I’ve spent the past couple of days revisiting the Marc Jacobs Imogen Shoulder Bag several times, trying to decide what I think about it. Every time I open its product page to look at it again, my opinion lands somewhere in the chasm between “WTF” and “I see what they did there.”
I’ve decided that I don’t really think that this bag is attractive, which I suppose is a step toward figuring out what my overall opinion of it is. I do think it’s interesting to look at, however, and that may ultimately be more important than attractiveness when it comes to the demographic that Jacobs is trying to reach with this particular piece. Sometimes, having something that’s unlike what most people understand is the objective, even if it means stepping outside the normal bounds of aesthetic pleasure.
I really enjoy looking at the web’s major street style blogs – The Sartorialist, Jack and Jil, you know the type. I particularly like to look at them during the world’s various Fashion Weeks, when editors and stylists put on as much of a sartorial display outside as the models and designers do during the actual shows. In that context, I could see this bag being a total hit – it’s esoteric, deceptively simple, and not for the faint of heart. The piercings are odd, as are the icecicle charms hanging from them, but they would look completely at home on the arm of a Paris Vogue editor in a deconstructed leather jacket and platforms so towering that even looking at them makes your ankles hurt.
This bag may not be for everyone, but I have a feeling that was sort of the point Marc Jacobs was trying to make – sometimes, fashion is still for the few. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $1795.
I’m teetering on the edge of liking it…
I think it could look amazing on the right person, but hideous on the wrong person.
However, even as I’m typing this, my mind is fervently trying to convince me that I’m that “right” person!
(fb)
Every time you opened the flap, you would have to deal with all those icicle things flopping all over the place. Not functional at all. Would work better with a zip at the top and the icicle charms just on the front. I can’t get past that problem to even consider whether the style is something that I could work with. (fb)
Those icicle-like things almost look like teeth. Weird. (fb)
oh…how very…interesting…a purse with pigtails. Honestly, the ties on the sides are the only thing holding me back from saying that I love this bag. Everything else about it is very cool. (fb)
Fugly to me (fb)
this look will never go well with me…not even near what i like.
i dislike the dangles. (fb)
I think like you said, it might be for everyone.
It’s overpriced imo.
(Fb)
oh my god it does look like pigtails!!! Im caught between “ummm ok its no soooo bad” and “WTF is that”
i own a smaller version of this bag, and i love it. it’s very different and unique. definitely an eye-catcher, but not for everyone.
oh.. i dont think so.. im not that edgy.. (fb)
It’s like a boho rocker chic for someone from Istanbul or something like that! (fb)
It’s not…hideous but it’s definitely not something I would wear! (fb)
I agree with BLynnT every time you open the bag you are going to have to readjust the icecicles. This bag would look incredible on the right person like you said an editor. I just don’t have the personal style or the time to rock this bag. (fb)
I can’t get passed the oddness to look at it as a statement piece.
Its interesting but Im going to have to skip this one. (fb)
I really like the “icicles”, but the bag in itself seems really hard to pull off… (fb)
I think this is a fun handbag. I definitely would love to have it. (fb)
This is kind of cool, but sooo expensive!
(fb)
It’s fun but with all the dangles I think it’s not practical. It has sort of a bohemian look to it, not sure how I feel about it haha (fb)
It’s ugly in a fun way-if you are someone who wears jeans and white tees every day, this might just make a good statement. I kind of like it!(fb)
Definitely not my type of bag! (fb)
Umm, I’m more on the “WTF” end of the spectrum. What’s with those things off the side and those dangly charms on the flap? I don’t get it at all. (fb)
I agree that it is is interesting to look at, and that’s about it for me. I can see this working in an editorial piece for a magazine, rather than an everyday, wearable handbag. It’s unique for sure. (fb)
I actually kind of like it. Not enough to shell out for it, but at least it’s original, and so few bags are these days. (fb)
not really my type of bag (fb)
It’s a little to Western for me and I can’t see it working well in NYC (FB)
it does. that’s where i wear it. 😉
Marc Jacobs, you`re the man!!! iLove it!!!
I think I’d rather like the bag quite a bit……except for those giant swatches of leather dangling at the sides o_O (fb)
The Marc Jacobs line is becoming more and more underwhelming. On the other hand, MbyMJ keeps getting better (and wallet friendly yay!) (FB)
I cannot stop looking at the bungee cord straps on the side-are those child leashes? lol There is too much going on with this bag and none of it fits well with anything about the bag. I am definitely not a fan of this one. Looks more like something picked up at a yard sale for fifty cents 🙁 (fb)
What a rad bag! I love how there is both a western and modern blend to it. It is def. an eye catcher. (fb)
I really like its originality. it definitely got swag (and I don’t usually use this expression ) !
I’m sorry, forgot again the (fb)
It’s not cute at all! Fb
Absolutely hideous (fb)
I don’t like it…. (fb)
What does a bag have to be CUTE to be a good one? This is wonderful, bags are key pieces, I think with this bag people would turn heads and for a good reason. And I agree, Tommy Ton would totally take a picture of you with this beauty. (fb)
Just no! (fb)
It’s unique! I’m kinda drawn into it! The more I look, the more I want. haha 😛
(fb)
what are those things coming off the side? (fb)
Ew..I like the color but the bag looks like it has teeth! I’ll pass. (fb)
I don’t see what they did there (fb)
i am a very visual person and believe in love at first sight – with men and bags 😉 not in love with this one, sorry! (fb)
I wasn’t expecting to like this but i actually do. I like how the leather looks so smooth and touchable. The charms are unexpected and I think it stands out. Its simple yet the little touches make it noticeable. Looks like a great way to glam up a super simple casual outfit. (fb)
wow… so expensive, if you want to buy it, I suggest you search coupons and shopping rewards from web. you can have a look at http://www.couponsavemore.com
omg its so nice im in love!!!!!
i dont like the cross body extencicon (haha again sorry) but this bag its amazing!!! particolar and crazy as usal for mj and i love this
its a bit a cowgirl evil side fu*ked up by bryan Park and i likkkkke 😉
(fb)
opss ive just realize thats not the cross body extencicon but just two ‘accessories’ pice of leather haha 🙂
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I like it but I would have to remove the wide red straps off the sides. (fb)
I really like it – different and very inspired. I don’t think I will ever own it – but I am sure if I ever see it on someone in real life I will go up to them for sure and congratulate them on having the fashion know-how to buy and wear such an amazing bag. (fb)
I like the dangling shiny things. very nice. (fb)
Meh, not for me. Not my style. (fb)
From the thumbnail, I thought those crystal thingies were fringe and I instantly fell in love. After actually clicking on it, though, I’m not as impressed. I’d probably have to see this in real life to really judge it, though. (fb)
It’s ok. I don’t like it or dislike it. (fb)
At first glance I liked this. But as I look at it closer…its awkward. (fb)
This is so unique! (fb)
This is one of the best bags he did in years. So unique, but too pricey.
really try to like MJ but he makes it so difficult (fb)
I think it looks hideous. (fb)
WTfeck!!! This is crazy! What are those red leather flap/straps? The icicles?
All I got in my head is “Gypsies, Tramps, and Theives,” and not in a good way!
(ipad)