Who’s Got a Brand-New Bag?

Gone are the days when the purse reigned supreme. Today’s bags are as diverse as their owners. On a recent afternoon on Melrose Avenue, we asked young women why they carry the bags they do.

Inflatable Mailbag

“I just fell in love with this bag. It’s great because other people don’t have it. It’s bubbly and light and easy. It’s also really girlish.”

--Aiko Sugimoto, Denton, Texas

Backpack

“I carry it for school. It fits all my stuff and is very big. It’s also Roxy brand, which I love.”

--Chie Ando, Fullerton

No Bag

“Purses are wimpy. They are a hassle and always in the way.”

--Leisha Hailey, L.A.

“I prefer to carry my stuff in pockets, with the most important stuff in the front, so people can’t steal it.”

--Heather Grody, L.A.

Lunch Box

“It’s much easier to carry than a purse. I can carry food and makeup inside, and it’s cute.

--Rena Manuelova, L.A.

Shoulder Bag

“It’s different from a rucksack, more modern, a different concept. Since it goes over my left shoulder, I’m hoping it will correct the last three years of bad posture I’ve gotten from my rucksack.”

--Niall Hampton, London, England

Leopard Tote

“I got it as a gift from someone who said it looked like me. It’s Betsey Johnson, and it’s loud, funky and people notice it.”

--Lindsay Warner, L.A.

DJ Bag

“My company gave these Green Galactic DJ bags to our clients for the holidays. They work because if you are in the hip DJ culture, you know it’s cool. If you are not, it’s a soft briefcase that’s serious and functional.”

--Lynn Hasty, West Hollywood

Bowling Bag

“I have always wanted to be a good bowler, so I’m ferociously attracted to bowling bags. My LPs fit nicely in there, too.”

--Raquel Munoz Corbi, Silver Lake

Traditional Purse

“I love my Kate Spade. It’s small enough to take out at night, and it fits all of my day-to-day needs, too. I don’t have to switch purses from day to night. If it gets dirty, it’s easy to clean because it’s black microfiber. It’s also kind of the poor woman’s Prada!”

--Lisa Parrish, Beverly Hills

Shopping Bag

“It’s a woven cotton shopping bag I got in India for 10 cents and it works really well because it holds all my junk. I also use a Cynthia Rowley straw bag with a stuffed bird on the front. It makes me look very together even though I’m not!”

--Tori Horowitz, Laurel Canyon