Don’t say we didn’t warn you, but over the next month or two, something confusing is going to happen: your favorite brand is going to try to sell you a backpack. Even if you’re not a student. Even, in some cases, if you haven’t been a student in several decades and you thought the designers you prefer knew you wouldn’t ever need one again. Whether or not you’re receptive to their pitch is up to you, but it’s coming. If you’re a contemporary customer, it’s already here.
When we’ve written about backpacks in the past, readers have seemed split in the idea, at best. Now that the trend has reached critical mass, with backpacks (or the euphemistically termed “sling bags”) appearing in Spring 2014 accessories lineups at virtually every level of the price spectrum, we want to hear if your opinions have changed or softened at all. Before you answer, take a look at the nearly two dozen backpacks below; some are brand new designs from brands who have gone all-in on the trend, others are familiar bags with double straps added by designers who seem to be hedging to see if backpacks are nothing more than a passing fad. (I’m betting on “fad.”)
Rebecca Minkoff MAB Backpack
$295 via ShopBop
DKNY x Opening Ceremony Sling Bag
$235 via ShopBop
KARA Backpack
$480 via ShopBop
Opening Ceremony Izzy Backpack
$595 via ShopBop
Tory Burch Marion Quilted Small Backpack
$450 via ShopBop
Elizabeth and James Cynnie Sling Bag
$545 via ShopBop
Karl Lagerfeld Kuilted Backpack
$840 via Net-a-Porter
Sophie Hulme Leather Backpack
$940 via Net-a-Porter
Jerome Dreyfuss Florent Leopard Backpack
$1,140 via Net-a-Porter
Alexander Wang Prisma Backpack
$1,095 via Net-a-Porter
Proenza Schouler Small Backpack
$1,675 via SSENSE
3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Backpack
$825 via SSENSE
Stella McCartney Shaggy Rucksack
$1,295 via SSENSE
Aimee Kestenberg Tamitha Backpack
$228 via Nordstrom
MCM Stark Medium Monogram Backpack
$620 via Bloomingdale’s
McQ Convertible Duffel Backpack
$995 via Bloomingdale’s
Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Mariska Backpack
$498 via Bloomingdale’s
Rag & Bone Pilot Backpack
$725 via Nordstrom
Giorgio Armani Canvas Backpack
$1,850 via Barneys
Saint Laurent Rider Backpack
$2,950 via Barneys
The Row Drawstring Backpack
$3,900 via Neiman Marcus
Nancy Gonzalez Crocodile Drawstring Backpack
$3,850 via Neiman Marcus
Coach Studio Legacy Backpack
$258 via Coach
The problem with backpacks i find is, they’re not suitable for the working woman nor for students in their 20s. Speaking as a student myself, these “fashion” backpacks just don’t fit the bill the same as a satchel does (and there are some fabulous satchels out there for the same price). And need i speak why a grown woman won’t buy them? I like some of them obviously, but won’t spend my money on something that I so not need.
I’m a working woman in my 30s, and I actually find backpacks extremely practical for business. I have scoliosis, and so it’s very uncomfortable for me to carry the weight of my laptop in a crossbody messenger bag. I don’t think any of these backpacks would be practical for me for work, but I love my Tumi Calais backpack for my computer, notepads, and miscellaneous electronic bits and bobs. I carry a handbag in addition to my backpack for wallet, cosmetics, etc.
I have a Coach backpack that I love and get nonstop compliments on (I’m a guy) It is roomy enough to fit a computer and books/sweater and it is comfortable to carry. I am going back to Grad School in the fall and hope it will help me stand apart from undergraduates but be able to carry all the stuff I need
I love the look of these backpacks – the bright colors and quirky designs are fun, and can be styled with some really cute outfits.
But I just can’t bring myself to use a backpack as a purse because it’s so inconvenient to use while I’m out and about; I can just reach down into a satchel or tote or hobo, but with a backpack, you have to take it off your shoulder and root around for it awkwardly. The only backpack I use is a North Face with a built-in laptop sleeve, for when I go to class or the library. But if I had some extra money lying around and didn’t care too much about functionality, a lot of these would be options!
I agree with you about the inconvenience and also I’m concerned about security. I just don’t feel safe with my bag hanging from my back where someone could get inside without my knowledge.
I never thought I would wear a backpack again, but running after a two year old boy at museums, parks, libraries, and basically anywhere he can walk I can’t keep up anymore with him caring a purse and diaper bag. I feel like Mary Poppins because you have to be prepared for everything and anything that might occur on an outing. I am in the search for a backpack and I am so grateful for this post. I will be buying one ASAP!!! I will let you know what I get and how it works as a mom on the go.
I am in my late 30’s , I work and travel like crazy and I must say, although a tote is definitely more stylish I have been tempted recently by the A Wang backpack – the designers have definitely upped the backpack style stakes.
On my last trip to Munich I have seen 3 Asian men wearing the MCM studded backpack ( and I was in the city for a grand total of 4 hours). Obviously, Amanda, yor fan base is far reaching.
oh … you forgot the Mulberry / Cara Delevigne quilted backpacks
I asked the team at WGSN if they thought iconic bags would be reproduced as backpacks… mostly because I thought they would be and wanted confirmation. Looks like its happening.
I loved my backpack years ago….like to revisit it!