Fashion connoisseur Tim Blanks summed up Prada’s a/w 2008 menswear show with: “male vulnerability wrapped up in a shirt.”

I’m not one to deny my adoration for Prada’s mind and designs because it was this collection, shown in mid-January, that foretold the hoards of androgyny spilling from the sartorial pores of Europe in June for the Spring 2009 menswear collections. That’s the power of a visionary. Much like Nicolas Ghesquière for Balenciaga is in womenswear.

Even with Miuccia Prada’s fall 2008 castration collection, her array of astonishing menswear accessories stood out.

Dangling a fabulous Prada tote bag with simulated animal print in front of a serious fashionista is almost as malicious as waving a dollar, sandwich and cigarette combo within arm’s reach of a New York City homme sans abri.

The man-bag/murse trend was not only picked up by Prada. Dozens of runways took the bland nylon messenger bag (which may have previously sufficed as vehicle for transporting daily necessities) and added surreal fabulousness in the form of prints, luxurious leather, monograms and even a knits. Take a peek at what you can expect fashionable men to tote this coming a/w season.

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