The schoolbag: as students, almost all of us have one. We always carry it around, and it’s an accessory that can never really go out of style.
However, the regularity with which I see schoolbags around campus does not necessarily equate to a lack of variation, with bags coming in countless varieties, from classic canvas totes to studded, luxe messenger bags.
Although the majority of students seems to stay within the confines of a classic backpack or bag with a few special fabric or embellishment details to prevent a clash with their outfits, other students choose to use their bag to make their outfit.
I’m actually in the market for a new schoolbag myself, as my own is slowly disintegrating into a pile of shredded fabric that no longer adequately stores all of my discarded candy wrappers and untouched textbooks.
With so many choices out there, I’m finding it a bit difficult to commit to that certain special schoolbag that will be right by my side for at least the rest of my undergraduate years. I’m struggling to decide whether I should go with a versatile and durable backpack, a bag with fashionable details or maybe something in-between.
I would say that most students decide to go the classic, dependable backpack route, with the most popular brands – JanSport, The North Face and Herschel Supply Co. – offering decent prices in relation to durability.
Laurent Abergel, a second-year political science student and owner of a black JanSport backpack, said he would not get anything too flashy because he just cares about functionality.
“JanSport is just the most popular, because it’s decently cheap, it’s a standard bag, and it’s always there in the backpack section,” Abergel said. “It’s the ubiquitous backpack.”
On the other end of the very large spectrum is the ultra-expensive luxury bags. The collaboration between the Olsen twins’ fashion line The Row and artist Damien Hirst has spawned the world’s most expensive backpack, an embellished crocodile leather accessory priced at $55,000.
Besides Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, I don’t know of anyone – including myself – that is sanely considering spending almost four years of in-state tuition on something that stores their blue books and scientific calculators. However, I appreciate the trickle-down of luxury, high-fashion trends to all of us non-moguls.
I’ve seen a departure from canvas to more upscale fabrics, such as leather and suede, as well as an inclusion of details like tassels, studs and utilitarian buckles on many bags throughout campus. These extra elements make students’ accessories less uniform than the basic, black JanSport, yet they’re not too striking as to prevent versatility.
Some of these more stylized bags that I currently have been browsing are sold by mainstream retailers like Topshop, American Apparel and Urban Outfitters. Although not as affordable as JanSport, I believe they are still feasible long-term investments on a college budget.
Alex Sloane, a first-year English student and owner of a metallic pink, studded backpack, said she carries it around with her everywhere, regardless of whether it goes with her outfit or not, and just really likes that it stands out.
Sloane said she recommends that I either go thrifting to find myself a bag, or check out clear, neon backpacks if I’m looking for something new and fashionable.
Other bag variations that stand out a bit more than the rest are often compatible with certain types of styles. For instance, duffel bags suit a more sporty style while retro, timeworn satchels can be seen on students preferring vintage clothing.
A newer style that I have seen emerging on campus is that of nylon backpacks. Not to be mistaken with the sportier drawstring version, this accessory combines a practical, lightweight fabric with more stylish, bright colors.
Now that I know my options, ranging from a functional backpack to something that’s clear and neon, I have yet to decide what style to choose. Although I believe the separation of functional and fashionable exists, I also believe that these two characteristics are not mutually exclusive – that there is a bag out there that can satisfy both my student and sartorialist needs.
I have faith that, whether I run into one in a store or maybe even online somewhere, a little more searching will lead me to find my one true schoolbag love.
What’s your dream bag? Email Gill at ngill@media.ucla.edu.