The Unspoken Language of the XXL Bag
The XXL bag, a veritable cornucopia of personal items, emerges as a fashion statement and a symbol of societal truths. The trend, reminiscent of a doner kebab spilling its contents, signifies more than a sartorial choice. It’s an inadvertent nod to the chaos and clutter of modern existence. Fashion houses like MIU MIU and BALENCIAGA have turned these overflowing vessels into runway staples, embedding subtle personal character and lifestyle cues into each design. Yet, beneath their stylish exterior lies a more profound commentary on the luxury industrial complex’s grasp on our quest for identity.
A model walks the catwalk during the Miu Miu spring/summer 2024 show in Paris. Photograph: Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images
The Hermès Birkin and Beyond: Icons of Contradiction
The legendary HERMÈS Birkin, famously overfilled by its namesake, Jane Birkin, epitomizes this contradiction to the point of absurdity. It’s a luxury icon, yet its usage mocks the very essence of luxury. The Birkin’s transition from a status symbol to a catch-all rugby ball reflects a societal shift. The trend’s absurdity peaks with the “Microscopic Handbag,” a satirical take on the practicality of high fashion. These style choices, once reserved for the elite, have trickled down to the public domain, raising questions about the role of fashion in everyday life.
Jane Birkin with her overstuffed tote with a Tibetan flag taped to it in 2008. Photograph: Thomas Samson/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images
Fashion’s Mirror to Society: Class, Gender, and the Handbag
The XXL bag trend mirrors societal divisions, with its roots tracing back to Roman times when the act of carrying signified social status. This historical through-line continues to influence contemporary fashion. The overstuffed bag, a symbol of the ‘frazzled Englishwoman,’ challenges traditional notions of femininity and perfection. Yet, when carried by men, the perception shifts dramatically, highlighting gender biases deeply ingrained in society. This disparity underscores the handbag’s role as a vessel of social commentary, reflecting class and gender dynamics.
The XXL Bag: A Styling Trick or a Societal Necessity?
Ultimately, the XXL bag transcends its role as a fashion accessory. For some, like Liana Satenstein, it’s a magical abyss, a black hole of necessity. For others, like Lauren Friedman, it represents freedom from physical and metaphorical baggage. At its core, this trend is a paradoxical blend of high fashion’s glorification of the mundane and a genuine reflection of everyday struggles. It’s a styling illusion that, ironically, reveals the raw truths of our society. Ultimately, the XXL bag is not just a trend; it’s a mirror to our lives, a symbol of the burdens we carry, both visible and unseen.
Balenciaga, summer 2024 collection. Photograph: PR IMAGE