The 1990s fashion debate: Are Mancunian men carrying handbags?

Nature · Published 30 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Step into a time machine to 1991 Manchester, where a burgeoning fashion trend sparked a public conversation about masculinity and accessories.

This archival clip from the BBC's 'That’s Life' features fashion expert Richard Creme and presenter Esther Rantzen on the streets of Manchester. They investigate whether local men are embracing the handbag as a functional or stylistic choice, exploring both the contents of these bags and the social perceptions surrounding them.

The segment serves as a cultural snapshot of early 90s British television, capturing a specific moment in fashion history where traditional gender norms were being questioned through everyday street style.

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