Style Icons: The Marni Trunk Bag

A unique origin story
Any memory can be the starting point for a piece that eventually becomes iconic, and the greatest creative minds in the industry would be the first to agree with such a statement. A childhood spent near the ocean gave Gianni Versace the inspiration for his beloved Trésor de Mer print; a compass rose set in the stones of the family veranda would give Christian Dior a symbol that he would use again and again; and an insignia found on the stained glass windows of the abbey where she grew up would provide Coco Chanel with her trademark logo. It's a fact: designers and artists delve into their own personal lives to help them create. Consuelo Castiglioni Marni is no exception to this rule: in the 2014 Resort collection for the self-named fashion house she founded in 1994, the label's first it-bag was born. The Trunk: graphic, chic, and compact, this leather accessory created an instant sensation. But far from just a simple handbag, it had its very own origin story, inspired as it was by the vintage bike-packs adored by their creator, herself a cycling enthusiast. Voilà: how to turn a weekend hobby into a design sensation.

A fashionable and functional staple
Anecdotes aside, the Trunk's reputation is built upon its blend of style and functionality. In a time when the term "practical" was something of a dirty word in the fashion industry, Consuelo Castiglioni left no stone unturned. The inventor of the Fussbetts, the "ugly shoes" that were as comfortable as they were controversial (and in-demand) in 2001, here created an accessory equal parts intellectual and cool. Underneath its graphic hood and its discreet golden clip, the Trunk holds a multitude of open and zipped compartments, plus extensible volumes thanks to an elegant and ingenious system of gussets. In other words, it's a piece that responds to all our needs, even the ones we didn't know we had. An easily-adjustable strap is the ultimate detail, bringing you from the office to a dinner date in the blink of an eye. This versatile treasure has won the hearts of fashionistas the world over, along with those of us who simply appreciate unfailing everyday style.

Remixes galore
Of course, with great success came a great diversity of new options. This brilliant jewel in Marni's crown was an instant hit, and the Trunk bag rapidly became a cult item. This immediate superstar was already available in two distinctive styles: one in ultra-resistant Saffiano leather, and the other in cotton and featuring a plaid print that was elevated with encrusted crystals. From there, it was only a matter of time before the label launched bi- and tri-color versions that accentuated the bag's quirky side (to say nothing of their synthetic shearling-lined sister!). Soon, more models began to proliferate, including the mini- and even micro-sized, destined for little more than a phone and a credit card. But it was in 2019 that Marni presented the most notable update yet, led by Frencesco Risso since Castiglioni's departure in 2016. The 2020 Resort Collection brought us the Trunk Reverse, which, true to its name, presented the emblematic Trunk bag turned inside-out. The result is a creation that's as cool as it is undeniably original, with accents subtly more masculine than the initial version. And it doesn't stop there — Rissi has continued to explore the new dimensions offered by the model, launching it in soft leather this year. It's enough to give this elegant essential a new vibe, one that's at once chic and expertly dressed-down.