Every fashion enthusiast knows that Fifth Avenue is one of the best places to go shopping. But here at The New School, Fifth Avenue is more than that — it’s a runway. From statement bags to standout shoes, Fashion on Fifth is here to give you weekly, front row access to some of The New School’s chicest looks. This week, we’re focusing on the personalization of everyday bags.
Where did you get your everyday bag? In a sea of fleeting trends, it’s the small details that often make the biggest impact. Our everyday bags are more than just practical — they’re personal. While essential for convenience, they also add that finishing touch to an outfit. From the pens, snacks, and gadgets we stash inside to the charms and pins that adorn them, these bags carry not just our essentials but also our story.
Bags can be one of the most overlooked elements of our wardrobe, yet their design and customization can speak volumes. A simple charm, pin, or small detail can transform an otherwise functional accessory into a personal statement piece. As everyday bags become canvases for creativity, they offer a glimpse into our individuality. Whether gifted or self-made, these additions carry memories of the past while remaining a part of our evolving personal style.
Aly White — she/her
First-year undecided BAFA Parsons School of Design/Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts student
Just as the sky began to darken, I spotted Aly, an Arts & Culture reporter for the New School Free Press, making her way through the evening chill. Her flowing black lace skirt and denim jacket combo kept her warm in the crisp fall breeze. The navy blue shoulder bag she carried featured two gold-trimmed pockets that complemented the cool tone of her denim jacket. The bag’s abundance of zippered pockets was as practical as it was cute, perfectly balancing style and functionality. Hanging loosely from the bag were five small keychains, swaying with every step she took.
Aly smiled as she recalled the bag’s origins: “This is my mom’s old vintage Coach bag. She gave it to me for my birthday.” The bag, a thoughtful gift, connected her to the past while also seamlessly blending with her modern look. She had obtained many of these keychains during store giveaways at Urban Outfitters and other events. Many of the charms reflected her specific interests. A themed Hello Kitty pin, for example, showcased her strong fondness for films. Another favorite, a bright green star, added a pop of color that complemented the overall collection.
Luna Liao — she/her
First-year Parsons fashion design student
Conveniently standing by the College of Performing Arts building, Luna was carrying a cluster of dangling animal keychains that caught my eye. Dressed in comfy, baggy sweats and an oversized jacket, Luna was showcasing various additionals to her tote bag. She briefly shared the stories behind each stuffed charm, some dating back several years. When asked why she carries this selection, she said, “Because that’s my friend’s gift, so it makes me feel like it’s really special.” These mementos seemed to shield her from loneliness. With this reliable source of comfort, she could never truly feel alone. “I’ll remember them every time I look at this,” she said, each keychain serving as a reminder of the people and places she treasured.
Thanks to her friends, Luna had gifts from all over the world — Japan, Hawaii, and Australia — each one offering a unique glimpse into different environments and cultures. The global collection not only allowed her to reminisce comfortably, but also exposed both her and others to rich and diverse stories.
Lizi Rodda — she/her
First-year Parsons illustration student
When first approaching Lizi, I was immediately drawn to the leaf-like headpiece sprouting from her hair. The delicate flowers blended flawlessly with the dark ombre tones of her outfit, adding a natural touch to her look. Her necklaces and furry boots felt appropriate for the cooler fall weather while the self-made designs on her shirt showcased her creativity. The bag she carried, a white crocheted crossbody with a single zipper, offered both style and security. She smiled, recalling the purchase, and said, “The purse was seven dollars from a random thrift shop in San Jose. That’s where I’m from, actually. I’ve had it for about two years.” It not only complemented her look perfectly but had become a constant in her daily wardrobe.
When asked if her bag influenced the outfit, Lizi laughed and said, “I don’t know what my style is really. I just consider it mixed media, because I’m an artist. My body’s just like another canvas to me.” Much of her outfit, she admitted, was the result of luck — a combination of finds from thrift stores and travels. The intricately beaded designer jacket she wore paired with the simple crochet strings spoke to both her artistry and practicality. Some items came from home, while others were souvenirs found during her travels, each one adding a personal touch. This collection of keepsakes allowed her to carry a piece of her journey with her. By reusing the same bag, she created a subtle connection between each outfit, reflecting her remarkable changing sense of style.
Evelyn (Zhu) Tianfei — she/her
First-year Parsons fashion design student
Standing confidently against the dark exterior of Kerry Hall, Evelyn wore an all-white outfit complete with comfortable slippers that matched the color scheme. The deep black of her handbag created a striking contrast, drawing attention to the Hello Kitty keychain hanging from it. When asked where the cat chain came from, she smiled and replied, “It’s from my friends in LA.” The keychain, a small but meaningful accessory, added a personal touch to her look, reflecting the bond she shared with her friends.
It served as a personal memento she chose to carry with her. Evelyn explained that she plans to keep it for as long as it remains in good condition, saying, “I think I’ll use this until it becomes very dirty.” Its presence is a comforting reminder of past friendships, grounding her as she transitions to a new chapter in life.
Nora Leptak— she/her
Second-year Lang psychology student
I spotted Nora striding by the CVS building adjacent to the University Center. With her silver hoops and striped blue top, the brown messenger bag she carried stood out. The front of the bag was covered in an eclectic array of pins, each one showcasing personal interests and inspirations. Upon closer inspection, the pins featured words and vibrant designs celebrating artists as well as nostalgic visuals, with Scooby-Doo and Snoopy as present examples.
When asked about the arrangement, Nora replies, “It is such a crazy array of pins from literally all over. It took me, like, probably two years max to collect all of these.” Her tone carried a warm sense of reminiscence. Some of the pins held more personal significance: “A few I just got from local bookstores and stuff. And then, this is actually my grandmother’s pin that she would wear on cardigans.” Carrying these pins made her feel connected to loved ones, no matter the distance.
Among the collection, her favorite was a bright orange pin that read “Still Nasty,” a humorous, bold statement serving as a reminder to stay true to her “nasty” and eccentric nature — an encouragement for any to embrace their unparalleled uniqueness.
While bags serve the practical purpose of carrying everyday essentials, adding details and accessories enhances their value. Mementos of home, personal interests, and small tokens of relationships provide meaningful reminders throughout the day. These additions not only encourage personal growth but also serve as a nod to the influences that have shaped who you are. By displaying these unique touches, bags become more than just functional items — they become expressions of individuality and creativity. What memories does your bag bring up?
Disclosure: Aly White is an Arts & Culture Reporter for The New School Free Press