Maison Martin Margiela Zip-Lock Haircalf Tote: Double Your Texture, Double Your Fun

At first look, you think Maison Martin Margiela has gone from overtly avant-garde to overly pragmatic, with a simple tote that looks pretty straightforward-functional. But rather than execute a seriously shaped shoulder bag or a shearling-lined box, Margiela has opted for texture that enthralls for ages. In calf-hair stamped with a python print, this is as unexpected and exciting as ever for the brand. The combination of sleek fuzz and exotic scales makes it hard to pinpoint, and that’s just why I like it. A zing of silver hardware finishes it off right.

The perfect tote is a hard bag to find – functional usually means boring and not-functional means a problem – so I love bold details to heighten the appeal, rather than an overly complicated design to bog you down. On ShopBop for $2,085.

Pair with: I also like a tough jacket with unforeseen sweetness. Kenzo’s biker number has ruffled trimming to lighten you up. On Net-a-Porter for $1,635.