Luxury designer bags emerge as new male status symbol

Luxury designer bags are emerging as a significant new status symbol for men, driven by high-profile athletes and celebrity influence. Professional footballers such as Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, and Lamine Yamal have gained attention for carrying rare and expensive items from brands like Hermès, Dior, and Chanel.

This trend is moving beyond celebrity circles into broader consumer markets. Data from the resale platform Depop indicates that men’s bag purchases have increased by 116 percent year-over-year. Additionally, online searches for specific luxury brands like Bottega Veneta and Hermès tripled during the summer months.

Fashion experts suggest that for many men, collecting high-end bags has become a hobby comparable to collecting vintage watches or classic cars. In response to this shift, major luxury houses including Fendi, Loewe, and Marni are increasingly expanding their collections to include more duffels, crossbody bags, and carryalls specifically designed for men.