Bumming around… with your Bumbag!

When the word ‘bumbag’ is used, (and it’s been a while since I’ve heard it) I get flashbacks to my teen days in the 80’s, where every man, woman and their dogs had one in neon synthetic material, wrapped around their waist.

Said to be the one of the most embarrassing fashion trends of the ‘80s, this ‘little black sheep’ member of the handbag family seems to be experiencing a massive resurrection this year!

But before we take a look at how this little number is making its mark once again, we need some history… who, what, where and how did this pouch come to surface?

It was in the ‘60s & '70s that the bumbag was known as the belt that ski patrols used to carry their first aid kit. Skiers, hikers and other outdoorsy adventurers helped popularise bum packs for the mass market in garish neons and synthetic fabrics.

But the bag didn’t get mainstream acceptance until an Australian woman named Melba Stone came on the scene in 1962. She is widely credited for inventing the modern day bumbag, which was inspired by kangaroo pouches.

Jump to the ‘80s, the ‘Golden Age’ of the bum bag, where it transitioned from hiking wear to street apparel. During this decade, it was part of a larger trend towards ‘athleisure’ and was even declared as the hottest product of the year in 1988!

By the ‘90s, overwhelming popularity caused fashionistas to renounce the accessory. Though it had a couple of guest appearances in the 2000s, believe it or not, the bumbag is having a rebirth!

Spotted as a celebrity staple during Fashion Week’s and on models and spectators alike, the current version of this hands-free accessory is much sleeker and chicer than its retro cousin. It has hit the street or red carpet event in some extravagant designer-version of the once dorky, hip-hugging, purse-belt.

The bag has been modernised with sleek silhouettes and luxury fabrics. The updated polished versions, for both men and women, look like elegant belts with appealing coin purses attached to them. The bag's sleek and chic makeover has ample stylish options available at every price point.

Known as the embarrassing fashion trend that blew up in the '80s, the bag you thought you’d never wear again is back in style - and making a very chic comeback this year!

Maurizio ;-)