MORE MEN ARE CARRYING WOMEN’S HANDBAGS
Filipino-American designer Rhuigi Villaseñor carries his Birkin on trips where his fashion house Rhude takes him. Soon, he may also be traveling with it for his work with Swiss heritage brand Bally, where he was recently appointed as creative director. He has always been a proud fanatic of the quintessential Hermès bag originally designed for Jane Birkin in 1984 and has been the most covetable bag for women around the world. But recently, it seems, even men want it and have joined the long waiting list. To be fair, Rhuigi lends his girlfriend some of the Birkins from his collection, which also include Chanels, but the pleasure he gets from using it himself is undeniable.
Men have always needed bags to carry things, of course, but it was probably only in the Middle Ages when it became a form of self-expression, a canvas that showcased the bagmaker’s craftsmanship and artistry. Ornately embroidered pouches became status symbols that men would carry when they ventured from home. When pockets became essential to men’s garments in the 17th century, they no longer used bags except for large items, making the carry-on portable bag more a woman’s accessory, evolving as the handbag of the 18th and 19th centuries.
By the 20th century, larger bags were designed for women, as they were increasingly able to lead independent lives outside the home. Women’s bags would drive the luxury market, with many elaborate styles and materials to choose from, while men’s bags would remain largely simple and utilitarian. A man carrying a Birkin would certainly be unheard of in the past. In a 1999 episode of Friends, Matt Le Blanc’s character, Joey, carries a shiny, black leather tote that he loves but is mocked by the boys and it even costs him a part in a play. His friend Rachel concludes, “I just don’t know if the world is ready for you and your bag.”
Fast-forward 20 years, and this attitude is outdated. For FW2017, Louis Vuitton’s collab with Supreme had models with crossbody bags or holding leather clutches, making it to the red carpet, as worn by the gender-fluid Jaden Smith. Joey’s purse, meanwhile, has been the inspiration for the menswear collections of Bottega Veneta, Prada and Gucci. At Dior men SS2019, Kim Jones updated the John Galliano-era Saddle bag worn by Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex and the City. Her favorite Fendi Baguette has also been adapted for men, who seem to love it because of its practical shape and size, and its ease and versatility as a crossbody, clutch or around the waist.
Whereas roomy bags like shoppers were quite popular with men, especially in Japan, bags are slowly shrinking in size. “Maybe it’s because we don’t carry as much around as we used to or because it’s easier to carry — and they’re cuter, of course,” observes stylist Julian Ganio at Fendi.
The big Birkins are somehow easier for men to carry and in fact have gender-fluid roots to begin with since Jane was known for her wardrobe of men’s sports coats and trousers.
Rapper Travis Scott, a fan of Villaseñor’s brand, lags around a jumbo croc Hermès HAC (Haute à Courroies), the house’s first bag produced in 1900 to transport saddles and riding boots. The fact that Hermes bags’ fine quality makes them good investment pieces is also a plus.
The professional sports bettor Dave Oancee, aka Vegas Dave, owns six Birkins, including the rarest $500,000 Himalaya with 18-karat white gold and over 200 diamonds. He buys them for investment but the less expensive ones he uses even for everyday because it can fit his laptop and other essentials. Asked if he doesn’t mind that it’s a
Twoman’s bag, he quipped, “I don’t care; I just know it’s dope and it’s $100,000.” he star rapper Drake has also been collecting Birkins for years, but just keeps them at home “for my future wife,” he says. Displayed like art, one wonders if he’s not actually collecting them for himself. It has in fact become a cult menswear object and a universal symbol of wealth. An online article in Cnaluxury observes how more men in Asia are collecting and carrying Birkins. Auction houses like Christie’s have reported increased participation in bids for luxury bags from Hong Kong and Southeast Asian male clients, many of who proudly post on Instagram in @birkinclub4boys, @birkinmen and their own accounts. Singaporean Bling Empire star Kane Lim was spotted, as well as celebrity hairdresser David Gan. K-pop artist G-Dragon brings around his Birkin 40 in red with gold hardware. Filipino fashion blogger BryanBoy regularly posts his Hermès collectibles and, in the local scene, designers like Paul Cabral have been seen with their prized acquisitions. The Birkin has been so coveted by men, in fact, that the recent FW2022 Hermès menswear show finally gave them The Rock, a more masculine Birkin that’s taller and has a key chain running from the top front edge into a flap pocket below. But even the smaller bags like the Mini Lindy have been gaining ground, as well as those from other brands that tend to have more feminine silhouettes, which just shows how bags, like fashion, are more genderless than ever. Fashion stylist Julie Ragiola believes it’s just part of menswear liberation: “Gender is an outdated ascription when it comes to fashion. We’re moving to a place where taste is the true arbiter.” So if a man wants a pink bag with fancy embroidery and crystals because it matches his outfit, why can’t he carry one? And if he only has a few things to bring, why shouldn’t he opt for a “cute” petite size?
Lifestyle icon Ines de la Fressange has updated her signature French-chic style to embody the active spirit of today for the Uniqlo/ Ines de la Fressange 2022 spring/summer collection, which offers LifeWear that reflects Ines’ belief in bringing “effortless French style” to the world.
This season’s collection offers a variety of items in the blue, white, and red colors of the French flag, while also drawing inspiration from the Moroccan city of Marrakech, a favorite exotic destination among French people.
The glaring sun and striking primary colors of Marrakech have thrilled Ines ever since her first visit to the city at the age of 13. She describes the city as “a place where you can clear your mind and relax, and feel at ease.”
The collection expresses a positive mood of refreshment for the mind and body, welcoming a new season. Knits with hoods and collars are youthful and sporty, while a navy jacket-and-pants set creates a masculine female image characteristic of Ines.
The shirts and jackets in washed-out cotton and linen — reminiscent of a trip to Marrakech — have been prewashed for exceptionally soft comfort. Items in small floral patterns and checks also enhance the cheerful feeling. Lovely shirts and dresses provide an accent for styling.
It’s a collection full of the happy feels of summer, while at the same time being a timeless, essential wardrobe where comfort is key.
* * * Items will be available in the Philippines on Friday, Feb. 25, at Uniqlo stores, the uniqlo.com/ ph online store, and a special website: https:// www.uniqlo.com/ph/en/contents/collaboration/ ines/22ss/ .
Are you fast to react? Do you lose your temper quickly and “see red” on a regular basis? Being angry all the time won’t only reduce your hopes for better social interactions and put people off, it can significantly affect your heart and body in negative ways. Sometimes, irreversibly.
WHAT IS ANGER?
Anger, according to the American Psychological Association, “is an emotion characterized by antagonism toward someone or something you feel has deliberately done you wrong.”
Experts at MentalHelp.net states that the “average adult gets angry about once a day, and annoyed or peeved about three times a day.” Other anger management experts suggest that “getting angry 15 times a day is more likely a realistic average.” These triggers give the amygdala and hypothalamus — two areas in the brain involved in the processing of emotions — a heavy workload on a daily basis.
IS ANGER BAD?
Anger itself isn’t always negative. If someone infringes on your rights, you need to tell them. If expressed in a healthy way and addressed quickly and efficiently, it might even be beneficial. The body’s rush of adrenaline and cortisol helps some people think more rationally. Havoc occurs when anger is not properly managed.
WHY DO WE GET ANGRY?
There are many triggers: loss of patience, rudeness, injustice, lack of appreciation, personal worries, or even past memories that were traumatic and painful. How we process it depends on our personal history. If not taught to properly express anger at a young age, that anger will build up until unsuppressed outbursts are inevitable. Disorders such as Intermittent Explosive Disorder include sudden, repeated and impulsive bursts of aggressive, violent behavior and verbal outbursts out of proportion to the situation. This could involve breaking or throwing things, domestic abuse, road rage or temper tantrums. The environment, brain chemistry, genetic and inherited tendencies can also affect a propensity to overreact.
HOW DOES ANGER AFFECT YOUR BODY?
Angry outbursts are harmful to your cardiovascular health. “Losing your temper can trigger a heart attack, even as long as two hours after the anger has subsided,” according to a study done in 2014 by researchers from Harvard Medical School. Repressed anger — where you express it indirectly or go to great lengths to control it — is associated with heart disease and stroke, experts warn.
It weakens your immune system. Being in a state of rage is exhausting to the body, draining it of its energy, which can cause you to feel sick more frequently.
It exacerbates anxiety and depression. Anger is known to aggravate the symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), a condition characterized by excessive and uncontrollable anxiety that interferes with normal daily activities.
It can affect your lungs. There is substantial research available from the PMC (PubMed Central) showing close links between negative emotions and pulmonary function that can ignite and worsen an existing condition of asthma or emphysema.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Admit you are angry. Become aware of your feelings and address them before you lose control.
Your breath is your best tool. Learn how to use it. A set of deep, slow breaths are all you need to begin calming down and recalibrating the outcome.
Choose to change your environment. You can do this by getting up and walking away momentarily until you feel less explosive and more in control.
Find assertive ways to communicate. Communicate your frustration in a problemsolving manner so solutions can be worked out calmly and prevent future outbursts of the same type.
Use humor when appropriate. Using humor as a coping strategy can lighten things up. Restructure your thoughts to get away from the black-and-white, all-or-nothing way of thinking.
Consider learning and practicing mindfulness. The following can help you instill calmness in your life: Meditation, journaling, prayers, anything that allows you to find your center and recalibrate daily.
Find an activity that you love. Bonus points if it needs your full physical and mental concentration, like boxing, swimming, brisk walking or running, biking, golf, or power yoga.
Talk to a close friend. Being heard and acknowledged heals you emotionally. Often a tight hug can help lift your mood by activating feel-good hormones in your body and brain. Let it go. Once the issue has been discussed, stop. Don’t allow it to linger for days in your mind. Avoid self-talk and move on.
Learning to control anger is a challenge for all of us at some point in our lives. Seek help if your anger seems out of control, makes you do things you later regret, or takes a toll on your family or relationships. Remember that low serotonin levels (mood-enhancing amino acids) may be affecting your ability to regulate anger. Through self-awareness, medical advice and therapy sessions you can curb and control this condition, making life so much more joyful for you and those around you.
* * * Claudia Bermudez-Hyun has been on a nutrition and holistic wellness journey for the last 20 years. She understands the relationship between mind and body and how to heal through proper food, emotional balance and spirituality. She is a Practicing Integrative Health Coach, certified yoga therapist and teacher. At present she lives in Singapore with her family.