Item of the week: the satchel

What it is:

The satchel bag has been around for hundreds of years, yet its specific
origins remain unknown. Linked to everything from Roman soldiers to
Scottish monks, the piece has been regularly adapted and transformed to fit
the time period it was found in. Now, however, its design is distinctive,
more often than not defined by a strong structure to serve in its primary
function of carrying books. The bag is typically box-like, in a rectangular
shape with a flat bottom and complete with a flap that acts as a cover. Its
closure usually involves a buckle or clasp, however this differs per
design.

Why you’ll want it:

If there was ever a bag type that would be considered a ‘classic staple’ it
would be the satchel. Its consistent presence among the fashion crowd over
the past decades has ensured it has a permanent place in collections,
season after season, meaning that it is a safe-bet when looking to form an
accessory offering that will deliver. This doesn’t mean that there is a
need to stick to these standardised formats, however. As the years go on,
designers and brands continue to experiment and update the bag, applying
their own design codes to create revitalised versions and bring it up to
date for the modern shopper.

Where we’ve seen it:

Satchels have always been a distinct element to designer accessory
collections, and for SS24 this continued to remain true. For this season,
the piece came in an array of shapes and materials, exhibiting the design
opportunities such a look can offer. At Fendi, for example, a crocodile
skin-like texture refined the minimalist shape, similar to that at Louis
Vuitton, where the item was casualised using buckles and a fabric strap. At
Rhude and Dries Van Noten, the satchel was elevated with alternative
fastenings; one with an enlarged flap, the other folding in on itself. Dior
Men, however, stuck closely to the traditional silhouette, but added a
branded clasp and subtle embellishments to bring depth and texture.

How to style it:

The satchel is a versatile bag choice, and can be added to just about any
outfit, providing functionality where needed. To really lean into its
aesthetic, however, we can take inspiration from your local geography
teacher – who is likely to be considered trendy now by the younger
generation – utilising corduroy jeans, a v-neck sweater, button up shirt
and oversized blazer to tap into the classic academia look. An alternative
to this is adding the bag to a midi dress and knee-length boot combo,
referencing another take on academia fashion popularised by Pinterest
influencers.

The satchel is a timeless piece, a staple in the accessory category that
will always be favoured among consumers looking for a practical yet stylish
handbag. With looks appealing to all genders, there are no limitations on
how to apply such an item, giving it a broad audience and many
possibilities.