Menswear trends: accessories for Fall/Winter 2014/15

Bags 

This season backpacks made another big splash. At Calvin Klein Collection, menswear creative director Italo Zucchelli sent out some of his models with minimalist backpacks, which perfectly matched the olive greens, grays and khakis of his collection. 

In London designer Kit Neale also created backpacks which matched the fabrics of his outerwear, this time vibrant multicolored streetwear prints. But back in Paris, as usual, Thom Browne took it a step further. Not stopping at matchy-matchy accessories, the New York City-based designer even managed to incorporate built-in backpacks into the fabric of his coats. 

There were also some eye-catching leather backpacks at Versace, which drew attention to the models’ bottom-bearing chaps-style trousers. The functional theme continued at Louis Vuitton where Kim Jones turned his leather metallic and slung single strap bags over one shoulder, strapping on handy accessories like thermal flasks.

Shoes 

The double monkstrap is back with a vengeance. The classic style appeared at Gucci and Valentino, as well as in a highly desirable boot version at Tomas Maier’s Bottega Veneta show. Dolce & Gabbana served up sharp single monkstrap shoes, which also appeared on the runway at Salvatore Ferragamo.

The luxury fashion sneaker was, of course, back again for another season. Valentino are the masters of the craft, and Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli showed two new models. A new white leather plimsoll style appeared with a stripe of color, alongside a new running shoe model, with an air-bubble-style heel. At Galliano, the jogging-culture inspired looks of course featured lace-up shoes with leather uppers and colorful rubber running soles. 

Tasseled front shoes also had their moments, notably at Gucci and Cerruti. And props must go to Thom Browne for his sharp brogue boots, which perfectly matched his suiting materials and woven brocade outfits.