10 years ago, men’s bags were not a thing, really. Sure, there were backpacks and the ever-so-encouragingly-coined “murse”, but the culture wasn’t embracing men’s accessories and their many practical applications. Today, men’s fashion is not only hip to bags, but the selection is much more sophisticated and bespoke, offering something for every guy on the fly.

Read Between Loewe’s Lines

Geometry would have polyhedrons remain solid figures, with the numbers of their sides permanently fixed. Loewe, however, claims that some rules should be bent when it comes to shaping style. Where smooth architectural planes of calfskin collide, Loewe’s Puzzle Fold tote arises with ample elan. Kindred to the lines found on origami, those on Loewe’s latest tote are meant for folding. Sport it on the shoulder, on the hand, or simply by folding it flat—however you don it, seriously smart style is right around the bend with this tote.

Indulge in La Dolce (& Gabbana) Vita

A bag, like any sweet treat, tempts the eye with irresistible flavors that beget succulence. What warrants that succulence, however, is a matter of taste. In the palette of the purse, most have a taste for logos; some deem material drool-worthy; others crave structure. While conventional wisdom would decree gluttony a sin—when it comes to glamour, Dolce & Gabbana decadently disagrees with the DG Logo Boxy bag. Thanks to its überboxy structure, lustrous coat of calfskin leather, and logo in high relief, you can have your cake and eat it, too.

Tote-Ally Freaking for Ferragamo

The tote, perhaps the height of functional handbags, is often not the steezy go-to you wish it was. If inundated with snooze-tempting boredom when searching for a tote— don’t be square, be there! Where? Ferragamo, naturally, where the house’s latest take on the staple revs up some long-awaited edge. Featuring tanned calfskin, deep-covered handles that allow for wear on the shoulder
or hand, and an irresistible star shape, this bad boy is all thrills and no frills.

Giddy Up for Gucci

With a naughty neigh and dashing brio, Gucci’s Horsebit once again comes galloping straight from the ranch doors to the runway—except this time around, the mantra seems to be: bigger is better. Blown up to massive proportions, vaster than the Wild West, the equestrian motif takes center stage in a whimsical, new interpretation of the age-old code. Whether you’re a country-bound cowboy or a city-bound bronco, Gucci’s Horsebit bag is simply for the brave of heart.

Slouch It Out With Celine

Slouching, while often regarded as a postural faux pas, in the hands of Hedi Slimane, can easily go from not to hot with a simple tug the strap or a sling across the shoulder. For those who have a hunch that structure is passé, look toward Celine. Where supple calfskin sags in lustrous glory, the Romy, not unlike Slimane, is all about defying convention and structure to arrive at the lusciously louche. Slippery sleek and lined with criminally smooth suede, the house’s classic shoulder bag feels just as good on the outside as on the inside.

Saint Laurent’s Dark Spring

Each spring, fashion’s most fervent enthusiasts eagerly await the florals and pastels that accompany the season—however, not all sartorialists are wooed by vernal hues. So, where does one with a penchant for midnight hues head amid the boisterous bloom? Saint Laurent, where black remains the uniform year-round and darkness reigns supreme, is a good place to start. The house’s Niki messenger bag is an even better direction to head if you are yearning for a bag to spring you into the season—sans the saccharine pep in your step.

Fendi Plays Hide-And-Go Chic

Remember when Jack Torrance said, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” in The Shining? So does Fendi. And while no eerie tune is crescendoing in the background, the Italian fashion house’s latest bag will have you on the edge of your seat. Contrary to the name, there’ll be no hiding when it comes to sporting this bag. Fendi’s Peekaboo ISeeYou is for those who wish to see and be seen. The question remains: Are you game?

Cranking Up the Cannage at Dior

First spotted on the chairs at Dior’s fashion shows in the 50s, the Cannage pattern left Europe’s glitterati hyperventilating for more than just a hot seat. Now, the erstwhile chair turned it-bag is up for yet another update; this time, it’s headed straight for menswear. On its latest rendition, the Cannage Satchel, everything, from its delectable hue of Cognac to its Cannage quilt glistening in high relief, lives up to its reputation.

This story appears in the pages of VMAN 52: now available for purchase!

Photography Alex Black

Fashion Xander Ang

Makeup Allie Smith (MA+ Group) using LANCÔME

Hair Erol Karadag (MA+ Group) using ORIBE

Models Joshua Seth, Thatcher Thornton (Heroes)

Production Jillian Johnson (Walter Schupfer Management)

Photo assistant Daren Thomas

Stylist assistants Liv Vitale, Natalie Cohen

Location SHIO Studio