You may know this type of bag as the swing pack, the sling bag, the sling pack, the hip bag, the messenger, and of late, the cross-body bag. Yes, it is the return of the cousin of the fanny pack or the waist bag or the belt bag. Cross-body bags are showing up just about everywhere in every style, colour, and shape. The thing is, when one mentions a return it suggests that something had left at some point. Well, the cross-body never left.

While on hiatus to the masses, the cross-body has still been enjoyed by true fashionistas all over the world as they always had the insight into the necessity of such a piece in their wardrobe. Some ask what the real use of that type of bag is when the trend is not in full swing (no pun intended). Well, being the owner of an Yves Saint Laurent Muse Messenger, I can tell you.

That bag is one of the best purchases of my life! I travelled a lot while in Europe. That pesky rule about having a handbag and a carry-on has never quite sat well with me, as I believe that as a larger woman I have larger things. I think they can allow me another small bag as long as I can handle it. Airport security, airline staff and nosy passengers tend to disagree. Enter the Muse messenger. When wearing a cross- body bag, it looks as though it is part of the ensemble and is basically IGNORED! I travelled with my wallet, camera, passport, and other essentials in my Muse messenger, all the while using my handbag for jewellery, accessories, tank tops and shoes, along with my carry-on for my clothes!

Besides being an absolute travel necessity, the cross- body bag is excellent for extremely crowded events; think Jazz Festival and SumFest. The fact that it is close to your body can give you extra security rather than having a bag that you simply wear over your shoulder or behind you. It also allows your hands to be free to jump, clap, wave, hug people, carry your drink – and the list goes on! You can also use it when running errands, as normally you only need a few items with you, and you can just keep the bag on when getting in and out of the car. The more bejewelled ones and those with chain straps can be taken to the club to also “free up” your hands.

You can purchase these cross-body bags just about everywhere as they have resurfaced as the spring/summer trend in bags this year. True fashionistas will cherish theirs long after the trend has passed. If you are interested in keeping yours past this season, you may want to invest in a classic one so that your CPW will be low. Prada makes a nylon one that comes in basic black and seasonal colours that can be purchased for as low as $11,250. Fossil has a colourful patchwork crossbody that retails for the equivalent of $14,220 JMD. My top pick actually goes to a local independent designer, Hart in Irits, who uses all natural leathers and suedes in the various colours adorned with accent pieces and charms made of calabash and coconut. All their bags are hand-stitched and signed by the designer right here in Jamaica, and retail for $9,500- $15,000. They are available at Reve Jewellery and Accessories, Shop 14 Devon House.

– Gianna Fakhourie