Wicker bag, bead bag, belt bag, transparent bag. What’s next after these trends? The confirmation came in the form of an inconspicuous detail I saw on the Burberry SS19 runway: the necklace bag.
With the emblem of a passport, this accessory found in Riccardo Tisci’s first collection for Burberry is just what you need for ultimate mobility. It has a streetwear vibe and it’s utilitarian.
A few weeks before the show, a local designer friend of mine tipped me off about the necklace bag being the next hot thing. Soon enough, I saw the Balenciaga Strap Continental Wallet available locally through a personal shopper. In the coming months, prepare to be hands-free and to use your bag as a piece of jewelry.
Speaking of jewelry, this is perhaps what Lynn Ban had in mind with the Bullion 24kt gold-plated necklace bag. Why talk about your money when you can just wear it? This bag is created with a metal lining and is meant for an evening out when all you have to bring is your lipstick and credit card. Oh, and lots of attitude.
Regardless if it does look like a gold bar, there is a specific luxury to the necklace bag. You can only pack the essentials in it. This means your trips are not long but are purposeful—you’re ready for anything that catches your fancy. You can’t be bothered to be slowed down by a big bag, or something too heavy on your shoulders.
Indeed, there’s a specificity about what you can fit into a necklace bag. Look at the Zara Studded Mobile Phone Carrying Case, for instance. It’s easier for you to listen to music on the go (no more fooling around with your shoulder bag/pocket length and earphone cord length). It also doubles as an accessory to liven up a plain white shirt. Still, you could fit your cash and other small essentials if you prefer to keep your phone someplace else.
The Ganni Azalea print necklace bag is for those who need a bit more. I can see this saving me from a lot of hassle at the airport. It comes with multiple zip enclosures and is made of 100 percent polyester and has a black inner lining. Takes away the worry if you dirty it up and becomes a multi-functional bag when you go around.
Another everyday approach to this trend are the wallets with neck straps. Jacquemus offers a leather one in four different colors: blue, yellow, white, or red. (Order it via Farfetch) Made with calf leather, it’s a small investment piece that will be easy to match with your summer outfits.
Berlin-based Velt also has some neck wallets available in brown, black, blue, white, and nude.
In the more affordable department, you could opt for the Fjallraven Pocket, which comes in 14 different colors. It’s made of eco-friendly materials and is washable. Inspired by classic garment pockets, I could see this being used on quick errands when you might be in a rush. It has a security zip compartment and a mobile phone pocket, leaving some room for a knick-knack or two.
Watch out for more iterations of the necklace bag in the months to come, as fast fashion labels are expected to produce their own designs soon. With the current options in the designer category, there is little doubt you won’t find this bag in your neck of the woods. NVG
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