Seriously, Bum Bags Are Back?

By Sharmin Musca, Personal Stylist on November 19, 2014 in Other

There are times, usually during fashion weeks, when fashion-forward celebrities get a little overexcited and adopt a rather out-there (but thankfully short-lived) new trend. I’m hoping the same can be said of Chanel’s latest accessory recently worn by Sarah Jessica Parker – the designer bum bag. Seriously? Is it possible that this unattractive pouch, long associated with daggy tourists, embarrassing dads and drug dealers, could become the renaissance bag this season thanks to a few cool celebrity endorsements? The ironic accessory also recently made an appearance at Alexander Wang’s show – are some designers blind to that fact that no matter what label you stick on it a bum bag is totally uncool?

I don’t get fashion’s fascination with ‘normcore’, the unisex movement that’s known for its unpretentious, average-looking, high-street clothing that takes style inspiration from 1990s celebrities like Jerry Seinfeld – think blend-into-the crowd hoodies, baggy t-shirts and chinos. Ironically, it seems that what began as an anti-style movement to reject fashion trends and ‘dress normal’ has evolved into a trend itself – blending in has become the new standing out – as designer pieces from the likes of Chloe and Kenzo are being touted as normcore.

In other fashion news, Burberry’s ‘must have’ cape is now available to any mere mortals with at least $1400 to spare. Earlier this year, front row fashion editors and celebrities were stopped in their tracks when Burberry sent the world’s most iconic models down the runway, each sporting their very own initialled wool and cashmere blanket cape. Now, like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Cara Delevingne, you too can have your initials immortalised in cape form (take note: along with the bum bag this cape has also been adopted by Sarah Jessica Parker).

With fashion weeks around the globe drawing to an end for Spring/Summer 2015, a few more trends have emerged:

Updated denim – Denim had a resurgence on the runways in many new shapes – from full-length skirts and dresses at Chloé and Stella McCartney to the roomy pants and shirt dresses at Gucci – that may see you retire your simple skinny jeans next season.

Rainbow brights – Designers looked to the rainbow hues and vibrant attitude of rave culture in their collections
70s revival – From hippy Woodstock-ready dresses to 70s colour palettes, fashion is looking to the past for spring.

Sports luxe – Many designers embraced performance-inspired fashion, like Alexander Wang with his mesh inserts and Nike Air Jordan-inspired clutches.

Kimono-style belts – Obi-style wrap belts were everywhere, both cinching looks at the waist and hanging loosely at the hip.
Ruffles – This flouncy, ultra-feminine style popped up on the runways with surprising frequency this season. If Miu Miu and Stella McCartney have anything to say about it, we’ll be channelling our innermost girlie-girl and investing in ruffled dresses, skirts and tops this season.

On the streets this month I found…

Name: Prue
Lives: Bondi
Occupation: Retail manager
Fave Item This Season: Knox lace up dress by Equipment
Street Style: Prue’s dress and cardie by Free People are from Come As You Are; she also wears Prada sunnies, a bag by Chloe and Isabel Marant kicks.

Name: Ella
Lives: Bondi Beach
Occupation: Sales consultant
Fave Item This Season: Miu Miu sunglasses
Street Style: Ella steps out in boyfriend jeans by One Teaspoon and a crop tee by Bassike. Her ATP sandals, Organic Peroxide necklace, Karen Walker sunnies and Rebecca Minkoff clutch are all from Tuchuzy.