AnOther's Lovers present the perfect autumn bag
Every bag has its flip side. The clutch – chic, but you’ve always got your hands full; the tote – takes everything, but so unwieldy; the satchel – unfailingly smart but sometimes a bit formal. In the end you spend your days aboard a merry-go-round of dissatisfaction, shifting your belongings between different receptacles that never quite fulfil your needs. But this week AnOther’s Lovers have found the solution, in the shape of senior fashion editor Agata Belcen’s Love for a 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli backpack. Unflinchingly smart, functional, constructed in shark embossed leather and entirely modern, it is the perfect bag for the autumn shift.
The past few seasons have seen the rucksack, along with a wealth of other throwback fashion, be recalibrated from 90s nostalgia piece to an obvious choice. Items that previously served only as Clueless fancy dress details – platform shoes, oversized denim and tartan – have all enjoyed revivals in sleeker form. But it is the rucksack that has made the slickest transition from then to now, and the élan of this 3.1 Phillip Lim option is the perfect demonstration why.
So as we gear up for an autumn bag switch, we ask Belcen about her personal backpack memories and and how she makes the most of her freed hands.
Why did you love this backpack?
It reminds me of the first backpack I ever had: I was about 8; it was the full height of my torso and twice the width. I wanted to be taken seriously but I had no important things to fill a backpack with, so I thought at least if it looked imposing I might have a shot at dignity.
What would you wear it with if you owned it, what would be in it and where would you be going?
I think it could look good with a rain coat. I'd be going to the airport, taking it as my hand-luggage so it would have my clear plastic washbag with lots of mini bottles inside.
What is your favourite type of bag?
A light one.
Rucksacks keep your hands free – what's your favourite thing to do with your hands?
To write thank you cards.
What's your must have for next season?
A suit.
What's your policy for supermarket carrier bags?
I don't have a policy, which is bad, as it should be to not use carrier bags.
Do you have one bag and use it all the time, or do you swap between a variety?
I swap between a few and often find nice surprises of things I left behind when I go back to them.
What was the last thing you bought?
A sequinned Marc Jacobs dress to wear at my friends' wedding.
What are you looking forward to about autumn?
To having lived longer.
