Marching Bags

by Maura Carlin

What bag will you wear or carry to your next political march or protest? Whether you’re a cash-rich conservative or an elite leftie liberal, or anywhere on the spectrum, the right bag hangs on more than just your OOTD (outfit of the day).

Sometimes there are prescribed restrictions. Size does matter. Both the Women’s March and the March for Life in Washington DC last month set limits on the dimensions. Transparency also was encouraged.*

Those of us who have not-so-secretly lusted after PurseBop’s Delvaux Xray Brillant bag, even before it became the perfect carry for activism, may be even more disappointed to have missed out. Maybe its owners will see a resale opportunity. You also are in luck if your purse collection includes the Hermes Clear Kelly

Image courtesy: 1stdibs

and/or a Chanel clear plastic classic flap including the latest Spring 2017 version.

Chanel Spring 2017, Saks Fifth Avenue.

Those mini bags (from Fendi, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, just to name a few) that flew off the shelves during the last year fit the bill as well.

Once you navigate the size issue, consider whether there’s a carry preference (or “wear” if you land on that side of the carry versus wear debate). Hands free –cross body, fanny, shoulder or back – may make it easier to carry a sign or flag. Then again – now close your eyes PurseBop, you won’t understand this – a jacket with a lot of pockets might obviate the need for any bag. Of course, bagless is probably not a realistic option for any follower of dear PurseBop.

In any event, one may wonder: does a designer bag diminish the march message. Karl Lagerfeld certainly thought otherwise in the Chanel Spring 2015 “protest” collection. Many of those bags featured pro-feminist (and pro-Chanel) slogans and harkened back to the 1960s & 1970s activist movements.

PARIS, FRANCE – SEPTEMBER 30: Models walk the show finale during the Chanel show as part of the Paris Fashion Week Womenswear Spring/Summer 2015 on September 30, 2014 in Paris, France. (Photo by Dominique Charriau/WireImage)

Chanel Spring 2015 Protest Inspired bags.

Feminist Clutch, Chanel Spring 2015, Karl Lagerfeld.

What do you think? Is a designer bag appropriate accessorizing for marches?

– Maura Carlin

*Footnote:
Organizers of the Women’s March in Washington DC last month advised that bags/totes/purses could not exceed 8”x 6”x 4”and the only backpacks allowed were clear transparent bags no larger than 17” x 12” x 6”. https://www.womensmarch.com/faq/ Simply put, if it wasn’t clear, then it had to be mini. Participants in the March for Life 2017 at the Capitol also were told not be bring “any bag larger than 18” wide x 14” high x 8.5” deep.” https://www.aoc.gov/prohibited-items-us-capitol-building