Is the backpack back?

Backpacks, the bag of choice for travelling youths and those of a sporty inclination, haven't glossed the pages of fashion magazines since the Prada nylon bag in the early 90s. After all, the practical nature of a bag whose primary claim to fame consists of two adjustable shoulder straps exudes as much glamour as hiking trip accessories, than having anything to do with fashion. And anyone who can remember the (rather forgettable) fad of girls wearing those irksome mini-backpacks strapped onto their backs in teddy bear and other unspeakable shapes has surely sworn to a) never in this life wear one and b) associate with somebody who does.

And so starts the ancient dilemma of fashion versus practicality. Whilst cycling the other day from work to home, the fashionable owner of a lovely Mulberry Eastwood bag (the tan leather execution, of course) the bag, which was filled to the rim with gym kit, laptop and three pairs of trainers, was needless to say uncomfortably slung over the shoulder in a most unstable manner and, in complete oblivion to London traffic, was surreptitiously bouncing on the back wheel. To make a long story short, the Eastwood got caught between a spoke or two, causing its fashionable owner to divert unceremoniously into a postbox and fall to the ground. Bicycle, owner, and laptop ok; bag torn in all the wrong places.

Would the Eastwood have been replaced by a Jansport backpack there would have been no accident. Incidentally, the journey time would have been halved as all the time spent adjusting the bag from its burdening contours, the extra peddling in the mean time would have sped the bike to its home.

So does being practical over-ride being fashionable in certain situations or is there a compromise to be reached? The alternative being a bag that is half glamorous, half useful and not entirely unsightful. The answer, of course, is yes. You may not find the above qualities in the Harvey Nichols accessories department (after all high fashion and comfort remain poles apart) but there is a sensibility in fashion and a little research should see you unearth the alternatives. Even Mulberry do less chichi bags (canvas, anyone?) complete with adjustable shoulder straps whilst staying true to its signature detailing.

Still, if all this seems too much - why own two bags for the same purpose when the one will suffice? You may prefer to opt for the Eastwood, the Chloe or the Bottega Venetta. Or all three if you're lucky. And if practicality threatens fashionability, the advice is to take a taxi. Which is exactly what I will do next time.