Bag it up

What is happening to masculine formality in Britain? In the old days, a man could be fired if he arrived at work without his regulation briefcase, umbrella and bowler hat. Today, a young professional is more likely to be seen clutching a handbag - sorry, a "man-bag" - than any of those items. But is this such a bad thing? Think of the pockets that will be spared the ravages of loose change. Where better to keep that emergency can of deodorant? One thing, though: if a crowd of chaps is spotted dancing round a pile of their "man-bags" in a nightclub, this experiment is terminated. Sexual equality can only go so far when it comes to fashion accessories.

What is happening to masculine formality in Britain? In the old days, a man could be fired if he arrived at work without his regulation briefcase, umbrella and bowler hat. Today, a young professional is more likely to be seen clutching a handbag - sorry, a "man-bag" - than any of those items. But is this such a bad thing? Think of the pockets that will be spared the ravages of loose change. Where better to keep that emergency can of deodorant? One thing, though: if a crowd of chaps is spotted dancing round a pile of their "man-bags" in a nightclub, this experiment is terminated. Sexual equality can only go so far when it comes to fashion accessories.