Classic Returns: Proenza Schouler

Fall is onto us hard and having been cooped up in our shelters the entire year, it’s no wonder all of us are simply DYING to get out and about in the city. Plus, given the fact that all the latest collections from luxury ateliers are either rather sickly-looking (ahem.. Prada x Raf Simons) or revivals of old archives (the Mulberry Alexa, to name the latest entry), I figured it is time I profess my love for one of my very first purse-loves: the Proenza Schouler PS1. 

Yes, I know, it’s sooo 2008. Honestly, at one point, I thought that too and presumed that I’d be looking forward to newer collections once the lockdowns lifted. But then COVID was like “Nah-uh”, and bam! We’re back to square one. Also, have you seen Proenza’s new buckle bags? They look like they’re strangling themselves! So, I figured, maybe it’s time to look back. Nothing like an old-school love affair (with a purse) to reminisce during isolation. 

Well, admittedly, I wasn’t specifically thinking of the PS1. It was more of a “those bags from the 2010s were SO good compared to what we’re hurting our eyes with nowadays” – kinda thing. Wishful thinking on my part really.

Another thought that’s been lurking in the back of my mind for quite a while now is how appropriate the PS1 is as a men’s bag. Man bags are still going strong, with many designers bringing their classics in masculine iterations.

Well, guess what, as I was scrolling through SSENSE (it’s a favourite activity of mine that blends procrastination and stress-relief), I came across a PS1 medium in gorgeous black! My first thought was OHMYGOD it’s returned! (Though it never really left in the first place.) In fact, the PS1 has been in the market for 12 years! That’s ages in a purse’s life! Needless to say, my old passion for it came flooding in and I knew I just HAD to share it with you guys looking for a great fall bag. In an era when designers are so-called ”re-imagining” older designs, why not go for the original then, in all its glory?

Moreover, I started seriously considering the PS1 as a man bag and realized it’d be simply amazing. Proenza Schouler’s founders, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, had created an awesome schoolbag that’s a true casual classic and men and women alike deserve to fall in love with it all over again, especially this year. Why, you might ask? I could probably list countless reasons, but I think the following will do: 

Black Medium PS1 Bag £1680 GBP

1. First off, the messenger style combined with the luxe leather is super versatile, whether you’re pairing it with a sleek suit to work, slinging it to college or jet-setting on a weekend trip.

2. It’s much less flashy too when compared to the omnipresent logo-love of most mainstream designer houses. Us guys really appreciate not getting that extra bit of unwanted attention, you know.

3. Speaking of less flashy, it was quite popular (among women) at one point, so you might be nodding your head in disbelief as you read #2. Let me reassure you that it’s not as recognizable as it was then, except among true bag-aficionados, and you’re sure to garner admiring (or envious) glances from them if you do get yourself a PS1.

4. I also love the fact that it’s got so many colour options, whether you prefer blue, green, ivory, tan or black, Proenza’s got it all. In fact, I don’t think any other luxury messenger bag-maker ventures beyond the basic black and blues, so yeah, you’ve got quite a lot of choices. 

5. The Large size is just perfect for holding a 14″ laptop, gym clothes, books/documents and every other random flotsam we tend to carry at times (bonus points if you can score the Extra Large), while the Medium comfortably holds documents and serves as a trusty messenger. What is a bag if not a man’s best friend, right? 

6. It’s slouchy, OHMYGOD I love that about bags. (I’ll let you in on a secret : that just means you can hold a lot more in the bag. Yee!)

7. It’s extremely affordable in the pre-owned market and the PS1 ages remarkably well; the more worn it is, the chicer it looks. Win-win!

8. Even if you would like a new one (oh, the smell of a new bag!) given that it’s a premier fashion house providing a luxurious leather bag, it’s quite reasonably priced too! Yay for us cheapskates! 

So, are you convinced yet?

Black Tiny Zip PS1Messenger Bag £1415 GBP

P. S. if you’re a girl, you’re probably bored/cursing/planning to leave by now. Well, SSENSE here is offering Proenza’s take on mini/micro bags (and a hobo) so you can keep up with that trend as well.
Snag ’em now at SSENSE:

P.S. It’s still great for men! 

Black Micro PS1 Shoulder Bag £970 GBP

Black Mini PS11 Classic Shoulder Bag £1365 GBP

Black Small Arch Bag £1355 GBP