One half-empty box of Ice Breakers. One multi-port adapter. Two charging cables. Two tubes of sunscreen. Three lip balms. One claw clip. One empty case for sunglasses. Dog-eared contact cards and folded-up receipts. One adorable doggy keychain that hangs off the zipper and a corporate lanyard looped around the handle. There’s a lot more, but even this partial inventory should convey the sense of chaos contained in my work tote that I haul across town every day.
As unglamorous as it may sound, such is the reality of a busy life. But if the spring/summer 2024 shows are anything to go by, messy, filled-to-the-brim bags with bag charms are actually on trend. At Miu Miu, models carried boxy unzipped handbags overflowing with everyday objects, adorned with colourful nylon cords, chains, and a leather dog collar hanging from the handles. Over at Balenciaga, we saw the new Rodeo carryall weighed down by a gazillion trinkets like tags, heart-shaped carabiners, heavy padlocks, and keys.
The inspiration? Jane Birkin, who was often photographed schlepping her own overflowing Birkin decorated with stickers, beaded strings, an Hèrmes watch looped around the handle, and other personal knickknacks. While we may not all have Birkins, there’s nothing stopping us from personalising our everyday totes with cute ornaments.
Scroll on to see The Nod’s picks.
