Manbags - some questions answered
Manbags are no laughed at but instead are seen as practical, stylish and entirely suitable for a real man to carry in the 21st century. Below are some interviews with a couple of men who love their bags (originally published in the Guardian).
Julianna Grove has a small range of manbags by designer Katherine Emtage (incidentally they could make a great Valentine’s Day present for those of you who have left it to the last minute).
Conor McNicholas
Editor of NME
What’s in your manbag?
Unopened post, cab receipts - I spend half my life in cabs - BlackBerry, cheque book, RayBans, lighter, keys, business cards, foldaway umbrella, pencil, Snickers bar, striped mini-notebook, super-fast-acting Nurofen because you never know how bad the hangover is going to be, pen, two-way connector for my iPod, bottle opener and phone charger. My bag is a key to being able to do my job. I would like to travel light but there are so many bits that I just need to have with me. Sennheiser CX300 headphones - they are amazing, they cut out all the other sound and the bass is wonderful. God forbid I leave my iPod at home or in the office - I couldn’t bear the thought of not listening to music when I’m out and about.
Where did you get your bag?
Selfridges. It’s entirely functional. I couldn’t even tell you what make it is, but it had to be leather or rubber. My bag spends a lot of time on the floor in pubs and clubs. I needed something bright, so I could find it immediately. I think there is even still some Glastonbury mud on the clasp and there are badges on the bag that I think have lasted longer than some of the bands’ careers.
How do you feel about the term manbag?
It’s really derogatory, isn’t it?
Dermot O’Leary
TV presenter
What’s in your manbag?
Diary and notebook, pen, lip balm - thanks to the petroleum base I now feel weirdly addicted to it - water, Empire magazine - I seem to read about films rather than going to see them. I always have a Harry Morgan’s plastic bag in there, too, which I try to re-use. And a phone, though I’m not a big technology boy.
Where did you get your bag?
I’ve got a little collection now. My favourite bag is a Liberty one, which I got a couple of years ago for Christmas. It’s dark olive and has a brown leather strap and trim. It’s just got two big handles - so it’s carried through the arm and over the shoulder. There is one zip compartment for change and the aforementioned lip balm.
Could you cope without the bag?
No. The other day I went out without it and it was like forgetting your mobile or having the stabilisers taken off your bike when you are a kid - you can do it but it doesn’t feel right.
How do you feel about the term manbag?
I think we should embrace it - I like it. There’s not enough in fashion that guys can own.
Have you ever had a hard time from anyone for carrying a bag?
No! I’d take issue with anyone that gave me a hard time for having a bag.
Originally published in the Guardian (full article can be seen here)