Bags of personality

The Clutch
The Clutch. Photos: supplied
The Shoulder Bag
The Shoulder Bag
The Shoulder Bag
The Shoulder Bag
The Handle Bag
The Handle Bag
The Handle Bag
The Handle Bag
The Cross-Body Bag
The Cross-Body Bag
The Cross-Body Bag
The Cross-Body Bag
The Belt Bag
The Belt Bag
The Belt Bag
The Belt Bag
The Tote Bag
The Tote Bag
The Tote Bag
The Tote Bag

Brittany Pooley
Brittany Pooley

Brittany Pooley takes a look at the latest in New Zealand-made and designed bags to see what they may say about you.

Bags are part of our everyday lives - they're our compact companions that equip us for our daily adventures.

Some of us have a collection of bags, selecting a new design each day to complement an outfit or suit an agenda. Others are loyal to one design, carting their old faithful to any occasion.

The bag you choose to accompany you can be telling of how you take on the day or the night.

Showcasing the latest in luxury New Zealand-made and designed bags, I dissect the optics of your bag and uncover what it could say about your everyday outlook.

The clutch. Photo: supplied
The clutch. Photo: supplied

The Clutch

The clutch is a small, strapless bag designed to be held by hand or tucked under the arm. Clutches are most closely associated with formal occasions, designed to fit only the necessities of an outing. Traditionally, the clutch was slim and flat, though more contemporary designs may come in varying sizes and forms.

The clutch carrier is dedicated to the day, clasping on to every opportunity. With no straps to get in the way, the clutch holder isn't tied down. They're free to flow through their various social events, holding the world at their will. This season, oversized clutches are forecasted as a clutch holder must-have.

The Shoulder Bag

The shoulder bag has one long strap designed to be worn over your shoulder. With a focus on function, this bag is fundamental for carrying around more than just the essentials of a busy day. The handbag, as we know it today, originated from a need for smaller, accessible luggage on long commutes. Today, the shoulder bag continues to get us from A to B. This bag is a practical choice, and its wearer has a pragmatic approach to their day. They're a little bit sentimental and carry just that little bit extra on their shoulders. Despite this, they're focused and determined. Whatever challenge they are faced with, a wearer of this bag has just the thing to get it done. Nothing can derail this powerhouse. There is plenty of variety for the shoulder bag this season. Playing with the silhouette will keep them on trend.

Top Handle Bag

The top handle bag has two short handles at the top of a structural pouch. It is designed to be held by hand or cradled on the arm. The handheld bag was once thought of as the epitome of femininity. Today, it's considered a classic in bag design. The top handle bag carrier faces the day with the strength of the people that came before them. Self-reliant and persistent, they only get stronger carrying the weight of the world. The top handle bag carrier is independent and determined, outfitted for the worst but hopeful for the best. They are resilient in the face of a challenge. Eternally a luxury accessory, this vintage piece holds up against the rest this season.

The Cross-Body Bag

The cross-body bag is worn on one side of the body, with the strap worn over the opposite shoulder. In recent fashion, the pouch of the bag is worn just in front of the hip, making the front of the bag more prevalent. This style of bag is often thought of as a lifestyle piece, as it frees up your hands when worn. The cross-body bag wearer advances through their day with just the necessities in mind. They're an idealist, feeling well-equipped with their phone, keys and a couple of trinkets. Forever on the go, this bag wearer navigates their day feeling light on their feet. While the cross-body bag comes in various shapes and sizes, this season we're keeping things small and structured.

The tote
The tote

The Belt Bag

The belt bag is a small pouch with a belt worn around the body. This unexpected '90s flashback is no longer reserved for the cautious tourist: it's now an elevated fashion essential. Functioning both as a bag and a belt, the belt bag can be strapped around the shoulder, cinching in the waist, or be worn low on the hip, keeping the wearer's belongings safe and accessible. In on the joke, the belt bag wearer takes on the day with an air of confidence. They brush off the double takes and never take life too seriously. This bag wearer has mastered the art of multi-tasking and this multi-function bag allows them to fly through their day with flexibility and flare. On-trend for another season, the belt bag is begging to be worn.

The Tote Bag

The tote is an open-topped bag with two parallel handles coming out from a rectangular pouch. It is typically worn over the shoulder, but short enough to be carried in hand. Tote bags typically have one large compartment, and are left open without fastenings. The tote wearer takes a carefree but thoughtful approach to their day. Their tote is their collapsable companion, taking them from beach to market. The tote wearer doesn't compartmentalise their life, rather taking everything in day by day. They focus on the simpler things in life, always stopping to smell the flowers. With sustainability as the new black, this season embraces the tote bag as a favoured eco-alternative.

Comments

Breathalyser.

A bag that stops you going out.