When I think of utilitarian bags, I immediately think of compartments. Images of the Prada nylon backpack with 2 belted exterior pockets – first launched in the mid ’80s – still come to mind. There is also the quilted Cambon reporter bag with boxy exterior pockets from Chanel’s Cambon Ligne collection, circa 2004, or the more recent Fendi Pocket Peekaboo from Spring/ Summer 2019. Last year’s already-elusive Hermes Birkin in canvas and swift leather, was designed with external pockets and a cup holder on the side and appropriately christened the Cargo Birkin.
You can get more use out of utilitarian bags, and they are definitely keepers for the long haul. They seem to be the most useful style today as a result of the health crisis and the need to carry sanitisers on our person when we go outside. Compartmentalising things inside our bags becomes necessary as we want easier access to our essentials. Careful thought must be placed into designing utilitarian bags to make them not just purely functional but also aesthetically pleasing. Here are five of my picks for this season:
L/Uniform No. 3 Tool Bag
L/Uniform was established by Jean Signoles (daughter-in-law of Goyard owner Jean-Michel Signoles) in 2015, with bags made of sturdy, neutral-coloured canvas. The No.3 tote has external pockets with two short handles, reminiscent of a gardening tool bag. It is a functional tote that makes organising easy with its many compartments and roomy interior. The bag comes with a detachable shoulder strap too for hands-free carry, and as an added bonus you can get the tote personalised and stamped with your initials through the brand’s in-house monogram machine while you wait.
Louis Vuitton Multi-Pochette Accessoires
The Multi-Pochette Accessoires is the modern-day utilitarian bag. This style immediately sold out in LV boutiques when it was first released and looks to become a permanent fixture in the maison’s collection because of its popularity, as it is compact, functional, and versatile. Compartments come in the form of two pochettes (a larger Pochette Accessoires and a Mini Pochette Accessoires) which can be used separately, with a round coin purse to keep loose change in its place. The bag is casual and has multiple carrying options with its jacquard or chain strap, either worn together or independent of each other. Louis Vuitton also offers personalisation of this bag with different World Tour stickers.
Bally Erminia Mini Bag
The Bally Erminia looks like a mini reporter bag with two external zippered pockets. Made from recycled nylon, this compact crossbody bag makes the perfect companion for everyday use if you’re not a “big bag” person. It is also a good, no-fuss bag to carry when you need to run a quick errand. The bag comes with a rear belt loop for front crossbody carry or to use as a belt bag. The Erminia is also low maintenance and easier to clean and sanitise because it is made of waterproof nylon.
Marni Trunk Reverse Bag
Unlike most utilitarian bags that are more casual, this all-leather bag by Marni has a dressier feel. The Trunk Reverse has two zippered compartments flanked by two easier-access pockets. Secure your wallet and keys inside the zippered areas and keep the sanitiser and phone inside the hinge, with clasp and snap pockets for better accessibility. The shoulder strap can also be lengthened for the bag to be carried crossbody. The Trunk Reverse is a classy and modern alternative to the more conventional utilitarian-style designer bags available today.
Anya Hindmarch “Working from Home” Multi-Pocket Tote
For those who love the abyss of a large tote but still need to keep key items organised, Anya Hindmarch’s multi-pocket tote will definitely come in handy. As is named, the bag can be used to transport work documents from one place to another – even while you work from home! Each compartment comes properly labelled for added character and easy organisation of your daily essentials. This bag ticks the right boxes as it is roomy but light, and is made from sustainable recycled nylon.
Editor
Ingrid Chua
