London women are buying bags that fit a laptop, a betrayal thirty years in the making
The Return of the Sensible Handbag, Allegedly
For years the London handbag market ran on the principle that a bag should hold a lipstick, a phone and nothing else, because dignity means never carrying your own lunch. That era, reportedly, is ending.
Brands from Marylebone to Mayfair are quietly launching bags with actual internal structure, laptop sleeves and something the industry is nervously calling a zip that works. Buyers say it reflects a shift toward function. Cynics say it reflects the price of everything else in London, which now requires you to carry snacks.
Whatever the reason, the handbag aisle finally looks like it respects your back. Read more London fashion business coverage on Roper Penberthys page at The London Prat, and for the numbers on accessory spending, Vogue Business has the full breakdown.