Why do so many celebs carry TWO bags?
There once was no better way for a celebrity to flaunt her wealth and impeccable taste than by toting the latest It-bag. That is, until now. Because for the A-list, the new way to stand out from the crowd is to show off not just one extortionately priced bag, but two at the same time.
From Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Moss to Pippa Middleton and emma Watson, stars have been spotted carrying two bags — usually worth thousands of pounds and impeccably co-ordinated.
The trend began in 2015 when models for influential fashion houses Chloe and Fendi were each given two bags (usually a small crossbody as well as a larger tote) to carry down the catwalk.
It didn’t take long for other design houses to realise what a fabulous marketing trick this is — not least because it requires us to buy twice as many bags.
Models carrying two bags were soon appearing in glossy adverts and the look transferred to high Street mannequins, making the trend go mainstream. Celebrities who represent designer brands quickly adopted the look, garnering double the exposure should they get photographed.
Samantha Cameron showed allegiance to Smythson — for which she was creative director — by carrying not only its sought-after Crossbody bag, £495, but also the Panama Zip Tote at £650.
And considering rihanna’s recent collaboration with Dior, it’s no surprise she has sported double-Dior bags worth more than £5,000.
The other reason the trend has taken off is that designer handbags have shrunk — with hermes, Chloe and Valentino all producing ‘microbags’, which have barely enough space for a lipstick.
So it’s no wonder that when Mulberry first showcased its micro-bag, it had the model carrying an oversized tote, too — obviously realising that, as fun as it looked, no one in the real world can fit their essentials into something the size of a box of matches.
Celine, too, sent its tiny designs down the runway alongside the popular cross - body styles.
In practical terms, the double- bag look is a great way to take you through the day. One bag is more functional, perfect for transporting the bulky things in life, such as a change of shoes, a bottle of water, or a gym kit.
The second is a much smaller bag containing just your essentials — a mobile phone, keys, train pass, credit cards and cash. This one becomes the statement bag that can be paraded at lunch or dinner — while the bigger bag is left in the cloakroom.
But, ultimately, the truth is that carrying two designer bags also gives you twice the opportunity to show off.
handbags have got steadily more expensive over the years, so this is an easy and eye-catching way to flaunt your wealth — note emma Watson carrying not one but two Saint Laurent bags that would have set her back around £1,000 each.
Fancy giving it a go? here’s how the stars pull off the designer-bag lady look . . .