Carl Jan Cruz is adapting to the current climate with a refreshing inclusion to its catalog.&nbsp;

Following his past inquiry into loungewear with the Pambahay collection, Carl Jan Cruz&rsquo;s Rib Bag series is the designer&rsquo;s first major foray into accessories. This is both a creativity- and convenience-fueled escape to adapt to the changes brought by the pandemic. &ldquo;We have tried to pivot or make sure that the brand is not limited to clothes right now, but the challenge is ultimately to put the same feel, enthusiasm, and energy,&rdquo; says Cruz.

He adds, &ldquo;It&rsquo;s about what we don't have yet. Yes, we&rsquo;ve always had fabric bags, and yes, we also love the structured bags that we would use beforehand. Now it&rsquo;s kind of this odd in between. It feels like you need this newness. You want the ease that the fabric bags offer but at the same time, you kind of still want this kick&hellip;&rdquo;&nbsp;

Photo by Renzo Navarro, courtesy of Carl Jan Cruz 

The pieces recall the flexibility of the handy tote bag, which is then fused with a classic CJC textile. For Cruz, the decision to commit to the brand&rsquo;s characteristic fabric, the Rib, came as a means for reducing wastage, opting to use whatever was on hand. Frame-wise, the bags are collapsible&mdash;giving the user the kind of casual convenience one craves with loungewear. The exterior of the bags mimics traditional cuts&mdash;the <a href="https://www.carljancrewz.com/shop/galabagcream" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gala</a> bag is reminiscent of MM6 Maison Margiela's Triangle Tote while the <a href="https://www.carljancrewz.com/shop/ianniquebagcream" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Iannique</a> closely recalls the weightiness of the classic Dior Book Tote. But it is the allying of soft and structured that make the line even more attractive.&nbsp;

Gala Bag in White. Photo by Renzo Navarro, courtesy of CARL JAN CRUZ.

Iannique Bag in Cream. Photo by Renzo Navarro, courtesy of CARL JAN CRUZ.

CARL JAN CRUZ Rib Bags are available for purchase on their <a href="https://www.carljancrewz.com/shop?tag=Bags" target="_blank" rel="noopener">website</a>.

Photo by Renzo Navarro, courtesy of CARL JAN CRUZ.

CJC’s Rib Bags Reintroduce Utility in the Age of Loungewear Comfort

CJC’s Rib Bags Reintroduce Utility in the Age of Loungewear Comfort

Recommended posts for you

Hommes

Command Attention With These Bold Men’s Frames

Culture

Yugyeom Redefines His Artistry on the Trusty Tour

Fashion

The Surprising Origins of the Viral Tabi Shoe

Hommes

Nick Jonas Becomes the New Face of Fossil

Culture

Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards Are in the Mood for Love

Culture

Honest Review of GoTyme Bank

Fashion

Adidas Originals Collaborates with Sporty & Rich to Reimagine the SL72

Fashion

Versace Opens a Sleek New Boutique in Cebu