Handbags, once thought of as an accessory reserved for women, are now becoming a gender-neutral statement in fashion. Unlike the narrative around Joey Tribbiani’s “man bag” on ‘F.R.I.E.N.D.S’, today, male celebrities like Karan Johar and Harry Styles flaunt luxury totes. So, bags are finally being recognised as the functional, fashionable, and essential part of one’s wardrobe that they are.
Remember when Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston) from F.R.I.E.N.D.S. and handed over a ‘man bag’ to Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc)? Calling it a fashion statement, she convinced Joey to carry it around. The episode saw Joey love his new bag, both in terms of utility and its style quotient.
At the time, that sleek shoulder bag wasn’t just an accessory—it was a bold statement against gendered fashion. But today, that so-called “man bag” has outgrown the punchline. Bags are finally being embraced for what they truly are: functional, fashionable, and gender neutral.
In India, celebrities like Karan Johar are often seen carrying luxe totes from Gucci and Dior. You’ll spot him flaunting monogrammed designer pieces during his aiport runs. The paparazzi have captured the director carrying some cool designer handbags including a 'Gold Togo Shark Bolide 45 PHW,' which is from the shelves of the international brand Hermes. It is a limited-edition handbag and is crafted from Gold Togo leather. So, if anyone needs inspiration on how to rock a luxury bag, KJo’s airport looks are the perfect reference.
For those who want to keep things more casual, there's Aparshakti Khurana. Casually swinging crossbodies and slings like they were always meant to be part of the outfit, his looks make a case for a more understated handbag look.
It's not just Bollywood leading the charge. In the West, Harry Styles, fashion’s favourite rule-breaker, has been spotted time and again with luxury handbags fit for a king. In 2022, Harry stunned everyone with a green Gucci 1947 Bamboo top-handle handbag at the movie premiere of ‘My Policeman’ at the Toronto International Film Festival 2022.
Jared Leto, known for his experimental style, was spotted carrying a Gucci Heart Bag—which is a clutch shaped like the organ-- completely encrusted in crystals during an event in London. The bag first debuted at the brand’s Aria Collection in April 2021 and was shown in numerous colors, including yellow and light blue.
Why were bags ever gendered to begin with? Patriarchy. The same outdated logic that once deemed pink “only for girls” and makeup “not for men.” But as our understanding of gender becomes more inclusive and fluid, it’s only natural that our fashion reflects the same. So, the next time you see a handbag that is pretty, suggest it to your male friends too!
