What's in your BIG bag?

This shoot explores the concept of big bags as a symbol of intellectualism in fashion and today's society.

Amy, Karina, Cat, and Lawrence with their big bags

Carrying a big bag is a way to show you are cultured, that you have hobbies and interests and thoughts. People carry their books, journals, art & craft projects, quirky tchotchkes, and other items to subconsciously, or consciously, show their personalities/intellect. A peek into one's "big bag" and it's contents also offers insight into one's sense of introspection and creativity.

This is a shift from the micro bag trend that dominated the late 2010's and early 2020's (remember the Jacquemus Le Chiquito bag?). The mini/micro bag was seen as a status of wealth; there was an air of a certain nonchalance when you saw a person carry a mini bag. That person could afford to prioritize style over function, spend thousands of dollars on something that only fits a lip gloss and a single credit card.

However, wealth does not necessarily equate to intellect. Seen especially with Gen Z, the importance of having one's own opinions and thoughts is a non-negotiable these days. It's cool to be smart, to have eccentric hobbies and interests, to overall be a person of substance. This translates into fashion, with functionality becoming as important as style. A big bag serves as a vessel that contains all the items that represent us as a person. How much of this is performative? I'll leave that up in the air for now. But I will say the worst thing you could do is carry around a big bag with nothing in it.

Amy with her big bag: she reads, she collects tchotchkes, she takes photos, and she loves a little cuteness

Cat with her big bag: she journals, she makes jewelry, she collects perfumes, and she loves a little edginess

Karina with her big bag: she podcasts, she plays video games, she designs, and she loves a little chaos

Lawrence with his big bag: he takes photos, he works out, he paints his nails, and he loves a little luxury

Creative Direction: Amy Liu (@amy_liu13) and Karina Chan (@karinajchan)

Photographer and Editor: Kaz Lewis (@kazlewis)

Models: Amy Liu (@amy_liu13), Cat Straus (@catastrausphic), Karina Chan (@karinajchan), Lawrence Rogers (@big_broth_guy)