The Tasteful Art Of Accessorising A Bag

One of bagaholicboy’s pet peeves: when women pile straps and charms onto a bag, but they just don’t go. Here, he and female team up with fendi (one of the top – and most fun – names in bag accessories) to give you a crash course on getting the look right – starting with a tricked out kan I, the brand’s it bag of the season.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel

One of bagaholicboy’s pet peeves: when women pile straps and charms onto a bag, but they just don’t go. Here, he and female team up with fendi (one of the top – and most fun – names in bag accessories) to give you a crash course on getting the look right – starting with a tricked out kan I, the brand’s it bag of the season.

My Reading Room
FAIL-SAFE YET FASHIONABLE

“The easy way to get the ‘fashionable’ part right: Go for a bag that’s already embellished. (While there are plain versions, the Kan I also comes with ornamentation ranging from contrasting scallop-shaped edges to fun embroidery and studs.) The not-so-easy part: decorating one. Just add one strap and one charm with the same aesthetic, and you’re sorted. Promise.”

Kan I shoulder bag with plexiglass studs and embroidery, Ribbon Stripe Strap You shoulder sling, and Fendi Fruits fox and rabbit fur charm. All bags and accessories in calf leather unless stated.

My Reading Room
UNPREDICTABLE YET POLISHED

“Who says a bag should only have one strap, especially when it’s got heft? (The Kan I debuted in Resort 2017 as a mini, but also comes in medium this season.) And who says a strap is only a strap? I’ve added two more here simply for drama, but note how – like the double-lock closure (a defining feature of the Kan I) – they are studded.”

Kan I shoulder bag, Pequin Ribbon shoulder sling with plexi studs (top), and Studded Mini Strap You slings with plexi studs (middle and bottom).

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IRREVERENTLY CUTE

“Breaking news: You can pile on accessories that are bigger or louder than your bag, but if you’re doing so, make sure it’s obvious that that’s the look you’re going for. Like with not one or two, but three so-cute-I-want-to-die charms.” (Besides the modern version of a top-handle with a short, detachable strap, the Kan I also comes in a shoulder bag style with a versatile chain sling.)

Mini Kan I shoulder bag with metal chain strap, and Fendi Fruits fox and rabbit fur charms.

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THE GO-ON-PHOTOGRAPH-ME-ALREADY APPROACH

“Think of this as an amalgamation of my previous tips. Up the ante on an embellished bag. Pile on the straps. Do. Not. Be. Afraid. To. Show. Off. How to make sure you stay on the right side of OTT? The inverse of everything I’ve already said: contrast, contrast, contrast. (With four – instead of the usual two – metal rings for hooks, the Kan I lets one do just that.)”

Kan I top-handle bag with embellishments, Strap You shoulder sling with plexi studs (behind) and Strap You shoulder sling with metal studs.

Photography Zaphs Zhang / Art Direction Kim Wong & Adeline Eng.