Over the past years, we have seen a craze in men that has often left you thinking: Why are they holding popular designer bags? This trend of the “man purse” or “murse” has been fully embraced by many celebs and fashionistas! Such a phenomenon is not new, but never before has it been so popular or so widely practiced. In this post, we will find out the history of men’s bags, their latest trends, and the celebrities who are spearheading this fashion revolution.
History of Men’s Bags
Throughout history, men have carried bags in the form of pouches and satchels for functional reasons. Although the idea of men’s bags as fashion objects has been around for a long time, the contemporary version only started to take shape in Europe in the 1970s. The 1990s saw the initial popularity of bags for men as designers began to create them in a more ornamental and fashionable manner. For the first time, different styles were developed for men, such as messenger and backpack bags.
This Rise of Designer Bags for Men
Men carrying designer bags has been a small, yet growing, trend for a while now thanks to runway collections and celebrities giving it the ol’ college try. Men’s bags have been featured by luxury fashion houses such as Fendi, Burberry and Gucci, with the latter brand often displaying oversized versions of the bag on the runway. And this change has helped to characterize the concept of men toting pouches as an accessory instead of simply a utility good.
Runway Influence
Fashion shows are among the biggest contributors to the rise of men’s bags. Ferragamo’s Spring/Summer 2024 bags included structured work bags in shiny leathers; Fendi, meanwhile, has given its signature Baguette bag a modern, masculine outlook. Men with bags have also made appearances in Burberry collections under the creative direction of Daniel Lee. Through these runway presentations, they have redefined the role of bags in stylish outfits for men.
Celebrity Endorsements
Celebrities have been key to the mainstreaming of men’s bags. A$AP Rocky, Jacob Elordi, Bad Bunny, and David Beckham have all been spotted carrying designer bags. Not just from the fashion house down the street — they’ve been seen with bags from labels like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Bottega Veneta. They have a wide influence beyond the realm of fashion because they encourage fans and followers to follow this trend.
A$AP Rocky
A$AP Rocky is a bold fashion voice and long-time proponent of men’s bags. He has a history of fashionable accessories, including Gucci Mickey Mouse cross-body bags and Hermès Kelly bags with gold hardware. His partnership with Bottega Veneta solidified his men’s bag fashion icon position.
Jacob Elordi
The Euphoria actor has an insane collection of designer bags. He has taken from the likes of Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Burberry, and Valentino. Between his well-documented propensity for oversized totes and his use of supermini cross-body bags, the actor has become the darling of street style. He is more than just a decent actor; He defies the basic ideas of how a guy should dress.
Bad Bunny
Bad Bunny, the hugely successful musician, also recently adopted a masculine designer bag. Spotted carrying a Gucci Jackie 1961 Small Shoulder Bag during fashion week, he continues cementing his place as a cool icon. He has a fashion appeal that mixes street with luxury, and this transcends a wider range.
David Beckham
David Beckham was ahead of the men’s bag trend. Iconic for his stylistic prowess, Beckham has been strolling around with designer handbags for years, even before the carryall trend picked up steam. His impact goes beyond fashion; he has played a role in narrowing the divide between sport and style and has made it cool for men in sports to embrace high fashion.
Impact Male Popular Designer Bags on Fashion and Society
Men wearing popular designer bags is part of a larger trend toward changing attitudes about gender and fashion. It breaks the barriers between masculine and feminine in fashion. This brings up a broader dialogue on inclusivity and freedom in fashion — allowing people to dress however they want without conforming to gender norms.
Democratization of Fashion
Fashion designers like Telfar Clemens have helped to democratize fashion and create a universal appeal for bags. The Telfar Shopping Tote, for example, became a symbol of this movement, showing that fashion is for everyone, regardless of gender or background.
Cultural Significance
Given that fashion has cultural significance, the evolution of men’s bags as fashion accessories also shows how fashion challenges societal norms. It shows how fashion can become a form of self-expression and identity. These celebrities and influencers embody this trend not only as fashion figures but also as cultural arbiters who are redefining style and masculinity.
Future of Men’s Popular Designer Bags
As this trend continues to grow, we can only expect to see even more unique designs and collaborations between brands and designers. Luxury brands such as Celine, Prada, and Gucci are investing heavily in men’s bags, which means a bright future ahead for men’s bags. Fashion and celebrity culture will play a critical role in shaping this trend as more men get comfortable carrying bags as fashionable accessories.
Conclusion
The rise of these men celebrities wearing designer bags is about more than just fashion — it signals a cultural shift in how we conceptualize masculinity and fashion. This trend may have the potential to progress further, with influencers, runway collections, and celebrities shaping our perceptions of beauty and challenging the conventions of aesthetic beauty norms. The demand for men’s handbags will only gain momentum as we live in a society that embraces various forms of style.
Before you go, check this Spring 2025 handbag trends. And make sure you follow us on social media Facebook and Twitter to get the latest gossip.
Sources:
- www.whowhatwear.com/celebrity-men-wearing-handbags-trend
- www.wmagazine.com/fashion/jacob-elordi-bag-collection-bottega-veneta-louis-vuitton-chanel
