The Man Purse
Tokyo's Manly Must-Have
Purses are not just for chicks anymore. Men in Tokyo are sporting purses just about everywhere you go. We are not talking about the "Man Bag" made infamous by the show - Friends. No, we are talking ladies purses. Soft, feminine, designer, worn over-the-shoulder, purses. Why? The explanation given is that men in Tokyo do alot of "traveling" and require storage for their stuff. Really? So Western men travel? Their not toting their stuff around in a great big Hello Kitty handbag or Prada purse? The men of Tokyo must either be onto the start of a very big trend, or they are carrying their girlfriend's purses for them, which brings up a whole other trend.
Trend Themes
1. Men's Purses - The rise of men carrying purses is creating new opportunities for designers and retailers to tap into this growing market.
2. Gender-neutral Fashion - The trend of men carrying purses blurs traditional gender boundaries, opening up opportunities for gender-neutral fashion lines.
3. Urban Mobility Accessories - Men carrying purses in Tokyo is an example of a larger trend of urban mobility accessories for individuals who are traveling and need a functional yet stylish way to carry their belongings.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - The fashion industry can capitalize on the trend of men carrying purses by incorporating more options for purses specifically designed for men into their product lines.
2. Retail - The rising trend of men's purses presents a new opportunity for retailers to expand their product offerings to cater to this growing market.
3. Luggage and Travel Accessories - As individuals continue to travel frequently, there is an opportunity for luggage and travel accessories companies to design and market stylish yet practical purses and bags for men.