What’s in the bags of stylish men? Speedos, tuning forks and doggy treats

There was a time, not too long ago, when a man’s daily carry was limited to the holy trinity: phone, wallet, keys. Anything more required a backpack that screamed “I’m heading to a 9 am lecture” or a briefcase that said “I’m a mid-level manager and I have a mortgage.”

But look around today and the Man Purse has fractured into a dozen sub-genres. It’s no longer just about utility; it’s about a specific kind of soft-launching of one's personality. Whether it’s the Big Tote Energy of the creative class or the micro-sling of a film producer—those tiny, zipped pouches that suggest the wearer has reached a state of zen-like minimalism—these bags are the new windows into the male psyche.

But what is actually in there? Is it all “intentional deprivation” and artisanal notebooks, or is it just a chaotic abyss of tangled Type-C cables and dog snacks? I cornered five men across the creative spectrum to play a high-stakes game of Show and Tell to finally understand what’s really in their bag.

Dheeraj Reddy 

Dheeraj Reddy is a content creator and jewellery designer who spends most of his days by the beach in between Mumbai and Goa with his dog Idli.

What does your bag say about you that you maybe wouldn’t say yourself?

I bought my Fendi Peekaboo (my current bag) from a Japanese curator on eBay. I don’t really have a story behind the items; it’s just random stuff that I carry around. I’d say my bag is utilitarian, though it might read as clutter. I carry a lot of junk, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What’s the most unexpected thing we’d find in your bag?

Snacks! I sometimes forget to eat, so I always make sure to have something in my bag for both myself and Idli (my puppy).

Mishall B

Mishall B is a model, history junkie and all-round clothes horse based in Mumbai. His Instagram feed is a documentation of his fits (follow him to discover niche Indian brands like Hiro, Laturia, and Dilli Disco District) and collaborations with brands like Kiehls and MAC India.

Is there an item in your bag with a story behind it?

This Louis Vuitton Speedy bag that I’m currently carrying has a bit of a story. I picked it up at my favourite auction house in London—which I’d honestly love to gatekeep.

Other than that, my current read is always in my bag and quite interesting. I tend to read a lot of historical academia that’s written for a larger audience. Right now, I’m reading Speaking of History by Namit Arora and Romila Thapar, which explores different interpretations of history.

What’s the most unexpected thing we’d find in your bag?

I always have at least three cameras with me. And, of course, the contents of my bag change according to the day, but right now I’m in Goa and one unexpected thing would probably be my Speedos. I literally hang and dry my swim trunks on the side of my bag.

Lenn S 

Lenn S works in a film production house which has refined his eye for nuance and detail. That sensibility informs how he dresses—quietly considered, instinctive, and restrained ready for everything from shoot days to long-haul flights.

What does your bag say about you that you maybe wouldn’t say yourself?

I don’t change my work bags frequently. It’s always been a sling from Hermès or A-Cold-Wall. My bag probably insinuates that I value clarity—in how I move and in what I carry. I tend to keep things light and intentional, nothing excessive. I think that reflects a part of me I don’t always put into words.

Is there an item in your bag with a story behind it?

My notebook, always. It’s where I keep the thoughts I don’t say out loud—ideas, observations, little fragments of days. It’s not sentimental in an obvious way, but it holds more than it seems.

What’s the most unexpected thing we’d find in your bag?

Probably how little there is. Just the essentials—lip balm, sunscreen, cards, a small notebook. I like carrying only what I actually use… Everything else just feels like noise. Lately, I’ve added a couple of beauty staples though. The Makeup by Mario Master Secret Glow Highlighter for a subtle touch of radiance and my go-to Summer Fridays lip balm. Tucked neatly beside them is a vintage Gucci cardholder, finished with a delicate bee motif.

Edward Lalrempuia

Brands like Anita Dongre, MAC, Estée Lauder and more work with fashion stylist Edward Lalrempuia on the regular. They come to him for his refined, grownup visual language honed during his time at the country’s leading fashion publications (Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar).

What does your bag say about you that you maybe wouldn’t say yourself?

Honestly, my bag says exactly what I would say myself: Practical. It has all the things that I use and need everyday. You’ll always find essentials like sunscreen, lip balm, perfume, AirPods, my wallet, sunglasses, house keys, hand cream, and a pen.

What bag is currently on top of your rotation?

I usually use my Chanel or Prada bags on a daily basis. I bought this particular Chanel bag when I visited Paris for Paris Fashion Week. I had no intention of buying it initially, but I saw this cute pouch and I knew I just wanted it.

What’s the most unexpected thing we’d find in your bag?

My everyday bag isn’t the biggest, so I’ve learned to be quite selective about what I carry. I stick to the absolute essentials and try to keep it organised so I can find everything easily. It’s a bit of a balancing act—fitting in what I need without overloading it. Most days, I just pack the basics and hope I haven’t forgotten anything important. 

Akshat Rajan

Akshat Rajan is the founder of wellness hub Akiko Wellness and has spent over a decade immersing himself in multidisciplinary practices—from breath work and meditation to movement and sound therapy.

What does your bag say about you that you maybe wouldn’t say yourself?

I’m carrying a grey bag from The Row right now that, I think, says I value simplicity, quality, and things that don’t need to shout to be felt. Inside, it’s a different world—it’s structure and soul coexisting. I’m ready for a meeting, a moment of inspiration, or a complete shift in energy at any point. I think I’m as much a prepared perfectionist as I am an unprepared magician.

Is there an item in your bag with a distinct story behind it?

My reMarkable [writing tablet]. I’ve always needed to write by hand; it’s how I “listen” to my own thoughts. I used to carry multiple journals for different parts of my life, and while I tried switching to a Notes app, it felt too transactional and disconnected. The reMarkable changed that—it holds my entire inner world in one place while retaining the tactile, meditative feel of paper. It allows me to stay analogue in my process while remaining digital in my output.

What’s the most unexpected thing we’d find in your bag?

Probably how prepared I am to do nothing. In a world where we’re constantly forced to consume, rest for me looks like intentional deprivation. I carry Loop noise-cancelling buds, an eye mask, maybe a tuning fork or oracle cards so I can tune out, reset my nervous system, or shift states anywhere, anytime.