It’s In the Bag

Trendsetter Raf Simons has done it again. The head designer for Jil Sander embarked in new fashion territory with his fall 2012 menswear line, an almost all-black collection that mixed super-serious leather garments with elements of whimsy, such as dinosaur and whale graphics. But the standout piece was an unexpected accessory: a lunch bag. Leave it to Simons to take two seemingly uncool things — a man purse (insert a Friends punch line here) and the act of brown bagging it — and make it this season's men's must-have.

We have seen quite a few businessmen toting greasy brown bags to work after a stop at the bodega, but they’ve never looked quite this good before. Perhaps because Simons gave this school-day staple a makeover in black leather as well as the classic brown paper (made with ultra-durable, reinforced material). Or maybe it’s because the designer paired them with flawless suits and trenches — definitely not apparel we’ve seen on any playground.

So, will this trend be as disposable as its brown paper inspiration? If the success of Jil Sander’s made-over market tote bags is any indicator, then guys (and the girls that shop for them) are sure to catch onto this new look.

Text Kara Solarz
Image and Source New York Times Style