>> A few commentors chortled at the word "meggings". Actually, that word wouldn't have come up ever on the blog had it not been for Segue because in truth, I'm in full agreement with Style Salvage Steve and Thomas Wong of The Sunday Best about these adapted-for-males ludicrous words that actually have the effect of deterring most men from wearing said item – meggings, mankini (ok, my bad, no male ACTUALLY wants to wear one of these…) and murse. The last one is particularly silly considering a man carrying a bag isn't a shocking statement in the least and is in fact entirely practical and totally unisex and doesn't need a male-adapted word to highlight it's status as the male counterpart product.
It's interesting that more so than womenswear, that the menswear collections here at GFW used bags/luggage to complete their ensembles. They usually appeared in collections where the clothes were deceptively simple and the students were proposing a total look that they see their 'men' in. Unsurprisingly, on an accessories level, I've been attracted to these pieces given my love of oversized/pared down bags… i.e. nothing too frou frou which none of these bags/cases are…
Philippa Jenkins from Kingston had me at a boxy grey leather backpack that brings back fond memories of slinging my flute case over my shoulder, albeit this is a WAAAAY larger version. Her tan leather messenger bags were also very fitting within her collection…
Soozi Welland from Epsom has a great way of spelling her name Susie and did a brilliant collection in its entirity, playing with codes of 'geek' wear. This rucksack-incorporated grey wool jacket was brilliant and in a rare moment, made the two-in-one garment concept work completely.
The next two collections were also standout menswear collections but then again you would expect that from Ravensbourne which produced the Gold Award winner Jessica Au last year. Mehmet Ali's travel trunks were beautiful objects in their own right and really augmented the muted tones in his collection and lifted his outfits to another level.
Another Ravensbourne grad Fah Chakshuvej clearly put a lot of work into her bags which were on display at the Ravensbourne stand, developing a unique digital print for them. Again, it seemed like the bags were a key component of the collection. I can see these going into production and getting into shops straight away.
I always think male bags (sorry, ‘murse!’) are so much better designed than female ones, as it doesn’t have all that unecessary bells whistles lockets and what nots. Digging the heavy duty grey satchels.
I want one for my violin!
I have to agree with miss woo, I quite like ‘murses” they usually have a really nice simplicity to them.
*cough*
Fahs a girl……
I do love a good man bag!
Couldn’t agree more, they tend to be so much more to the point than women’s bags!
Susie, thanks for chatting to us today, (I’m sure you spoke to loads of people and don’t remember, but I was the Leeds Uni student in the blue shirt in case you do!) it was an honour to have met you! 🙂
That backpack jacket is the most creative thing I’ve ever seen!
But Susie… this Soozie is fantastic!
Lucy =)
http://thefashionsetter.blogspot.com
Hi!
It was great to meet you today at GFW! Hope you enjoyed the 8pm show.
Vivian
Soozi Welland’s bag/jacket is genius! I want one!
Haha. What’s next, female jock straps?
xoxo, SarahJayne @ Knockout Vintage Clothing
I don’t see why a fashion conscious man would deter from carrying those 1st 4- heck the 1st one’s super hotness. But I think we have a clash in terminology. I always thought murse was for male nurses– male purses- hmm maybe we should go with purses- I could get bashed by a a gang of nurses round the dark corner. : s
Love Mehmet Ali’s suitcases…wish I could have one, now that I’m travelling (moving, actually) in a couple of weeks.
I love the vintage suitcases too, they’re just so much more beautiful than the usual luggage. My husband has a messenger style bag, but I’m the one who usually borrows it!
dang that 2 in one jacket is fucking insane. i want it!
I really like Philippa Jenkins bag, would be a ice guitar case for the lad.
The box backpack looks like a coffin. And I’d fit in that as I’m 5 feet and weigh less than 90 lbs. Haha
Love the boxy grey leather backpack. The slinging over the shoulder of the backpack. Reminds me of a musician with his/her guitar.
No longer will my naff petrol blue Puma gym bag cut it…
/Cillian.
There is something about a guy wearing a bag…. I dunno, I find it very sexy!
I want to snatch up that last bag for myself!! I love it! I’m not a “bag person” at all, hense I’ve been using the same mangey purse for months now. I could use a lovely new bag, one that makes my heart skip. These are doing the trick, I’d say
I prefer to see the use of the word “murse” as an act of reclamation. As a man who has long preferred a tote or weekender over a backpack or messenger bag, I know all too well the kind of disdain certain accessories can reap from the aesthetically challenged. For me, “murse” is a battle cry, not a self-deprecating ironic quip.
http://commercewithaconscience.blogspot.com/search/label/Murse
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