I’ve taken up the cause of the backpack here at the blog, so obvs it’s super important as an accessory and a movement.  Nonetheless, there hasn’t been a definitive backpack style to galvanize the budding trend into big time action.  I’m waiting for a hit backpack to compete with current favorites like the PS1 and its clones, plus new totes from Céline, or even the last of the studded bags.

To dominate, a backpack needs to be aligned with the right trend.  I love, and not just love, kbye gtg, the 60s silhouettes of Céline, Rochas, Prada, and Vuitton, but chic women didn’t wear backpacks 50 years ago.  80s-inflected tough sportswear would be a natural fit for backpacks.  Alexander Wang did his part, but we need more product in that category to make a difference.  Come on Acne and Rad Hourani, get it together.

Then there are the romantics: Givenchy, Valentino, and Lanvin.  What keeps them so engaging is that their looks aren’t head-to-toe frills – they balance the frippery with sharp cuts.  In some cases, the whole detailed, thought out look is on the brink of improbability, and it seems wrong to pile on a huge, spoty accessory.  Which means it’s the best thing to do.

J. Crew now sells a backpack in a cotton/spandex taffeta printed with a hazy floral, and Valentino recently showed a couple for resort 2011.  They’re really similar, but the timing means it’s likely both studios came up with them at the same time, as if it’s propelled by the zeitgeist or something.  Romantic backpacks as the bags to watch for next spring?

Get the Fleurette backpack at J. Crew
Valentino backpack photo via WWD

Tags: accessories, Acne, Céline, Givenchy, J. Crew, Lanvin, Louis Vuitton, Prada, RE11, Rochas, Valentino