Reachingdeccan for the Moon
The minimalist and versatile moon bag has emerged as the latest must-have accessory in the post-pandemic world
When Doja Cat sashayed down the runway at the Grammys this year in a sheer Atelier Versace dress, it wasn’t just her outfit that hogged all the attention. Vying for its share was the crescent-shaped glass bag from Coperni in which the singer carried shiny candy. Indeed, her bag dominated the buzz back then, doubling as it did as a bag and as a vase or jar of sorts.
And while glass may not be a pragmatic choice for a bag, the moon shape has been gaining steady popularity among brands and celebs alike. These bags — essentially hobo bags made of materials as varied as leather or fabric — come in the perfect crescent shape, lending them their name: moon bag. They can also be covered in crystals or fringes, and are available in dark tones and basic shades, making them rather stylish companions.
Perhaps the best example of one would be Staud’s classic moon bag offering; it has already assumed iconic status thanks to its endorsement by names such as Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid. Iterations by Gucci, Miu Miu, The Row and Valentino have also been received very well. Closer home, brands such as Nappa Dori, Cord, Mistry and Outhouse too have jumped on the moon bag bandwagon.
So why is the moon bag catching on and how can one incorporate it into one’s look? The answer, stylists are quick to point out, lies in two key traits that the bag exhibits from the get-go; the first is nostalgia, which is currently all the rage across mediums, and the second is versatility, which makes it a
functionally wise sartorial choice.
IT’S ALL ABOUT NOSTALGIA
From Stranger Things bringing back ’80s music to ’90s Barbiecore making waves again, nostalgia continues to be the flavour of the season. Fashion, of course, is cyclical and so it should not be surprising to see moon bags —which are reminiscent of the ’90s — make a comeback. Stylist Isha Bhansali states that moon bags are part of the Y2K trend. “Y2K fashion is back and so are the moon bags. These tiny hobo bags can be paired effortlessly with crop tops and baggy jeans. It’s part of the larger love for all things retro,” she points out.
HIGH ON VERSATILITY AND FUNCTIONALITY
Another reason behind the popularity of the bags is their versatility. Divyak D’souza, who has been credited with styling celebrities such as Parineeti Chopra and Jacqueline Fernandez, shares how moon bags
offer a convenient alternative to ‘bulky cumbersome bags’. “I think Gen Z in particular is gravitating towards these moon bags because they are highly versatile and functional at the same time. Here’s a bag that you just carry on your shoulder while your hands are free to hold that sandwich. There’s a utility element here that makes them unfussy and very appealing to today’s youth,” he says.
HOW TO CARRY THAT MOON BAG
Isha agrees that their versatility makes them perfect for all occasions. “You could be dressed for a formal/casual event or even a date night and the moon bag would fit right in. With these bags, you have a lot of freedom to mix and match,” she says.
Divyak shares that the bag goes especially well with feminine silhouettes. “They will go beautifully with skirts or dresses, even as they add a certain structure to your fluid look. That’s not to say that you can’t wear them with your athleisure look; they will also pair well with street wear. In any case, there are lots of moon bag options available now — right from luxury brands to high street premium ones. The way I see it, you can just throw in your basics — think your card and cash, your keys and lipstick — and just head out with one of these without even thinking much and you’d still look on-trend,” he says matter-offactly.