Bag Habits

Alexander Wang and Givenchy add chains to their shoulder bags while Chloé’s Tess bag revives the saddle shape we all coveted in the ’90s (all available at Net-a-porter.com).

(Photos courtesy brands.)

Fashion may seem to be in the business of selling clothes but the reality is—especially when it comes to the luxury market—that revenue comes in the way of accessories. Accessories are the bread and butter of any designer brand, with handbags getting the biggest piece of the pie. And I get it, a designer handbag is more accessible. We savvy consumers understand the concept of price per wear, totting it up in our mind, we realize we can get plenty of mileage out of that one pricey purchase, in the shape of a beautiful quality handbag.

Making a mental list of all the bags to carry this coming season, one style keeps emerging as an essential. For decades it fell out of favor. Instead we’ve clutched, toted, cross-bodied, but shoulder bags are making a comeback. The late-’90s staple that included classics like the Fendi Baguette, Dior Saddle and Louis Vuitton Pochette that was slung under the arm of every fashionista is back.

To be fair, like most fashion reruns, championing the shoulder bag’s return is a horde of hip models. In recent months, the paparazzi has snapped both Bella Hadid carrying a black nylon Prada incantation, and Kendall Jenner has been spotted with several different designer bags of the shoulder variety. Along with these celebs stamp of approval comes the remake of the aforementioned classics. Perhaps it’s a bit like the chicken-and-the-egg scenario. Currently, I’m loving the Chloe Tess, Givenchy’s GV3 and Alexander Wang’s with the chain strap. But cult brand By Far has created the perfect shoulder bag in just about any hue you can dream of, and the price point of these beauties isn’t so bad.

I’m wondering how it is I don’t own a small shoulder bag anymore. Short shoulder strap, worn close to the body and tucked under the armpit, this big-on-style, small-in-size bag is still roomy enough to hold the necessities of modern life—smartphone, money, cards, keys, mints—but not so cumbersome to give me back ache. It really is a convenient companion, whether I’m heading to the shops or out for the evening. And best of all it’s hands-free! Suddenly, this bag’s appeal is everything a girl could wish for.

Kim Smith has been a professional wardrobe stylist in Honolulu since 2004. Born a true Londoner, Smith had a successful career in public relations in the fashion industry in London for more than eight years before moving to Hawai‘i in 2002. Smith’s work spans a vast array of magazines, retailers and television as well as working with individual clients on their specific style needs. See her work at kimsmithstyle.com.