When I heard that Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen would sell a $39, 000 alligator backpack as part of their new The Row accessories line, I scoffed. I doubted that anyone would spend such a significant amount of money on a backpack. But it seems that my doubt was misplaced, as the backpack is the first from the range to sell out.
Fashion retailers aren’t entirely surprised by the interest in the luxury backpack. Barneys’ fashion director Amanda Brooks said that “If you were ever going to spend $39, 000 on a bag, that’s the bag you should buy.” I guess I just underestimated the number of people who intended to spend $39, 000 on a bag!
As if the price wasn’t already prohibitive, the popularity of the backpack style has also taken me aback. Sure it’s made of alligator, so immediately covetable. But at the end of the day, it’s a backpack. While it’s practical, or as practical as any bag with a five-figure bottom line can be, the style still reminds us of our early school days. I suppose the popularity of The Row’s backpack might elevate the style to a new luxury status, but I’m still not convinced.
There’s no denying the numbers though. I had some serious doubts, but it seems Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen know exactly what they’re doing.
