Maybe Opening Ceremony is having a good influence on Martin Margiela. I’m hot and cold with MM6 – while their sweatshirt satchel was indisputably bad, this three-times-the action tote makes sense to me. The functionality is mind-blowing. Different bags varying in size layered atop each other (they have all your basic bag dimensions covered) looks like a Russian nesting doll, but the front pouches detach! The proportions are right-on and the symmetry totally works.
Use the tote totally separately for simplicity; toss the baby in the big bag and use it as a wallet; or when you’re dashing to dinner at the end of the workday, take the medium pouch as a wristlet. The only potential problem is the exposed hardware, if you decide to use the tote sans mini-bags. Although, maybe if you didn’t know the pouches used to be there, one might think the snap-studs are intentional details. And besides, it’s Margiela – anything goes! (Except for bags that look like lazy-day clothes.) On ShopBop for $695.
Pair with: A tailored yet billowing cape will compliment the sharp layered lines of this smartly executed bag. DKNY’s chic leather-trimmed version has the same feel of function and fun. DKNY Twill Cape with Leather Trim, $895.
