The Art of the Book Bag

Your book bag says a lot. In grade school, if you were the only fourth grader carrying an Eddie Bauer the year that L.L. Bean was cool you risked being ostracized for months. Not to mention what would happen to you on the playground if you opted to forgo monogrammed initials. We've all grown up a little since grade school (one should hope). But the importance of a good, solid book bag means just as much as it did back in the day — though for different reasons (here's hoping, yet again).  

We caught up with stylish grad students from across the globe and asked them what they're carrying to school these days. 

And we discovered that if we want to upgrade our bag collection in a major way, we should probably head back to class. 

Shelly Lee

Studying: Second year public art/theory graduate student, USC

Carrying: Givenchy Nightingale

"I find it suitable for everyday use because it's large, black and understated. Plus, it's pretty."

Givenchy Large Old Pepe Nightingale, $2,020. barneys.com

Jonah Pontzer

Studying: Second year fine art/performance design, Central Saint Martins in London.

Carrying: Celine Luggage Tote

"This bag may seem like a strange choice. However, as a visual artist, I've got a lot of...well, baggage. And I have never found a tote that met all my needs, until I read an article last Spring profiling Phoebe Philo's return to fashion at the helm of House of Celine; a picture of the new bags ran in the story. I fell in love. Next thing you know, I'm trying out every color at Selfridge's. I opted for the medium, creme canvas with olive handles and black accents. It has room for everything, and it actually can pass as (fairly) masculine. Even a few curious businessmen have inquired about its make on the tube ride home! A new classic. Bravo Philo!"

Celine khaki Boston bag, $1,000. bluefly.com

Jessica Yang
Studying: Second year graduate student, art history, USC.
Carrying: A vintage black leather tote that cost $20. 
"It's sturdy enough to fit my laptop, readings and other misc. school materials." 

Vintage leather traveler briefcase, $69.99. ebay.com 

Kate Odell

Studying: Political Science and Legal Studies, Sophomore, Bucknell University

Carrying: World Feed Project Feed bag 

"Each time you purchase a feed bag, the proceeds pay to feed a child in a developing country for one whole year. Each year I buy a new one. They are super practical, come in different colors and materials and they make a unique statement while walking around campus."