In a world where high fashion meets everyday life, an unexpected trend is taking the stage – designer paper bags as accessories. Forget about what’s inside; these high-end paper carriers are making waves from lunch bags to TikTok backgrounds, redefining the term “designer bag.”
Let’s unravel this fascinating trend that’s turning heads and capturing the imagination of fashion enthusiasts.
Instagram | Chanel and Balmain can fetch prices as high as £65
Have you ever spotted someone on the bus flaunting a chic paper bag and wondered if they just splurged at Chanel or Prada? Well, chances are, it’s not a shopping spree but a commuter’s stylish, packed lunch. These designer paper bags are becoming the latest craze, offering a unique twist to the traditional concept of a “designer bag.”
The trend isn’t just about aesthetics; it has entered the realm of resale, where empty paper carriers from luxury brands like Chanel and Balmain can fetch prices as high as £65. The resale market is buzzing with offerings ranging from the iconic Hermes bag starting at £45 to a curated set of eight different brands, including Gucci and Burberry, starting at £114.
The Unlikely Collab: Balenciaga and Erewhon
Even celebrities like Kim Kardashian are hopping on the trend, showcasing a Balenciaga paper bag collaboration with Erewhon, a high-end organic grocery store. It’s a quirky intersection of fashion and everyday life, proving that these paper bags are more than just carriers; they’re a statement.
Instagram | Kim Kardashian showcasing a Balenciaga paper bag collaboration with Erewhon.
Bottega Veneta’s £1,800 Brown Bag: A Luxury Twist on Tradition
Bottega Veneta’s advertising campaign featuring ASAP Rocky and the “Medium Brown Bag” takes this trend to the next level. Priced at a staggering £1,800, this suede-lined calfskin bag is a modern interpretation of Bloomingdale’s iconic “Little Brown Bag” from 1973. It’s not just a bag; it’s a symbol of an aspirational lifestyle.
Why the Frenzy? Unpacking the Trend
Home Décor and Status Symbol: Some enthusiasts buy these designer paper bags as Gen Z’s version of fine-bone china, using them as unique décor items in their homes.
Illusion of Wealth: Social media influencers strategically place these bags in the background, creating an illusion of wealth in shopping hauls and unboxing videos on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Designer Bags for Fake Gifts: Crafty buyers use real designer carrier bags to present fake designer bags as gifts, adding an element of surprise and humor to the gesture.
Matching Bags for Secondhand Gems: Those who snag designer items on secondhand sites seek out corresponding carrier bags to match, completing the experience.
TikTok Hacks: DIY enthusiasts on TikTok have even devised hacks to transform these designer paper bags into more durable alternatives by wrapping them in plastic.
Instagram | Black-and-white paper Chanel carrier bag.
The Psychology Behind the Paper: Identity and Credibility
Isabelle Szmigin, a marketing professor at the University of Birmingham, explains that these carrier bags are more than just vessels; they’re tied to identity. Owning one implies a connection with the brand, translating to credibility, especially in the realm of social media.
In a world where a simple paper bag can evoke feelings of exclusivity and luxury, this trend is rewriting the rules of fashion and consumerism. Whether you’re flaunting it on your commute or strategically placing it in the background of your next TikTok, the designer paper bag has evolved into an unexpected symbol of style, creativity, and a touch of whimsy.
