21/02/2024
A$AP Rocky and how big bags took over men’s fashion
This month, fashion has decamped to Europe for men’s fashion weeks. In headline news, there has been a menswear debut from Gucci, where Sabato de Sarno set out his stall as the new creative director; there were hats that aped swimming caps at Prada; and a Fendi collection inspired by the frugality of Princess Anne. There have also been enormous bags.
At Prada, one model wore an oversized suit to match his oversized bag. Over at Fendi, models clutched bags the size of large takeaway pizza boxes. At Gucci, meanwhile, the new “bassotto” bag was apparently inspired by De Sarno’s dachshund Luce – but bigger and elongated. At JW Anderson, an enormous bag was decorated with a picture of a handsome green-eyed cat. And then there was the most talked-about show of Pitti Uomo, the men’s fashion event in Florence, where the Harry Styles-endorsed designer SS Daley had models carry a gamut of very big bags.
These huge bags on the catwalk follow a recent campaign featuring arguably one of the best-dressed men around: A$AP Rocky wearing Bottega Veneta. The fashion company used paparazzi shots of the star going about his business. In more than one, his business involves him carrying a big bag.
You would be forgiven for not thinking this was a big deal. Of course men carry bags. But, in recent decades, the received wisdom has it that men glide through life with a wallet in their back pocket and a spring in their step, while women cart around the weight of the world on one sore shoulder. So, as someone with a sore shoulder, it feels worth noting this moment.
