| The answer would have to be -- that depends. | | | | looking suede they still shout out "manly" rather |
| If they continue to be called handbags -- then | | | | than 'girly'. The cut and style are purposely made |
| they may well not catch on at all. | | | | to appear different to anything else gone before. |
| Call them something else and they more than | | | | The Dior line for instance —- thinned down |
| likely will! | | | | and mini sized messenger type bags that |
| As the speed of business and everyday life | | | | aren’t messenger bags but men’s |
| continues to grow, men too are going to need | | | | handbags. |
| something small enough to carry the various daily | | | | And that's the whole crux of the matter. |
| bits and pieces in, without subjecting their pockets | | | | Men will start to carry the man's handbag -- for |
| to a barrage of seam bursting bits and pieces. | | | | want of a better name -- just so long as it |
| For the majority of the week, men are catered | | | | doesn't destroy their perceived likeness to John |
| for quite adequately with the briefcases or laptop | | | | Wayne or the Terminator. |
| bags. Many now cut straight to the chase and pile | | | | But if it has any likeness to a true handbag as |
| everything into a backpack, caring less for | | | | touted by millions of women then they’ll |
| appearance and more for practicality of being able | | | | run a mile -- fast! It’s that word, you see. |
| to walk around easily. | | | | Strikes fear into even the biggest man. |
| But consider for a minute those trips where a | | | | Handbag. |
| business case isn't required. | | | | It just sounds girly. It’s a word all men |
| Maybe they aren't going out and about with their | | | | associate with their mom. Nothing wrong with |
| laptop or files of papers for the day. Would they | | | | that, you say! I agree —- but although |
| still need a laptop bag or messenger bag? | | | | most men love and respect their moms |
| Unlikely! | | | | —- they don’t want to dress like |
| So maybe the advent of man carrying some | | | | her. That includes the handbag’. |
| form of male handbag isn't that far away. | | | | Then you'll have the diehards who wouldn't touch |
| Indeed, designer names such as Louis Vuitton, | | | | a handbag for their wife, let alone themselves. |
| Dior and Tommy Hilfiger already market bags | | | | These men, I suspect, would rather see NASCAR |
| specifically for men. They obviously believe the | | | | racing made into a non contact sport and the NFL |
| market is the there and that it's worth tapping | | | | forced to impose a non violent tackling rule before |
| into sooner rather than later. | | | | they ever handled a real, live handbag! |
| Nor are they just your standard duffle or | | | | Mark you -- I bet these are the same men who, |
| messenger bags. | | | | as soon as they get the car parked on a family |
| They are specific, cut down versions of these, | | | | trip out anywhere, turn to their wife and say |
| more suitable for carrying wallet, car keys and | | | | "Gee honey, can I put my keys in your |
| mobile phone easily than lugging big and heavy | | | | handbag??" |
| items. Slip in a PDA or iPod and you're away. | | | | And my cell phone? |
| The styles and materials used are still very | | | | Will my wallet fit in as well, do you think? |
| pointedly masculine. With thick leathers and rough | | | | |