The Male Tote Revolution Becomes a Celebrity Fad

Men may have been carrying tote bags for centuries, but the first time the trend truly found the mainstream crossover culture spotlight probably came on an episode of Friends in 1999 aptly called “The One with Joey’s Bag.”

Now, society’s attitude towards men carrying bags has progressed and the male tote is no longer an oddity.

Over the years, they have been worn under the arms and across the chest of fashion enthusiasts such as retired soccer icon David Beckham, rapper A$AP Rocky and the always fashionable Pharrell.

The latest eponym of the male tote bag? The Mote.

A few weeks ago, Balenciaga‘s dad-core-themed Spring 2018 men’s show incorporated a plethora of leather “motes” and a show stopper lime green raffia palm bag. However, Balenciaga isn’t the only fashion house to go “mote” this season. Louis Vuitton showcased monogrammed bags, while Valentino unleashed its version of a male cross-body bag.

The “mote” was quickly adapted from the runway to the streets. Now, many stars can be seen rocking “motes” in all shapes and forms.

NBA fashion plate Dwyane Wade who always manages to keep a classic look on and off the red carpet, unveiled his edgier side when he was recently seen carrying a Thom Browne tote in the shape of a dog in-between shows in Paris. Wade’s wife — actress Gabrielle Union — even roasted her man’s penchant for “manny packs” in her recent Conan O’Brien show appearance.

What was Wade carrying in there? Who knows. But his machismo message for men seems to be that even a powerhouse NBA player can carry a tote with poise.