TRAVEL BAGS

By Damali and Nii B. Andrews

With the holiday season about to begin in earnest, many of us have trips planned. They may be intercontinental, international or within the countries where we are domiciled.

Irrespective of the length of the journey or the duration away from home, there is always a need for a good travel bag; preferably one with some panache.

The imported nylon or other synthetic bags will certainly not do.

Well, why should they when in Africa we have terrific craftsmen and artisans who make stylish travel bags from leather and other natural materials at competitive prices?

We should patronize them, for surely, the bags will elevate the style of both ladies and gentlemen; provide a livelihood for the bag producers and sustain an enviable tradition while continuously upgrading it.

With men, the preferred and commonest bag colors are shades of brown with darker shades being more versatile. Black though always remains an option.

There are numerous bag styles that can complement their clothing range and requirements – and this includes a minimalist tote.

A haversack or shoulder bag will not do (unless you are hiking or camping) since it not only ruins the clothing silhouette but also the structure of clothes- especially jackets.

It doesn’t even look cool and should be restricted to kids.

A well constructed, hand held, good quality leather bag will serve well and appropriately for many years. During this time it will acquire a distinguished patina and character thus making it look even better.

Happily, the ladies have a much wider spectrum to choose from and they should readily indulge themselves.

Colors abound to make their outfits pop; shades of brown, orange, aubergine, green etc

But surely, having a one color scheme coordinated outfit (including clothing, shoes and accessories) is declassé.

“Wha’ppen Pinky?” was the question quietly muttered by the immigration officer at Kingston Airport when a lady arrived dressed in all pink, with a pink travel bag and a pink smartphone!

Again different bag constructions are available – zippered bags, gladstones, totes and small suitcases.

They could even go for exotic materials with prominent textures.

In short there is no excuse – not even price – for the mundane, character deficient, run of the mill, demoralising synthetic bag imports.

When these carry a visible logo that is even more problematic.

Since Africans have always been on the move – most often voluntarily, we have a solid travel bag tradition that rivals bags from anywhere in the world.

Now for some final pointers; please do not stuff your bag to full capacity as it causes the bag to look bulky and clumsy and also risks breaking the zip or possibly damaging the material.

The resultant heavy weight could cause you to walk uncomfortably, switch hands frequently and worst of all lead to a back or neck injury.

Again an overstuffed bag is not a good look; try to carry only the essentials.

So now let us eagerly explore Africa’s rich travel bag tradition; discover and enjoy it; share it with the rest of the world and look good/sharp while traveling.

Safe journey to all travellers; Godspeed.

***Numerous African leather travel bags are available through our atelier; contact us.