Published in The Daily Mail:
They are the new bag ladies – or big bag ladies to be precise. Oscar Wilde's Lady Bracknell might not approve, but celebrities from Hollywood to London like nothing better than to parade their handbags – and now, it seems, the bigger the better.Last week, Pixie Geldof was seen struggling with a spectacular-looking Mulberry creation, while Katie Holmes (Mrs Tom Cruise) just about managed to keep her dignity – and balance – with a Hermes HAC.
At least half as large again as the more conventional handbag, the big designer bag also comes with a big price tag – about £4,000 – although cheaper versions will be hitting the High Street this spring. And perhaps not a moment too soon.
A study last year discovered we carry twice as much in our handbags as our mothers used to. While the previous generation might have had a purse, a couple of tissues and a house key, we're toting a wallet, diary, address book, make-up bag, bottle of water, bunches of keys, MP3 player, mobile phone and even a laptop.
But the celebrities, it seems, may have an ulterior motive. American super-stylist Rachel Zoe – famous for dressing Nicole Richie, Lindsay Lohan and Mischa Barton and whose word is fashion law – says that wearing an oversized bag will make you look petite.
But Tim Hutchful of the British Chiropractic Association warns: "Women are bound to overfill these huge bags. Carrying a heavy bag has a cumulative effect, and we will see more back pain as a result."
Here, The Mail on Sunday looks at celebrities' favourite big bags, and asks journalist and fashion expert Karen Kay to give her verdict on each design.
Find the designer handbags mentioned above at:
net-a-porter
Saks Fifth Avenue
eluxury
Or save at these boutiques:
Bluefly
ebay
Yoox