How did the humble backpack—once the domain of hikers, students, and schoolyard scuffs — become a bona fide fashion statement? In this episode, we trace the backpack’s unlikely rise from practical gear to luxury accessory. As workers returned to the office and travelers faced rising baggage fees, demand for stylish, functional packs surged to record highs. Advances in materials like waxed canvas and leather have pushed the backpack into boardrooms, while global fashion houses from Dior to Chanel now release limited-edition versions worthy of a runway. From Ötzi the Iceman’s wooden frame to today’s designer collaborations, the backpack has evolved for 5,300 years—and it’s never looked more chic.

https://www.economist.com/culture/2025/01/23/backpacks-are-surprisingly-in-vogue