Messenger bags in the San Francisco Bay Area have been associated with San Francisco bike messengers over the past few decades. The image of a frantic bike messenger, wearing an army green messenger bag frantically trying to avoid cars that are making last minute right turns in front of them; resonates in the minds of Fashionistas when the mention of messenger bags comes into conversation. Interestingly enough, celebrities have been spotted wearing messenger bags over the past couple of years. The fashion world took notice and the messenger bag took the runways by storm for Fall 2010.

The messenger bag is being shown for both men and women, who may each have their own use for them. Tod’s is showing a coated canvas messenger bag that comes in both dark brown and black. The Tod’s messenger bag can worn by both men and women; and since it is coated canvas, opponents to leather will flock to this bag. So very San Francisco! Prada is also showing a messenger bag for Fall made from their signature black nylon. The Prada nylon bag looks like it can double as a diaper bag for chic mommies since it features two side pockets for bottles; water or baby bottles. Juicy Couture is showing the perfect messenger bag for the teen set this Fall which features a delicate heart design with rock n’ roll flair. The Juicy Couture bag will definitely be the bookbag of choice around Bay Area high schools for fashion-savvy teens. Henry Beguelin created a more grown up messenger bag  with clean lines and shimmery black suede. The casual winner for Fall? Donan Karen  is showing a very casual, very bike messenger vibe, black crossbody bag with a large strap clasp and broken-in leather look. The most fabulous messenger bag that may very well end up across the bodies of Fashionistas around the Bay Area is the Tory Burch Carsen messenger bag. Tory Burch gave her bag chain details on the front with an easy to adjust strap that allows Fashionistas the flexibility of wearing the bag crossbody or over the shoulder giving it a 1970’s handbag silhouette . In these recessionary times, a two-for-one deal cannot be overlooked!

The messenger bag last made it’s appearance in fashion during the late 1990’s, during the height ofMinimalism. It is a practical, casual handbag style that may not be suited for everyone. This may or may not be a trend you wish to invest in. If you do invest, look for clean lines that will not date the bag in future decades. After this trend settles down, your messenger bag could end up in the back of your closet for another ten years. Happy shopping and stay fabulous.