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The menswear it-bag. It’s had its fair share of time in the sun over the past few years, whether as the man-purse, the crossbody, or the “camera-bag” depending on how a brand wants to market masculinity to you. But whatever you want to call it, they’re having their own little moment again now—proving yet again, they are the perfect complement to any outfit.

Spotted at Seoul International Airport this week, several of K-Pop’s biggest names; G-Dragon, BamBam of GOT7, and Australian-born Felix of Stray Kids were all sporting their own takes on this luxe menswear accessory.

The humble crossbody is fresh from taking out a coveted spot on Lyst’s hottest products of 2023—albeit in the form of Uniqlo’s $19.90 edition. There’s no such budgeting here, each of the bags on show was kitted out in some form of Epi leather, premium tweed, or ruffled cotton poplin.

The stars’ use of the bag is not too dissimilar to Aussie heartthrob Jacob Elordi’s adoption of it, who has also been seen with his own Bottega Veneta-level arm candy as he completes his morning rituals.

Travelling, while it might not be the occasion it used to be, still can be a chance to pull out a fit—even if it is just for the duck from baggage collection to your ride. With the boys demonstrating looks ranging from oversized sweats to Louis Vuitton jackets, getting a fit off for a flight isn’t complete without some form of side bag. Whether it's for carrying your passport, face cream, face mask, or whatever your travel essentials are—the K-pop boys are making the case for a luxury upgrade.

Image credit: Getty Images

Felix went for a luxury take, the Louis Vuitton Petite Malle, while found in the womenswear section, as we well know—that means very little today—paired with a bleached denim jacket from the same label and simple black trousers. In terms of rules of pulling off the smaller bags, you really need the panache to meet the bag, something Felix has in spades.

Image credit: Getty Images

Likewise, G-Dragon went for the classic; a Chanel tweed crossbody to match a blazer in the same material. Rounded out with black trousers and a pair of sneakers from Miharayasuhiro. G-Dragon’s crossbody is out to match, pairing the woven green bag with the colour of his blazer. Because really, if it’s going to be an accessory, it has to work with the fit as a whole.

Image credit: Getty Images

BamBam was likely the cosiest of the stylish trio. In an oversized bleached hoodie, his quilted crossbody bag looked as if it could double as his pillow for the flight. Simple in its message, and capacious in its carrying. The overall statement was clear—the hands were free, free enough to show off his Richard Mille.

The utilitarian crossbody has made itself at home in countless runways. Just recently in autumn/winter ’23/’24 shows like Fear of God, Loewe, and Kenzo, to name just a few, sent models down with nifty little bags. While it is not quite the serve of the upgraded tote bag, there’s a lot of fun to be had in carrying only the most essential of items.

Really though, hands-free, easy access is the absolute minimum your crossbody bag of choice should offer. But a luxury touch makes the fit all the more complete, especially to stunt at the airport. And while it’s not quite the devilish concoction of luxury accessories and the casual flying wardrobe, who said it ever needed to be? Match your best looks, with your best accessories. The airport has a runway for a reason.

Try any of these crossbody bags to take your fit to the next level

SHOP NOW: Bottega Veneta Cassette Intrecciato-leather cross-body bag, $3,870 from Matches Fashion

SHOP NOW: Master-Piece leather belt bag, $461 from Mr Porter

SHOP NOW: Lemaire Tan Large Croissant bag, $1,915 from Ssense

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