Handbags: Apocalypse accessories

ISLAMABAD:
Another year, another litany of trends; faced with constantly shifting demand it behooves us at The Express Tribune to tell our readers that, when it comes to fashion, we’re all better off wearing what we’ve had for years (chances are in your favour that those moth-balled items will be back in style). As this is the year of the apocalypse, we should worry less about the clothes we wear and more about what we can carry in the final moments of disaster. For this very reason, we turn our attention to the bags that are en vogue this season.
‘The bigger the better’ is the motto for 2012. Oversized gear has made a comeback this year, in addition to 2012’s demand for pastels and long straps. Vogue’s recent coverage of fashion week 2012 shows size counts, in addition to modern embellishments a la Prada, who have combined grandiosity with rhinestones and pastel colours to create a look best described as ‘gaudy chic’. Bohemian-chic, unfortunately, recedes back into the fashion wilderness in favour of snooki-inspired (see “Jersey Shore”, the decay of American civilisation) couture.
“I’d go for big bags and long straps, they’re definitely in,” says Maha Jan, 26, fresh off the streets of Manhattan.
However, not everyone can buy Prada, which is why we turn to H&M for some stylish bargains, particularly their brown imitation bag, which practically works with everything and has enough compartments to hold an entire week’s rations if things get bad. It’s probably a lot more durable than the dainty bags Prada has to offer, which is important when one is fleeing from, say, ground-up volcanic eruptions. The long-strapped bags are also an attractive option; who wants to hold a clutch when they’re running for cover?
Local finds
For our local readers can easily locate these trends at home. The recent shipment at Charles and Keith, for example, follows this year’s trend, especially when it comes to neutral shades and pastels. But our most remarkable finds are stocked in the upstairs accessories section of, believe it or not, Illusions in Islamabad! The bags are cheap (average Rs1500) and diverse in type, colour and size. The large, fabric star bags in black and silver would look great going out (just don’t tell anyone that they’re from Illusions; smile mysteriously instead and say ‘a smart lady never tells’ and walk away
Pour Homme
Gentlemen, it’s time to channel your inner fauji-hipster this year and opt for duffle bags, totes, and camouflage prints — these will play a crucial role in the upcoming apocalypse. The Forever 21 Men’s Collection is only too aware of this, hence the military chic (It’s more ‘skirmish’ than sartorial; also, we need to be able to camouflage our supplies when society erupts into chaos later this year).
But some of us still want to look sharp, and maybe Forever 21 is a little too juvenile for our local carry-case connoisseurs. While jobs still exist, why not head on over to Jafferjees for some fine leather to accompany that well-worn work suit, provided one is willing to spend a good Rs11,000 and over from that much-awaited bonus. Their messenger bags (or man-purses) and briefcases are perfect for the office and spacious enough to accommodate a handgun, ammo, dry fruits and a few pairs of underwear for when the going gets tough, which it will in 2012.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 3rd, 2012.