San Francisco - July 03, 2006

These Ones Go Past Eleven

Twelve Bags

Six of one, half a dozen of the other.

That’s one way to describe the parade of studded, riveted, hardware-heavy, handsomely pebbled, insistently slouchy leather bags that dominate today’s handbag market.

Isn’t it enough to make the classics look fresh again? Why, just look at the preppy-sweet canvas carryalls from Twelve. Available in a vast array of bright colors, the bags come in perfect versions of favorite designs, from messenger and bowler styles to handy travel options like garment bags, duffels, shoe bags, and the sporty new train tote.

Of course, if you want to get really basic, go for the perfectly proportioned pocket totes, available in three sizes. Many of the designs come in nylon, and you can customize yours with a cute emblem (we love the skull and crossbones), but you won’t see a croco-embossed scrap of leather or unnecessary bolt of brass anywhere on these babies.

Which, in this case, adds up to a perfect Twelve.

Available at Flight 001, 525 Hayes Street, between Octavia and Laguna Streets (415-487-1001); Egg and the Urban Mercantile, 85 Carl Street, at Cole Street (415-564-2248); or online at twelvenyc.com.