The once reviled fanny packs get a high-fashion makeover, and an even higher price tag than the fashion
by Michael Smith (Veshengro)
London, February 2011: the fanny pack, the small pouch that attaches to a wearer's waist providing easy access to life's essentials, that was once the province of tacky tourists, suburban joggers, and geriatric mall walkers on the go, has, in recent months, been popping up in the world's most elite style circles, and that with a price tag to boot.
Diane von Furstenburg's Spring 2011 runway show featured loads of fanny packs. But, like most fashion influencers, the design house shys away from the label “fanny pack” and instead it refers to the belted cases as “hands-free bags.” A rose by any other name and all that?
Last fall, indie handbag designer Sang A Im-Propp created an alligator fanny pack to be sold during Fashion's Night Out. The bag cost US$1,995 and sold out of stores that very night. This proves that some people definitely have more money than sense and that even still during a recession.
Luxury leather goods institution Hermés is getting in on the pack action with the introduction of its "Kelly Bandeau," a camel-hued waist pouch that costs US$4,675. Yes, you read that figure correctly; the best part of five grand. Help!
The cheapest one in the high-fashion world of fanny pack seems to the the one from the Alviero Martini's Italian-leather collection – featuring a map of the world as well. That one will only cost you US$214.
If the trend takes, purists can return to the fanny pack's humble design origins and save a bundle: A traditional nylon version costs just $7.99 on Amazon and even leather ones should be able to be had at less then US$50, I should think.
Alternatively make your own large belt pouches using some leather and some leather sewing skills; it ain't difficult. Recycle some old leather bags and such into nice usable fanny backs and keep some stuff out of the landfill at the same time.
© 2011
