There is a marvellous solution to carrying your cell phone, wallet, keys, cosmetics, face tissues, deodourant, ipod, year planner, address book, a book for bored times and a small water bottle all at once... a large handbag!
While most people might give way to a large bag just out of the usefulness it bears, the fact that this accessory is a sure candidate on most fashion must-have lists is another important reason that others prefer to be seen with it. "Large bags have a funky look. At the same time they are good when it comes to storage," says Srividya Narayana, Facility professional, Jones Lang LaSalle Meghraj. "It also saves you the trouble of having to carry multiple small bags," she laughs.
There is a wide array of handbags available today. It is almost as if there is a handbag made to suit every attire in your wardrobe and every occasion, even if it is stocking up on your veggies supply at the end of every week, or the kind that you might want to carry if you are going window shopping on a Monday afternoon maybe. Pure leather handbags for the formal you, jute ones if arty is what you're feeling like, those made of synthetic materials if you are not keen on blowing up big money on the bag, a cloth one if you are all for eco-friendly wares, and then the many combinations there are: leather-jute, leather-cloth, leather-straw, leather-canvas and so on.
The 'in' thing
"Big bags are definitely in vogue. Designs are leaning towards European patterns and colours are selling like never before. Blues, greens, whites, yellows, plums, lavenders — they are a rage internationally and the domestic market has opened up to them too," says Bharti Sharma, Partner, Cose Belle. According to her, earlier, you were expected to match your bags to your clothes and shoes, but today, no one is too particular about abiding by these fashion rules. Even a bold red or plum has begun gained acceptance in an office environment.
Colours seem to be a favourite with the younger audience. "The Salsa collection of Hidesign is more of a fashion product, and caters to those between 20 and 30 years of age," says Hidesign's Corporate Manager, Karnataka, Qubra Khan. This range has reds, lime greens, cool blues and even denim in its bags.
Classic bags in black, brown and tan, however, will never stop being in fashion. "I am thrilled with my big bag in tan. It's not as common as black, yet exudes the same sense of classic sophistication," says Veena, a PR professional. Hand-crafted leather bags that is specific to Pondicherry is also a popular variety since it is less expensive than the average leather bag. The novelty lies in the fact that it is fully handcrafted, and the leather grows soft with use. Crochet bags will always have an audience. Bucket bags and basket shaped bags are also in fashion at the moment.
There's quite a market for men's bags too... satchels that come with a divider to separate files from a laptop are a hot pick. Unisex versions of these user-friendly bags are also available. "Tote bags made from handwoven fabric that's a hundred per cent natural is being appreciated these days. Floral patterns and stripes are doing well," says Bharti.
With respect to bag accessories like rings, hooks, buttons and so on, silver and gold colour, and muted soft shades have caught on.
Price range
Big bags in leather can cost you between Rs 3,000 and Rs 5,000. Handcrafted leather bags cost anything between Rs 900 and Rs 3,000. A visit to a handicrafts exhibition will show you to a wide range of jute/straw bags that are priced between Rs 300 to 500, but these are more for rare occasions as they tend to wear away with daily use. Satchels come up to anything between Rs 3,800 to Rs 5,000.
Do's and don'ts
In the words of a bag designer, "Any bag that you pick shouldn't overpower you". How true! It's important to remember that, in the end, the bag is only an accessory and that the most important thing will always be YOU! Pick something that suits you instead of merely aping what others are carrying. Blend utility with style and you will have found a perfect bag.
