it’s the accessories that complement and complete it.

Continuing our series on Men & accessories,  we take a look at one of the most visibly used accessories by the Male Species : The BAG…..



Lets first distinguish between the different types of  Bags & their purpose:

Briefcase

LV Briefcase

Briefcases are probably the oldest form of “acceptable” handbags for men. Modern-day briefcases, however, have evolved a great deal since the days of our father’s sharp-cornered case. They’re no longer boxy; in fact, that’s about the only traditional element discarded in the modern briefcase. The classic shape (without the sharp corners), buckles, leather exterior, and practical interior compartments help make this bag a timeless addition to any working-man’s wardrobe.

Carry with: Business attire

Messenger Bag

Gucci 2011 Messenger

Aptly named, the messenger bag is designed after the bags traditionally carried throughout history by -- whom else? -- messengers. Often made from canvas and swung across the shoulder, messenger bags have taken on a whole new meaning in urban fashion. From students with canvas bags to urban hipsters with modern leather bags, the messenger’s laid-back style will always have a classic casual flair, but today’s leather messenger tote also exudes a hint of uptown sophistication.



Carry with: With everything Cool

Holdall

Image from Selectism

Any traveling man needs a holdall for those weekend jaunts or three-day business trips. Big, bulky luggage has transformed into sleek, stylish holdalls (or carryalls). It’s design is inspired by the duffel bag, but its predominant leather exterior and more refined appearance attribute a classic look to this practical tote.

Carry with: Casual weekend wear, business-casual attire

Camera Bag

Boss Orange

A smaller version of the messenger bag, a camera bag is a longer rectangular bag that is meant to be strapped across the shoulders. Convenient for tourists, but good for any man on the go, a camera bag is a discreet but severely stylish way to lug around your belongings. What makes the camera bag stand out as a classic men's bag is its ability to bring a touch of masculinity to an outfit, even if it is hanging from your shoulder. It’s a simple style with a whole lot of function.

Carry with: Leisure wear

Salvatore Ferragamo

Tote

A tote is the modern approach to the classic briefcase. Resembling an artisan’s bag, the tote is the utmost in casual business attire. Its basic design and usual soft leather exterior allots it a classic status, while its long handles give it a contemporary edge. If purchased in a chocolate brown or black, this bag can add a touch of laid-back masculinity to any casual work wear.

Carry with: Business-casual clothes

Newsboy Bag

Canvas Bag

Like the advent of the newsboy cap, the newsboy bag is a classic style that has become synonymous with men’s casual wear. It’s similar to the messenger bag’s style, but its traditional canvas exterior makes it a little less formal. This bag style is perfect for the student on the go, as it makes a fashion statement and exudes more masculinity and style than a knapsack.

Carry with: Campus-chic wear


It’s In The Bag

Throw out the idea that bags are for women and move with the fashion-forward times. While classic bags like briefcases are still popular; bags with classic elements like the messenger are becoming necessary accessories for today’s modern man.
London has seen an onslaught of messengers & this trend seems to be fast catching up on the Metropolitan Indian Streets.

Messenger bags are the crème de la crème totes this year,  from Bollywood rows to urban high-streets. This bag has made a 360-degree turn in fashion; the style is back with a bang. Its presence is now stronger than ever,  uniquely styled on the runways for suits and ready-to-wear looks.

These bags with long straps are a guy’s version of a woman’s handbag, but have just the right amount of masculine definition. Often, they have patch pockets to accommodate your little bits and a significant amount of room in the main compartment to keep your priorities safe. Messengers have, in a short time, become a global must-have bag  and no one does messengers like London. Londoners are famous for their eclectic mix of fabrics, prints and styles.

These messengers are seen on canvas, corduroy, suede, leather, and even denim, with buckles, buttons and zips -- the choices are endless. Every male Londoner will have a selection of messenger bags in his wardrobe this season. The styles most popular are in neutral tones and is obvious why; with such an interesting fabric selection, the neutral tones are a perfect balance, ensuring that it becomes the ultimate multipurpose bag.

Brit advice to flaunt the Messenger:

• Do not hang on one shoulder unless you are a WOMAN, it  should always be hung cross

• Age appropriate: Under 25 : canvas, corduroy, suede or denim, Over 25 : Leather

• Color Coordinated: If in leather tones somewhere near  your shoes & belt would look good, generally Black shoes Brown Leather Messenger is frowned upon

• Do not carry too much stuff in the messenger, if you have to carry a lot invest in a good Holdall

• Its not a gym bag

• If you are a heavy user invest in @ least two:  a black & a brown would do, let one breathe while the other works.

• Its always advisable to invest in a reliable brand but then like T-shirts,  Do not buy a Logo over tone, it’s a bag not an advert billboard.

Whatever you carry, remember..........

“A smart-looking bag on a man is great;

the bag as a focal point of your outfit, however, is not”.

Be yourself, love thy denim.