As the biggest brands in town drop the latest accessories, one common theme seems clear: everyone seems to be in the mood to travel. If you, too, have your sights set on distant horizons, these designer bags (don’t you dare call them man bags!) are luxurious, cavernous, and make for a timeless accessory to hop on several planes with. Bon voyage!
Berluti
Berluti has been bit by the travel bug. Its fall-winter 2023 collection, titled The Great Escape, takes a refined approach to modern-day jet-setting with a solid collection of men’s accessories that are easy for grabbing and going. Famed as Berluti is for its shoes (the brand was established in Paris as shoemakers since 1895), the simplicity, sophistication, and quality of leather for its bags, messenger bags, totes, and suitcases are all very stylish and tres chic. We’ve set our eyes on this large leather number (above) in the delicious tone of “grape.”
Givenchy
The latest addition to its family of statement bags, Givenchy recently dropped the Voyou bag for men. Purveyors of fashion probably first spotted it on the catwalk as male models strutted down the runway carrying it for fall-winter 2023. Creative director Matthew M. Williams has channelled a men’s alternative to the Voyou bag for women (which premiered earlier in spring-summer 2023) but this time with a slouchier shape, matte-finish materials, and sporty, silver-tone hardware. It can be yours in various colours and finishes, but we’d opt for the black vintage leather option—far more luxe than the alternatives.
Gucci
“Father, Son, and the House of Gucci” was the unintentional tagline that stayed long after the film on the brand left theatres, and the Italian powerhouse continues to release accessible accessories in quality prints and leather. In the razzmatazz of textures, embroidery, and explosion of colour that one now expects from Gucci, the quietude of the shoulder bag with a tonal signature stamp in dark blue leather (also available in black) stands out. A gentle nod to its own archive, the regal codes stitched into the brand hark back to its often royal references.
Hermès
Can we write about leather goods without including Hermès? From its expansive collection of accessories, the cynosure of all eyes in the fashion department was the Odyssee Terre Duffle bag in Goéland canvas and Idro calfskin. The equine motif is always hidden in plain sight. Look for the devil in the details—the two saddle studs and the hot-stamped Hermès Paris label. Made in France, this bold design is inspired by traditional waxed canvas seabags.
Loewe
It’s the brand that can do no wrong this year. The LVMH-owned Spanish label Loewe was named the hottest brand of the year by aggregate site Lyst, K-pop star Taeyong signed the dotted line to become Loewe’s latest global ambassador, and seated front and centre was Timothée Chalamet to show his tacit support for creative director Jonathan Anderson’s show in Paris. Need more convincing? Loewe’s latest campaign stars Irish actor Jaime Dornan. All that jazz comes to mind when we look at the brand’s latest accessories. It’s the simple and stunning large puzzle-fold tote in shiny calfskin that speaks to us. Minimalist design with an elegant nonchalance, it’s the quality of fine fabrication that sets Loewe a class apart.
Michael Kors
Michael Kors’s pre-fall campaign features accessories (and wardrobe) that’s all about city folks on-the-go. Modern silhouettes in classic black and white, the sporty-chic accessories with metallic details can be seen in the brand’s backpacks, sling packs, and travel cases. It’s an uncomplicated portfolio that’s so versatile, it’ll go with anything—a reason why the brand hit the billion-dollar mark in sales as early as 2014, with no signs of slowing down.
Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren’s menswear may just be the informed uniform of power-dressing—just look for it on Wall Street. Not only worn by the power players, even in the news, the mega brand has been making ripples. A headline on Bloomberg three weeks ago read, “Ralph Lauren Will Keep Raising Prices to Boost Brand Prestige.” By the time trading opened on the floor, soon followed the op-ed on Investors Observer: “Should You Add Ralph Lauren Corp Stock to Your Portfolio?” Within hours, another headline was on the tickertape: “Ralph Lauren Corp Stock Outperforms Markets on Strong Trading Day” (MarketWatch). Well, by the time you digest all that, it’s time to grab a Ralph Lauren tote. Meticulously crafted in Italy with full-grain leather, the monogrammed tote showcases a channel-quilted technique and embossed logo at the front. It’s the power accessory of the season from the man for all seasons.
All images courtesy of their respective brands.
