Fashion, as we know circulates, but it also has the ability to evolve. The sixties was an era which marked change and no more so than in the liberation of women. After breaking free of the social constraints that had suppressed previous generations, the rest of the nation looked on as women burnt their bras’ and swapped traditional ankle length skirts for a risky mini. So perhaps it was only a matter of time before our fashion forefathers would conceive a trend so radical it would set the tongues of the Great British public wagging, creating a debate so fierce it could divide a nation. The trend in question: the MAN-BAG.

Now I’m not talking about rucksacks, off the shoulder bags, even satchels. No, the offending item is no bigger than your average ladies handbag, but this seasons ‘hot’ new accessory takes the form of a slim cross-over pouch just big enough for the essential items: wallet, phone, money, keys’.

It’s something you would expect to flatter a women’s diminutive frame not that of a burly young man. Yet it seems recently there has been a surge of stubbly, muscle bound metro-sexuals’ sporting this controversial accessory.

After spending many hours pondering this issue and having had provoked the ‘man bag’ debate with pretty much anyone worth talking to, it seemed the verdict would be a big thumbs’ down. For most men, the idea of wearing an accessory that is so widely associated with the opposite sex, might tarnish their masculine image, and the majority of women found the new ‘it’ bag to be a huge ‘turn off’. However, I was made to over look my initial scepticism and think otherwise.

So yes, the general consensus may be that; Man-bag’s are a bit ‘girly’ as they have the ability to make even the sturdiest of men seem ‘a bit camp’ but, now here’s a thought, do men not owe it to their battered old wallets and their wandering keys to have a place they can rest assured they will be safe? Jean pockets will no longer feel the burden of an over sized mobile, cigarettes will no longer be squashed at the strain of the rear pocket.

Perhaps as I have come to believe, the men of Manchester who walk around town so content with their side crossing pouch, are dare I say it, more masculine than those who so strongly oppose them. I guess it comes back to the old saying ‘men who are in touch with their feminine side are actually more comfortable in their sexuality’. So this raises a further question; are man bags a matter of practicality or subject of sexuality?