The former editor-inchief of Vogue explains why going bag-free is the best way to look more powerful.
In the world of fashion, the rule for designer handbags has been: the bigger and more expensive, the better. But according to Alexandra Shulman, former editor-in-chief of
the true ‘‘power move’’ is to not carry a handbag at all.
Going empty-handed suggests you are so A-list you do not have to cart around your own purse, phone or powder compact - you can delegate the task to an underling.
Writing for the Business of Fashion website, Shulman said: ‘‘Today, the ability to be bag-free is a power move indicating you either have a PR person or personal assistant.
‘‘Or, for some people attending fashion shows, private views or dinners, [you] keep a car and driver outside, enabling you to leave your bag and its contents in the back seat and sail around the event, unencumbered by the hassle of the cloakroom queue.’’
Victoria Beckham sells bags from her own fashion brand, with prices exceeding $2000, but she is often seen bag-less, as she steps from chauffeur-driven car to a fashion show.
An exception to this rule, of course, is the Queen, who is said to own more than 200 Launer handbags.
But, it is claimed, they also serve a secret purpose: if the Queen places her handbag on the table at dinner, it signals she wishes the event to end in the next five minutes. If she puts her bag on the floor, it shows she would like her lady-in-waiting to glide over and tactfully end the conversation.
Shulman says most women
"In its most basic form, a handbag does nothing that a supermarket plastic bag can't do."
Alexandra Shulman
believe it is worth spending money on a designer bag: ‘‘Women are prepared to fork out for an item that, in its most basic form, does nothing that a supermarket plastic bag can’t do. Except make you feel good.’’ -