Remember that scene from “The Devil Wears Prada” where Meryl Streep’s Miranda Priestly gives Anne Hathaway’s Andy that iconic speech about how fashion trends find their way from luxury designers even to those who think they’re far detached from high fashion? That’s what I think of whenever I see a guy like me holding bags and purses.
I’m not a fashion expert. I’ve only taken an interest in fashion very recently, and even then, I think my sense of style is basic at best. However, I think fashion is such an interesting subject because of how fast trends change, the subjectivity in what looks good or not, and its proximity to how people express their gender identities. What we deem feminine now could be the next trend for those who identify as men and vice versa, like handbags and purses, for example.
In recent years, we’ve seen more and more celebrities and influencers clutching Birkin and Kelly bags. The likes of Harry Styles, Timothée Chalamet, Billy Porter, and Colman Domingo are bringing around handbags and totes that aren’t conventionally marketed towards men. We also see a lot of Korean artists and actors carry on this trend.
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This approach to style has also reached mainstream Filipino fashion with the likes of David Guison, James Reid, and Josh Colet sporting similar bags and looking great.
We mostly see these influencers and celebrities carrying bags from high fashion houses like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, or Hermès, but it’s not hard to spot people in places like BGC, Poblacion, and Cubao whose style seems to have been influenced by this trend too *Cue Miranda Priestly giving the look.*
Fashion and masculinity
Wearing clothing is a human trait, and fashion is a modern phenomenon. Moving past practicality and using style and aesthetics to express an identity (gender, social status, even age) is what fashion is. And throughout history, there’s always been a push and pull between what we deem as masculine or feminine, or perhaps exist in the middle ground that is gender ambiguity or androgyny.
When high heels first appeared in 10th-century Persia, for example, they were originally worn by men. Makeup on men was also more socially acceptable in 18th-century Rome. Handbags and clutches used to be carriers for cigarettes and other essentials before they became staples for women.
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There are many ways younger generations are breaking gendered fashion norms. In recent years, we’re seeing this shift happen once again as more men wear clothes and accessories originally designed for women, and as designers start creating more pieces that emulate this shift.
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So it got me thinking – what brands carry a similar style or vibe that people can get easy access to? So I asked around, browsed TikTok, and scrolled through Instagram posts. And in my search, I’ve come across some very interesting finds, including ones made by Filipino brands.
Local leather
Trends come and go, but here’s my take on a common fashion theme making rounds on social media: we seem to love leather clutches, handbags, and totes. So here is a list of pieces I spotted or were recommended by friends, and pieces that I think hold some potential if they aren’t used by men just yet.
Daily Carry Arianna Midi
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Straightforward DVL Joia
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ALBERTO Michiko Tote Bag
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The Tannery Manila Francine Sling Bag
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No one asked, but
I personally don’t think I have enough style points to be carrying around a handbag myself just yet, or maybe it isn’t just for me. I see the appeal and am very much looking forward to finding a handbag that could work for me. In case you’re in the same boat as me, here’s a list of stylish bags that work for both men and women that maybe you’d enjoy too.
Straightforward DVL Portrait Satchel Backpack
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AKBAY Ching 3-Way Bag
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anello ELEANOR Backpack
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What do you think of this list? Do you agree or disagree? Any additions you’d like to make? Chat with us at rplr.co/CheckThisOutChat. – Rappler.com
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