Baga Holic Boy’s 7 Rules Of Bag Care

1 Moderate what you put into it. You care about your weight – and you ought to do the same for your tote/satchel/ insert-here-whatever-you-carry. It may look roomy, but that doesn’t mean you should throw in everything you own (and the kitchen sink). Too much and it’ll not only look bloated, but also sag and stretch. Do you really need all that for a night on the town? No, you don’t.

2 Go easy on the handles – especially leather ones. Even if the bag doesn’t give way, these will stretch over time if they bear too much weight, day in and day out. Remember: It’s not the brand’s fault if they tear. It’s yours.

3 Sheath it in its dust bag – or a 100 per cent cotton or silk pillowcase – then keep it on an open shelf. Leather is an organic product that actually breathes, so if it’s stored in a box and in a cupboard, it’ll suffocate. And its worst enemy, Mr. Mould, will pay a visit. And never – repeat, never – vacuum pack it. It might just deform. 

4 Keep it away from direct sunlight. Far from the window, but, nope, not under the bed or behind the door (that’s just you being lazy). The rays can cause the bag’s colour to fade, and we all know that uneven tan lines are just not sexy.

5 Do not – repeat – do not place it on shelves near toilets, sinks, or any area where water is present. Ms. Moisture – another nemesis of leather bags – is Mr Mould’s bestie and encourages his growth (see point 3). These places have moisture, moisture loves leather, and… you get the picture. 

6 Stuff it. One way of keeping your bag in (its original) shape is to fill it with stuffing. Not newsprint (it stains), or anything inked (it might transfer). Instead, buy huge rolls of butter or baking paper, crush them up, and pack them all in. Bag’s full, you feel fulfilled, all’s well. 

7 Use. The. Darn. Bag. Leather loves to be used; needs to be used. All the natural oils on your hands actually help condition the material, so carry, touch or caress it – whichever way you want – as long as it’s as often as you can. If you don’t, it means you probably don’t want it anymore, and deterioration will set in even faster. Then you’ll need Rule No. 8: Sell it. Before it falls apart.

HOLIC BOY SAYS GIVE YOUR CLASSIC IT BAG SOME SLACK

No, he doesn’t mean go easier on them (whatever that means). “With lifestyles and dress codes more relaxed, brands are now updating their signature bags (which tend to be structured and stiff) to suit you whether you’re dressed up or down,” points out our wise guest creative director. The Lady Dior tote (bottom right), for example, is more supple because of a new form of stitching. Saint Laurent’s added a Souple (yes, that’s the name; top right) adaptation to its Sac De Jour line – the use of fullgrain leather, known for its natural feel, means its usually rigid sides can flex naturally. And underscoring the modern (and practical) appeal of a bag with some “slouch” is Chanel: Its new house classic, the Gabrielle satchel (top left), is crafted from creamy soft aged calfskin, yet sports a moulded base. “Soft where it needs to be, hard where it really matters. If only people can say the same about all men,” quips Bagaholicboy. #BBquotes.