When I think of messenger bags, I don’t think of a schoolbag meant to carry the miscellany required for a long day of college classes. No, I don’t think of the practicality of them at all. Rather, when I think of messenger bags, I actually think of one messenger bag in particular. The only messenger bag that ever mattered.
Ok, ok, I’m being a little dramatic, but immediately what comes to mind at the mere mention of a messenger bag is the Chanel Grafitti Messenger bag from Spring/Summer 2015. The messenger bag was released a year after one of Chanel’s most divisive bags to date, the Grafitti Backpack of Spring/Summer 2014, presumably to capitalize on the backpack’s demand and sales success.
I loved the messenger bag just as much as I loved the backpack, and I still feel a pang in my stomach when I see a rare one IRL. Today, the messenger is making a comeback, which has me all in my feels for the greatest messenger bag there ever was.
The Modern Messenger
With the return of big bags and designers paying more attention to functionality than the trend towards micro-minis, messengers, too, are have their second-coming. It makes sense, because alongside the return to more practical silhouettes is fashion’s constant obsession with nostalgia, and messenger bags were once a highly-beloved silhouette.
From the runways of Gucci and Coach to the latest and greatest bags from Prada and Bottega Veneta, we’ve been seeing a return to the casual-cool messenger bags popularized in the 2000s and 2010s. The ideal messenger bag is a perfect combination of utilitarian and fashionable, a perfect shape for a day bag. As spring assortments are slowly trickling out, you can bet we’ll begin to see more messengers too. Take a look below at our favorite so far.
Fashion Meets Function
How can you not include the Mulberry Alexa bags in a discussion about messenger bags! Absolutely a classic and an it-bag that was not a one-hit wonder!
…the older Alexa bags were just the right levels of SMOOSH and utility. Can’t be beat. Haven’t had a chance to touch-feel-smell the newer ones, but I bet they’re just as lovely
Absolutely, a classic and still today, very successful and well kwown bag. I bought mine two years ago, very happy that I could finally afford the bag I have dreamed about since I was a teenager, many years ago!
Exactly! Odd choice not include the Alexa especially given the successful relaunch.
And what about the PS1?!
Saint Laurent looks nice and Prada more functional, i kinda like the Dior too, but the CD buckles is not that practical IMO. meanwhile the Chanel on the cover looks like a DIY old bag that you can find in your attic.
I recently bought the Diorcamp and LOVE it!! The buckles were a concern but they are honestly not bad at all. I find I prefer them to my previous crossbody bags with zippers.
Do you find yourself leaving it unbuckled? I’ve been thinking about this bag for work trips but the buckles seem a hassle
Sometimes I may if I know I’ll be in and out a lot but not usually. The buckles are very easy to undo with one hand so they don’t bother me
The Chanel bag was a HUGE hit when it came out 8 years ago… it’s no longer available.
Coach had a plum/oxblood messenger in their runway show that’s just gorgeous. Hoping to see it available soon!
Coach Spring 2023 Ready-to-Wear https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2023-ready-to-wear/coach/slideshow/collection#30
Thanks for the link! I like that one.
…a couple years ago i found a Fendi Zucca messenger in amazing condition and I jumped on that thing so fast. Haven’t used it much, but this just might be the time!
…the Messenger Bag is a larger hands free option I also really like – the perfect bag for work
I’m going to re-add the regular size Mulberry Alexa to my collection. It’s the satchel/messenger bag silhouette that appeals to me the most.
Like them all.