LEADER OF THE PACK

Marc Jacobs may have endorsed them, but are you ready for the return of the fanny pack?

If anyone can make a questionable piece of clothing acceptable, it’s Marc Jacobs.

For spring 2008, it was see-through pants. For spring 2009, it was crushed-straw hats.

But for spring 2010, can he make the fanny pack cool?

That’s the question we debated today, when images from Yana Handbags’ new collection landed on our desk.

The New York City-based label makes eco-friendly accessories, with a portion of all proceeds going to charity (the American Cancer Society and Harlem’s The Brotherhood/Sister Sol). Although the company is socially and environmentally responsible, that’s not what caught our eye—instead, it was the bright fanny packs that are similar in spirit to the ones sent down the spring '10 Marc Jacobs runway.

Dubbed “belt bags”, they can be snapped around your waist or slung over your arm, and are just big enough to carry the essentials without weighing you down. There are a few more subtle designs, like a series of denim packs for winter, but the general aesthetic seems to be the bolder, the better. That means purses in quilted neon, shiny snakeskin, and metallic with door knocker clasps.

It's clear what Marc Jacobs thinks, but we're torn: Are these belt bags perfect for strapping on before a bike ride or a night out, or should they be sent packing?
REBECCA WILLA DAVIS

Visit yanahandbags.com for more info.



This story was published on November 10, 2009.