LeBron James Champions the Man Bag Trend: A Closer Look
LeBron James sets a stylish trend with his forest green Louis Vuitton Speedy bag, effortlessly worn at his hip Joining a growing list of male celebrities embracing the shoulder bag, he exudes confidence and fashion-forward appeal
Editors Note: Look of the Week is a regular series that delves into the most buzzed-about outfit of the past week, showcasing both the good and the bad.
LeBron James, a four-time NBA champion, continues the trend of male celebrities sporting high-fashion bags. During his recent appearance at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado for the LA Lakers game against the Denver Nuggets, the 34-year-old basketball player made a fashion statement with his choice of accessory. For his first game of the season, James opted for the forest green Speedy bag from Louis Vuitton, a standout piece from Pharell's inaugural collection as creative director of menswear this summer.
James arrived in Denver wearing a green Louis Vuitton Speedy bag.
James accessorized his outfit with a cross-body bag, complementing his custom tweed "Damoflage" jacket. This jacket features a pixelated, Minecraft-like print that has become a popular brand symbol, supported by celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Rihanna. Completing his look are stylish sunglasses and black derby shoes. James joins the ranks of other notable men who have been spotted not just wearing any functional bag, but an "it bag."
This year, Australian actor Jacob Elordi, who is slated to portray Elvis in Sofia Coppola's upcoming biographical film "Priscilla," has been seen sporting a collection of sought-after high-end bags draped over his shoulder. These include, but are not limited to, a Bottega Veneta Cassette bag, a Chanel Mini Messenger, a Burberry Sanford leather tote, a Valentino Loco bag, and a yellow variation of the James LV Speedy. One user on X exclaimed, "Elordi and his extravagant bags are inseparable."
In the Look of the Week segment, Julia Fox surpasses her own expectations while adorning herself in a dry-cleaning bag.
Similarly, the man bag has received the endorsement of fashion-forward musicians Tyler the Creator and A$AP Rocky. Tyler has been seen sporting a turquoise quilted Chanel number since at least 2018, and he also owns a green Goyard trunk bag. Just recently, A$AP was spotted rocking a Barbie-pink Bottega Andiamo.
Jacob Elordi was seen this summer in an array of it bags, including this burgundy Valentino Loco bag.
Alessandro Levati/Getty Images
A gendered stigma has long been associated with men who carry shoulder bags,
In a specific episode of "Friends" named "The One with Joeys Bag" from season five, episode 13, Joey faces mockery from Chandler and Ross regarding his masculinity and sexual orientation when he unveils his new leather tote bag. Men carrying bags are frequently the subject of jokes in internet memes, comic strips, and even stand-up comedy performances. Comedian Andrew Schulz, during a 2019 show, ridiculed a male audience member sporting a small leather satchel by commenting, "You better keep a gun in here bro."
A$AP Rocky wore a Bottega Veneta Andiamo bag for his birthday dinner earlier this monthand it was the perfect shade of pink.
Jackson Lee/GC Images/Getty Images
However, the tide is turning. Pharrell expressed his eagerness to design accessories while holding the top job at Louis Vuitton, as he mentioned in an interview with GQ Magazine in August. "Working on the bags was one of the things I really wanted to do when I started here," he stated. Undoubtedly, this dedication is appreciated by individuals such as James, Elordi, A$AP, and Tyler, whose street style choices provide further evidence that man purses are gaining a newfound socio-cultural recognition. After all, at the end of the day, manbags should not carry excessive burdens.
