By Ellen Bird
11th Aug 2018
11th Aug 2018
From streamlined sleek leather, Gucci-inspired quilt and new neutrals, backpacks aren’t just for nerdy college kids or gap-toothed school kids anymore. Practicality has prevailed, and fashion has condoned it. Backpacks are back for AW18. With luxe options from all your favourite designers and high-street brands, checkered fabrics, minimalist designs, addictive monograms and kooky bold prints themed heavily upon old-school nostalgia this season.
While many would naturally fear looking like a preppy school girl with an oversized backpack, I disagree. The classic black Prada rucksack is, and has been since initial release in 1984, a coveted prized possession, and Chanel’s colourful beige graffiti steal with ruffled chains hasn’t dated since originally introduced at SS14 fashion week in New York. Somehow unfortunately, backpacks had fallen off the catwalk in recent years as Disney logos glossed over Chloé suede. AW18 brought back some serious sentiment, though, and boomeranged fresh excitement for this comfortable trend (it leaves you hands-free for that essential Starbucks grande, of course!).
Anyone awkwardly hauling around splintering tote bags with chunky laptops will know that anything which makes life easier for our savvy #bossladies and stylish hustlers is what’s hot right now – nobody wants red indents on their right shoulder. So be ready to take on the new season like a boss. Whether you are meeting friends for coffee on a Saturday afternoon, or commuting long hauls on a Monday migration to work, a backpack is a chic-yet-practical fashion essential. “Back-to-school season” may be on the horizon, but there are surprisingly few backpacks on the shelves right now. But I’ve done the “virtual” legwork and come-up with an essential edit for the upcoming season.
Check out my picks of the best designer and high-street backpacks to wear as of today:
The Polished Minimalist
Mini textured-leather backpack by Mansur Gabriel, €695 at net-a-porter.com
Beautiful Braids
Braided leather backpack, €99.95 at Zara
The Print Of Nostalgia
Camouflage backpack by OFF-WHITE, €525.00 at brownthomas.com
Check-Up On Check
BDG brushed check backpack, €55.00 at Urban Outfitters
The Luxe Leather
Embossed and textured-leather backpack by Fendi, €1,690 at net-a-porter.com
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