Luggage style bags

We are seeing bags get a lot boxier in shape. These miniature luggage style bags are nostalgic and quite practical at the same time. Here are a few examples.

Chapman Bags

When i was at Bread and Butter (tradeshow) the other week, i came across Chapman bags, they are handcrafted english bags of the most deliciously luxurious quality. What was extra special about this season's collection is the colour. Gone are the olive green's, browns and tans, and in come one of the hottest colours of the season... purple.


This fishing bag with net front pockets is one of the old school formats finding its way back into urban life. I see loads of these bags being ridden around london when i'm on my bicycle riding to work. I love the matching colour net and the brown leather trims.

And the shopper is also pretty cool, but maybe doesn't translate as well to modern urban life than the fishing or messenger styles but completes a nice collection.

The barrel bag is one of my all time favourites, this large one is man-size and perfect for an overnight, or gym bag. So for about £100 its luxury, fashion and heritage in one.

Tannis Hegan

I just discovered by chance this designer - Tannis Hegan who has a range of beautifully simply and elegant accessories, both bags and belts and other bits and pieces. The company is based in Vancouver. The bags are simple, iconic shapes executed in luxurious but understated materials.




There is a real honesty in the simplicity of the shapes and details. I particularly love the worn looking leather barrel bag.

Asos Jersey Barrel Bag

Barrel bags, Barrel bags, Barrel bags, Barrel bags, Barrel bags, Barrel bags, Barrel bags, Barrel bags, Barrel bags.


A new discovery of mine is the wide variety of bags available to buy on ASOS.COM its phenomonel, aside from lots of big brands, they also do their own label stuff which is pretty impressive.


A sort of fully intergrated american apparel-like aesthetic, they do the basics really well. Check it out.

J CREW BAGS

The J. Crew Madras Duffel Bag is perfectly sized for the gym or an overnight trip and is made from an authentic yarn-dyed cotton madras from India.


Patchwork is back! in many different styles and colours. This barrel bag is the perfect slouchy-ness for summer and also looks super light so when its not full it becomes a perfect floppy, slouchy shape. This is a winner bag and completes the weekender-preppy look.

The Return of the Barrel Bag

Vivienne Westwood mens barrel bag in red and white, with the signature pointed handle trim. This bag has a slight nautical feel and is definitely a man's size barrel.


Seen in italy at Mipel tradeshow. The brand is Spada by Regina. The slouchy full leather construction gives this bag a timeless, quality feel.


With an American varsity feel, Franklin and Marshall have been trying to bring back college chic. This is a very sporty interpretation of the classic barrel bag made from lightweight nylon and featuring massive branding.


American Apparel Barrel bag, soft and slouchy and looks best when its almost empty, the skinny jeans boys can be seen around camden with one of these over their shoulders.


Seen on the streets of Japan, this mini barrel bag held with two top handles has a LV feel to it. Printing and hanging trinkets also work with this.


My favourite street shot showing a dirty natural leather barrel bag being held, not by the handles but more like a clutch grabbed at the top. Beware: extra slouchy!


Furla from spring/summer 2009. Leather trim with nylon body. This one would also look much better empty with a very slouchy feel.


Seen on the mens spring / summer 2009 catwalks - louis vuitton has come up with this more structured barrel bag.

Laphan Fan barrel bag, don't know much about this one but its nice.

Dirk Bikkembergs, spring / summer 2009, barrel bag with a football patchwork type construction on the end panels.