Devised so that unassuming shoppers would buy more products they don't need to meet the minimum spend, the gift with purchase is often not even that worth it. But as an accessory, it has now been given a greater purpose in life than languishing in a closet somewhere or helping retailers turn a profit by waging psychological warfare on consumers.
A brief history of the toiletry-bag-as-real-bag: The year was 2015. The vibe was right, the aesthetic was strong, and pulling out a Glossier-pink bubble-wrap pouch in a bathroom could ensure that you'd have seven new best friends flanking you in seconds. (Still does.) Then super stylist Jayne Min carried hers out in the open—not as a cult chick magnet to be saved for times of grooming, but as a proper receptacle—and nothing was ever the same.
Then Leandra Medine trotted hers out.
And finally, last week, while I was in Paris for the 2017 Pirelli calendar, I saw Dries van Noten's Gallic doppelgänger with an Air France lavender dopp kit nestled in the crook of his gray-flannel-upholstered arm. (No photo available, because if there is any country I will be banned from, it is Nicaragua.)
It makes perfect sense, or at least a lot more sense than some other things fashion people do. Wash bags are waterproof, designed to withstand being chucked into carry-ons that might or might not arrive at their owner's destination, and are the appropriate size for your phone, keys, and cardholder, but also squishable enough to cram in un morceau of beef jerky or two. But at the same time, the conceit is that there must be some obstacles to acquisition, such as no international shipping (soon, soon, my precious) and flying business class.
Like that's going to stop us. For this is America, and if there is a will, there is a way to buy it.
THE WAY TO BUY IT
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
-
Women on ‘The Hills’ Were Put In ‘Compromised Situations’ Like ‘Blood Sport,’ Cast Member Lo Bosworth SaysAs compared to its predecessor, ‘Laguna Beach,’ Bosworth said ‘The Hills’ had a “much bigger impact from a drama and trauma perspective.”
-
Emma Stone Has a Credit on Bestie Taylor Swift's 'Tortured Poet's Department'Their decade-long friendship has been immortalized in Swift's discography for the second time.
-
Kourtney Kardashian Barker Loves Her Postpartum Body, Thank You Very MuchAfter a body shaming troll tried to tear her down, she reminded them that her body “gave me my 3 big babies and my little baby boy.”
-
Found: 10 Sandals on Amazon You'll LoveThrow 'em on and go.
-
The 13 Sandals Brands We Can't Get Enough OfYour go-to list for sandals you can rely on.
-
The 18 Fall Scarves No Outfit Is Complete WithoutThe easiest and coziest combos—just in time for sweata weatha.
-
Red Club X Cartier Is Offering Invaluable Support for the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs"The best way to predict the future is to create it."
-
Yara Shahidi Joins Forces With Cartier Women's Initiative to Empower Entrepreneurs"Giving back is essential to existing in the world."
-
Fashion Test Drive: Chloe's Top-Handle Penelope BagThis eye-catching bag also does good for the planet.
-
Fashion Test Drive: Isabel Marant's Oskan Moon Bag"The key word is versatility."
-
Fashion Test Drive: Bottega Veneta's Andiamo BagThe bucket list bag for work or travel.
