We first wrote about man bags in 2007, in an article about the bags we saw around the City, and what they said about the carrier. (If you're in doubt about your current bag, click here to read the article.)
Now, four years later, it's time to check out the best new bags on the market (with further analysis, of course). Our resident fashion gurus, Mandy Lehto, Rainbows and Fairydust, and Madame A deliver their picks.
Madame A
Mulberry Barnaby Twin Lock Satchel: Looking to impress your latest squeeze, or to prove there's still cred in your street? Pick yourself up the Mulberry Barnaby (and get an Alexa for the woman in your life while you're at it)!
Chapman: If you're a personalised number plate kinda guy and bespoke is the only way for you, head to Savile Row. In addition to collecting your monogrammed shirts, you can customise your messenger/laptop bag to your own unique tastes at Chapman.
Carga Sling Bag: Not only does this bag look great but it is also designed to be eco-friendly. It is made from one piece of fabric which is folded and sewn into shape without cutting any excess fabric off thus creating a beautifully designed bag without any waste. Great design based on an eco-friendly ethos doesn't come any cooler than this!
Barbour Equestrian Weekender Bag: Unless you have been living on the moon for the past two years, you will have noticed that the 'satchel' bag has made a massive comeback. As far as bags go, there is nothing more masculine than a well used, roughed up satchel bag, and the Barbour Equestrian Weekender Bag is just waiting to be well used and roughed up. It is a well know fact that a Barbour wax jacket looks better with age, and their wax bags are no exception. This is a weekend bag that will stand the test of time. And is there anything better than great British design?
Anya Hindmarch: This is my top pick from Anya Hindmarch Bespoke this season - and it happens to be a man bag. Butter soft leather from Tanneries Roux in France. Choice of three colours. What's not to love? (Then again, GQ's editor and style supremo, Dylan Jones, did have something to do with this. Dylan, you've done good. Real good.) Invest. You'll be glad you did.
It should be said that the real inspiration for this article is that my husband (who got a Jack Spade Warren Street waxwear bag after the 2007 article) is now in need of a new everyday bag. So what am I getting him? Another Jack Spade bag, this time in leather. Old habits die hard.
Sarah Western Balzer
more stories from Sarah Western Balzer
Sarah Western Balzer is the editor of HITC Life. She grew up in Tampa, Florida, and lived in Washington, DC and New York before moving to London, where she lived for seven years. She now lives in Toronto with her husband and two sons. Her background is in the music industry, lifestyle relocation, and journalism. If you'd like to contribute to HITC Life, and work in banking or a field related to finance, please drop her a line (sarah.balzer@hereisthecity.com).
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