Call It By Your Name’s distinctive bags are garnering a fan-base in France and beyond …
The bag that’s currently being carried by French women isn’t a basket, nor (for the Francophiles reading) does it reference Jane Birkin. You may recognise Call It By Your Name’s handbags from your explore feed. The bandana print totes – which master clashing tones and boast jaunty embroidery – are somewhat antithetical to typical Parisienne style. For one: they’re colourful. Additionally, their pattern is distinctive. Indeed, they are a hybrid of French and international style. Each scarf is sourced from a bandana factory in South Carolina, accessories are made in France and Poland, and the brand is headquartered in Paris.
What’s the brand’s appeal? It brings a pinch of maximalism that’s still sedate. “I think when you think of that Parisienne look, they do love a pop of colour mixed with their favoured shades of navy and camel. And Call It By Your Name has some nice military greens, beiges and browns. Even for those scared of colour, there is something that will bring a bit of uniqueness to whatever you’re wearing,” says content creator Gail Kilroy (follow Kilroy’s adventures in luxury accessories on TikTok).
Colour choices such as navy, red and olive green are classic enough to suit a more muted palette. Plus, there’s the pattern: the bandana print – although it’s not as preppy as stripes nor as trusted as florals – is an enduring summer staple. Synonymous with streetwear, the print has been co-opted by luxury brands, of late. See: Nili Lotan and French fashion brand Suncoo which incorporate its laissez-faire appeal into cropped cotton shirts and boxer shorts. Its counter-culture roots signify a freedom of movement and expression; cowboys, bikers, hip-hop culture, hippies. Perhaps, it’s this whisper of rebellion that appeals. (It certainly does to this writer, who just purchased the Seau bag in navy.)
The way in which the bags are worn – slung over the shoulder of Left Bank mothers while pushing a buggy (in some cases, doubling as a nappy bag), or customised with keychains, scarves and whatever else takes your fancy – imbues them with a playful edge. It’s a refreshing counterpoint to the serious business of ‘It’ bags and The Row‘s ubiquitous monastic aesthetic – and the price point that comes with. For context, Call It By Your Name’s Seau bag is €155, the Maxi Quilted Cabas tote is €290 and the mini Moon leather bag is €390. The memo? When fashion becomes too self-important, embrace a croissant keychain.
Spot chic travellers toting the bags through airport security – the Weekend bag has hand and shoulder straps making it an ideal travel companion. Plus, it’s far more practical than the beloved but at times overwrought straw basket which is often lacking in zips and inner compartments.
What to wear it with? At the brand’s recent pop-up in St Tropez, Kilroy notes how brand devotees wore low-slung denim shorts, open shirts over bikinis, Havaiana flip-flops and Alaïa mesh flats.
Shop Call It By Your Name:
Bronze and green Picnic bag, €185; www.callitbyyourname.com.
Navy quilted Cabas tote, €260; www.callitbyyourname.com.
Burgundy Seau bag, €155; www.callitbyyourname.com.
Navy mini toiletry bag, €105; www.callitbyyourname.com.
Brown mini Moon leather bag, €390; www.callitbyyourname.com.
SEE MORE: 7 Chic Heatwave Outfit Ideas From Paris, London and New York
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