Backpacks not just for the schoolyard
Once relegated to schoolyards, they’re finding their place as chic and practical accessories
Life increasingly calls for being hands-free — at least from a handbag perspective — thanks to the prevalence of cellphones, tablets, lattes, lipsticks, keys ... the list goes on.
Thankfully, backpacks are back to, you know, lend a hand.
“Today, no matter where people live, life is fast and they’re looking for accessories that can keep up,” says American designer Michael Kors. “A backpack holds a lot, leaves your hands free and is comfortable.”
But the return of the so-called “rucksack” or “knapsack” is about more than mere functionality, according to Kors. It is, as one might expect when talking to one of the most influential designers in the sartorial world today, also all about fashion. “It’s practical, though that’s not enough anymore,” he says of the style. “It also needs to be glamorous. Women today want it all — and backpacks give you everything.” And, if anything, the latest iterations of the age-old carryall (backpacks date back to ancient times when they were used for hunting and gathering, though the official term “backpack” wasn’t coined by the Americans until around 1910) most certainly are glamorous. Whereas backpacks have most recently remained relegated to schoolyard accessories and travel fodder rarely touched by the fashion world, now, they appear to be its accessory of choice. Perhaps it was the popularity (among celebrities and the uber rich) of the Chanel graffiti rucksack from Spring/ Summer 2014, or maybe the allencompassing “athleisure” trend that has swept through every nook of the sartorial world is to blame; but whatever the catalyst for the return of backpacks — one thing is for sure — they’ve found their way back into virtually everyone’s closet.
Whether you’ re looking for somethings leek and leather, adorned in all-over crystals or simple and nylon, there is a backpack for virtually every style personality, and price point, this season.
“There’s a time and a place for everything,” Kors says of the diverse array of styles and designs. “Even the most glamorous backpack has a laid-back edge.”
For this reason, Kors cautions against donning a backpack at a more formal affair when, “you want to be super polished.”
Instead, he recommends playing with the over-the-shoulder-and-around-the-back style during the evening, weekend, and depending on your occupation, on the job.
“It has to be luxurious,” Kors cautions when asked what is the key to successfully sporting a backpack in a more structured situation — or, at any age. “A simple polished style like our Miranda backpack is a good option for a more refined look.”
Kors himself doesn’t exactly ascribe to the backpack-wearing revolution, preferring instead to carry an all-in-one tote.
“I have an LL Bean leather tote that I’ve used for years to take papers and things back and forth from the office,” he says. “But that’s about it.”
But while Kor might not be carrying (or is it wearing?) a backpack himself, he has certainly been creating them, and therefore helping to the boost the popularity of the knapsacks — one style at a time — among the stylish set.
“We have quite a few right now — everything from suede to quilted nylon to leather with stud details — in all shapes and sizes,” he explains of the plethora of styles currently available in both his luxury Michael Kors collection and his more affordable MICHAEL Michael Kors line. “And we’ll dive into more textures for fall, like shearling.”
Basically, if you’re unsure whether to take the plunge with this style revival, you might as well because it’s here to stay.
But we couldn’t wrap up an article about backpacks without attempting to settle the score on one timeless trouble: should a backpack be worn with two straps or one? Thankfully, Kors was willing to weigh in on that (not-so) important issue.
“I think either can work. It’s all about your lifestyle and where you’re going,” Kors dished on the age-old one strap versus two conundrum. “I like the hands-free ease of two straps, but there’s definitely something cool about a girl with a backpack slung over one shoulder.”
And if Kors says it’s cool, well, it probably is.