THE JOURNAL
Of all the accessories you’d be wise to spend your hard-earned cash on, we believe that bags ultimately top the investment index. Why? Because not only do they serve an undeniably practical function, but they promise year-round, day-to-day wear – and you’re never at risk of, “outgrowing” them, either. As for which to pick? Roomy totes and backpacks are always a good bet, but this season, we’d equally urge you not to overlook the messenger. Compact and unobtrusive, it introduces a new element into your outfit without dramatically altering the silhouette or giving you a backache in the process. Below, we’ve picked out five our absolute favourites from the likes of CELINE HOMME and TOM FORD that we think deserve a prime position on your shoulder.
01.
The Bottega Veneta classic
This season, Bottega Veneta casts green as a neutral with an array of leather accessories in a muted shade of pistachio. And it is a touch more exciting than your usual blacks and browns. Among the offering is this compact messenger bag, which showcases the brand’s unmistakable intrecciato weave and will transition seamlessly from day to evening.
02.
The CELINE HOMME canvas bag
The CELINE HOMME Triomphe emblem is a multifaceted shapeshifter. It pops up in the form of a supersized silver-tone belt buckle, a subtly embroidered logo on a T-shirt and the gleaming gold-tone hardware across the vamp of chunky loafers, to name but a few. In the case of this handy messenger bag, however, it’s been multiplied across a cream coated canvas to create an elegant geometric pattern that instantly adds dimension, albeit without feeling too flash.
03.
The TOM FORD travel companion
Think of this TOM FORD messenger as a can’t-live-without travel companion. Just the right size for stashing away your passport, wallet and other such essentials, with an adjustable shoulder strap that allows you to wear it crossbody (read: away from light fingers). And, because it’s TOM FORD, it’s an exquisite work of craftsmanship, too, cut from a deliciously soft suede in a quietly luxurious shade of “Cigar”, all topped off with a subtly embossed leather logo patch.
04.
The iconic Gucci Ophidia messenger
This Ophidia messenger bag is the work of Gucci, but in case you had any doubts the brand has included plenty of its signature details to firmly hammer the message home. That includes its iconic stripped webbing and a monogram-laden coated canvas, as well as its double-G golden hardware for good measure.
05.
The sleek SAINT LAURENT nylon bag
Black nylon makes for a smart alternative to leather if you’re looking for something that’s durable, waterproof and casual, but no less sleek for it. Try this SAINT LAURENT Niki messenger for size, which is topped with the brand’s iconic “YSL” monograph in black plaque and just roomy enough to fit all your bits in without overpowering your outfit.