Designer Fanny Packs - Waist Bum Bags Fashion Revival

You may call it a pouch, a waist bag, a fanny pack, a belt bag or even an bum bag, anyway you call it, their is no doubt that the fanny pack is making a hip fashion statement in its comeback. This functional bag from days gone by is smart and if worn right can be quite sexy. A bag that is hands free which gives you more comfort and freedom to keep all your things organized. C'mon isnt it time you gave the fanny pack some fashion love! Personally my Gicci belt bag is something I just cant live without!

When asked during Fashion Week In New York City, Yvan Mispelaere the creative director for Diane von Furstenberg referred to the fanny pack as a “hands-free bag". A name, he says, that helps convey "a functional shape, but with a touch of glamour, a touch of luxury and a touch of seriousness." If you ask me, it is about time designers took this womens purse and did something smart with it! As for Mr. Mispelaere, he let us know that DVF has a model coming for Spring 2011that will be selling in prestige department stores, for roughly $325.

Wall Street Journal's Rachel Dodes reported from the runways,

The nylon fanny pack has been a joke for 20 years. But now it's making a comeback, with updated materials and names like 'Hands Free Bag' and 'Bum Bag.'

Fashion Revival

Unlike most I always knew someday the bum bag (I love that name for for my beloved waist bag) would be understood in the fashion world. Then again I have never put my Gucci classic away so I am just happy to see other styles to be had. Its so true when it is said that everything old is new again, and just as my favorite wedge platform shoes are the darlings of the fashion world, so is the return of the very smart and oh so useful fanny packs.

Fortunately,for most these hip fanny packs are not the 80s variety most loved to loathe. You wont be seeing double zippered neon colors that reek flashy. This time around the fashion designers are embracing all that you can compartmentalize with flair and style. New York's runways and the fashion world has seen the latest breeds of these women's hip purses for Spring. Just look at the photos of celebrity Rihanna who was seen during Fashion week champion the start of this trend as she strutted her stuff in the Louis Vuitton belt version. The updated waist bags definitely are stylish by looking at the design legends like Louis Vuitton and Stella McCartney and Project Runway' judge, Michael Kors. The MK waist folded a belted python-embossed style into his offerings.

Some people may want to back away from the word "fanny." Innocuous slang for the gluteus maximus in the U.S., one of those words that is not all that nice to reference. Interesting I read that in the U.K. and Australia, it refers to female genitalia. In those countries, fanny packs are typically known as a "bum bags."

Iconic designer Isaac Mizrahi had an interesting take on these trending small bags. His feeling is that fanny packs are among the most reviled accessories in modern culture, carrying inevitable associations with "scary American tourists at the Louvre" .

Embrace a modern take on a retro shape with the fanny pack in LV Monogram Underground. This waist bag is made from supple embossed goat leather and it has a liberating hands-free carry all that is a playful urban style and oh so chic.

LV Fanny Pack Features:

• Contrasting calfskin patch

• Removable strap detail

• 1 interior flat pocket

• Colourful bead detail

• Flower shaped pom-pom

Hermes Waist Bag

Luxury leather goods institution Hermés is getting in on the pack action with the introduction their version of the bum bag as they intoduced the "Kelly Bandeau,". As you can see it is a camel-hued waist pouch that just reeks of luxury and style, And it comes at a high price as this fanny pack will costs $4,675. Belted and fabulous you can find this women's bag in stores in the Spring of 2011.

My Gucci fanny pack has taken me many places. Honestly I do not leave home without it with my favorite Black Gucci belt Bag. I must have it for over 10 years and it is still my go to bag. Perfect to travel with and a must have to go shopping, especially around Christmas when you know you are going to have a million bags to carry by the time you leave the mall. With this Gucci belt bag my hands are free and my money is safe and I always know where my money credit cards and chapstick are.

Add to all the reasons why this bag is the most functional handbag a woman can own, it also looks great. Ladies, you can wear this bag with just about any and everything.

An Gucci belt black is truly an investment that will bring you years of joy!

Python Fanny Pack

Marc Jacobs has definitely gone to great lengths to glam this fanny pack up. A classic in the making for a women's purse, with the shiny python leather, and leather tassel who could ask for more in a hip purse. Look closer to see that this designer waist bag has all the embellishments making it look current and cool and a must have for Spring 2011.

Posh Turnlock Fanny Pouch

Marc By Marc Jacobs,synonymous with it’s handbag signature turnlock . The antiqued brass hardware is a staple on the pebbled leather bags is why so many women love to carry it, both for work and play. Anyone surprised to see this style waist bag with a turn lock. What I love so much about this one is that you can carry as a shoulder bag or go hands free and belt it around your waist.

Fashion Meets Function

Inspired by the adidas classic shoulder bag, Stella McCartney brings a belt bag that is like two bags in one. Hands free hip blue easily converts from backpack to sport bag that sits on your hip.  This handy fanny pack features an inside zip pocket to keep lip gloss, keys and cash secure. And for a designer fanny pack you cant beat the price. You can buy this at Amazon for $90.00.

• Single adjustable strap with chain detail
• Zip closure. Interior zip compartment with slit pocket
• Black/cream bookstripe lining. Leather. Imported
• 10"W x 5"H x 2"D
• 14" strap drop

A fashion forward waist wallet in luscious Vaccheta that has an interior snap pocket, two zipper pockets, and an id holder that is located under flap. In the main compartment you will find the perfect organizer slot, interior zipper pocket and room for other essentials. Adjustable leather belt extends to 43” with quick-release buckle.

The Clava Vachetta Leather Waist bag is the right mix of small, but roomy for organized belongings.

I have to admit here that I am a longtime fanny pack fan but never refer to my Gucci belt bag as such. Call me a corny tourist, or even a relic, personally I don’t care. And no one has been able to dissuade me from wearing my black Gucci waist bag up till now. I am just glad to see others now will be sporting a smart solution to where to put the essentials, like your lip gloss and keys when going around.

If not for anything, at least you have to agree that unlike the front pouches from the popular models in the 80′s to early 90′s, (you remember the ones that came in neon) in the most grotesque styles and colors are nothing like a Dolce and Gabana bag of today! Personally my favorite is the waist bag Rhinana wore during New Yorks Fashion week from Louis Vuitton.

.So what do you think about these fanny packs? Do you have a favorite bum bag or even a bum bag story to share . . or are you like me and prefer to call it a belt bag? Please leave a comment and let the fun begin.