Real Men Carry Purses (in China)

[3113]

And they're not their wives purses! From here:

Tiger Zhang browsed the sweaters at the Hugo Boss boutique at the upscale Oriental Plaza mall looking for fashionable additions to his wardrobe. The 41-year-old investor was dressed in the unofficial uniform of Chinese businessmen: dark blazer, crisp white shirt, designer slacks, silky tan socks, hand-tooled loafers — and an expensive purse.

Lest anyone think the $500 Dunhill clutch with dual bronze zippers belonged to his wife, he proudly explained how his business cards, cash and two cellphones fit neatly into its buttery leather interior. "It's crucial for business," said Zhang, who chose the chocolate-colored bag because he thought it was stylish without being flashy. "It shows I have good taste."

That's debatable, considering Zhang wore his hair in a cotton candy pouf. What's clear is that the designer handbag, long a fashion staple for stylish women worldwide, has become a status symbol for upwardly mobile men in China. At business meetings and social events across China these days, many of the Prada, Louis Vuitton and Burberry bags are being toted by the fellows in the crowd.

Wang Zhongzhu, a 42-year-old insurance executive, wouldn't dream of networking without his $1,000 leather Dunhill slung over his shoulder. He said the creamy brown mini-messenger bag sends a message that he appreciates — and can afford — fine accessories. "It's a way of representing where you stand," Wang said. "It makes people think you could potentially work for a big company."

Designed for men, many of these guy purses often known as shou bao in Mandarin would be right at home in the women's handbag section of an upscale department store. Popular styles include the oversize wallet with wraparound zippers like Zhang's and the embossed leather Coach handbag with the slinky shoulder strap and handles. Colors trend toward solid brown, black and gray. But some fashion-forward gents don't mind showing a little flash: Burberry plaid, Gucci's interlocking GG pattern or Louis Vuitton's distinct LV monogram.

Luxury leather goods makers can't believe their luck: Both sexes in the world's most populous country adore purses.

I'm sorry, but I am not paying more than $100 for a purse. Not even as a Valentine's gift for a cute and sexy guy.

 

[flavortang]

I think that a defensive guy would refer to them as "attaches" and not purses. lol

 

[voluptuary_manque]

Or possibly 'courier bags'. Personally, if I can't fit it in my pockets or hang it on my belt, I don't need it.

 

[vrosej10]

Or possibly 'courier bags'. Personally, if I can't fit it in my pockets or hang it on my belt, I don't need it.

Hubby is obsessed with having as many pockets as possible. He thought cargo pants were god's greatest creation. I tend to carry a backpack rather than a purse. We don't have a car and I usually have to haul shopping home etc. I don't carry a lot of stuff; purse, lipstick, mirror, phone, notepad and pen and a book if I am expecting to have to wait somewhere.

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

We need more wars to kill these sissies off before they breed.

 

[LettersFromTatyana]

Man, I'd love for my husband to use a purse (or even a Jack Bauer man purse). He's a 6'5" distance runner/triathlete, and looks pretty darn good in trim cut pants (not the skinny pants that teenagers wear, but the type that you find in stores like Benetton).

He won't buy them because he can't fit his phone, wallet, and keys in the pockets. He has one pair (purchased before he discovered this issue). When he sat down on a plane on the way back from a recent business trip, his phone flew out of his pocket and landed halfway down the aisle.

[OK, those pants usually have LBJ-like crotch issues, too http://vimeo.com/18864216 but that's another story]

 

[carsonshepherd]

My boyfriend has a messenger bag I call his man purse. I just cram everything into a backpack, but being a college student, I can get away with it. What will I do when I actually have a career? An attache?? the horror.

Personally I want to see the guy with the hair in a cotton candy pouf. Sounds faboo.

 

[jomar]

http://randomoverload.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/a386493307purse.jpg.jpg


I could see them catching on for the iPad crowd.

 

[stephen55]

I'm sorry, but I am not paying more than $100 for a purse. Not even as a Valentine's gift for a cute and sexy guy.

Either am I.

 

[voluptuary_manque]

Remember fanny packs? I never owned one of those, either. Tool belts on the other hand . . .

 

[stephen55]

Remember fanny packs? I never owned one of those, either. Tool belts on the other hand . . .

So handy for carrying the Bare Necessities...