Sanchita Ajjampur’s sling bags flaunt interesting detailing while the colour palette includes deep grey, brown and blue tones

If you’ve been meaning to spring into summer with something that can add dollops of oomph to your outfit, here’s just the accessory you need. From casuals to evening wear, sophisticated sling bags and funky cross-body bags are making a strong fashion statement.

The colourful and ethnic jhola was the stuff of streetwear some years ago and found an instant connect with the trendy set. But today fashion designers and top brands are playing on its looks and including it in their collections in myriad avatars, materials and styles. The fuss-free sling bags in their arsenal have been given a slick twist to suit any kind of ensemble.

The cross-body bags from Fendi come in solid colours like red, brown and beige; (top) Burberry Prorsum livens up its line with bright hues like leaf green, military red, petrol blue and rhubarb pink

Today, they are a trendy alternative for executives who’d rather bypass the briefcase. Says designer Abhishek Dutta: “A solid-tone executive sling bag is perfect for power dressing.” They can hold your iPad and have space left for more. For students, he recommends slings in canvas, jute and washed denims — in floral prints for girls and graphic ones for men.

And don’t think the sling bag is a humble accessory. At the top end, these are seriously expensive. British luxury brand Burberry Prorsum’s bags are as extravagant as they are colourful. Its collection features cross-body bags in bright shades like leaf green with the iconic Burberry checks. This canvas bag, priced at Rs 56,000, with leather stripes has a zip closure, a zipped pocket inside and metallic buckles to adjust the strap.

If Italy’s on your mind, consider Fendi. The brand’s Borsa Colorblock Crossbody bags are classy to the core and are priced around Rs 74,000. Usually square with round edges, these come in tones of red, brown and beige. Combinations like a bright red top flap and a black shoulder strap with a Fendi monogram buckle rule the line.

Abraham & Thakore’s sling bag in black patent leather works well for both men and women

Indian designers too are having a fling with the sling. David Abraham of Abraham & Thakore says their sling bags are “inspired by the Indian jhola and interpreted in a modern way in patent leather.” Prices start at Rs 4,500 and you can wear them like cross-bags. The shape is rectangular and they come in shades of black, t an, ivory and maroon.

Sling bags are quite the thing in designer Kavita Bhartia’s line too. She’s gone for pieces in antique gold and brown Lurex leather and navy blue silk heat-set fabric. “These are square and rectangular, boxy shapes with a top flap. The surface textures are created with quilting, hand block-printing, crewel embroidery, and zardozi and aari,” says Bhartia. “We’ve done brass sequins and beads in antique patina and old gold finishes and the straps are linked chains in antique brass and nickel,” she adds. Their price range varies from Rs 4,500 to Rs 6,500.

Ornamentation is something that also works for designer Sanchita Ajjampur. “We’ve designed our bags with jewelled ornamentation and hand-tatted (a lace making technique) fringes,” says Ajjampur. These are batua shaped, both large and small, and come in deep grey, brown and earthy tones. Her collection is priced between Rs 6,000 and Rs 9,000.

Promod’s black sling bag with white piping teams well with casuals as well as officewear; (below) functionality blends with style in the wraparound sling bag by Abhishek Dutta Pix: Bishwarup Dutta ; Rashbehari Das

Dutta prefers to go with Swarovski detailing in his unisex digital print bags. His rectangular, mustard leather bag with a print of Victoria Memorial is roomy enough for a laptop. A steel-hued, wrap-around sling bag with double steel chains is designed in pleated and washed silk-denim with a leather pocket in the front. His creations start from Rs 2,000 onwards. Then, there’s his rolled sling, created for functionality. “Design students and architects can carry their work material in this stylish sling rather than plastic holders,” says Dutta. The back sling is made with foiled leather (metal foil put on leather to give it a dull silver finish) and has a zipper pocket for paintbrushes and pencils.

Brands like Mango and Promod too are offering chic sling bags in faux leather and genuine leather. At Mango check out the brown rectangular sling with girlie tassels. With a single compartment, it teams tastefully with halter dresses. Prices start from Rs 2,350. Promod’s black sling bag with white piping is a cool pick too. It has a mobile case and lots of pockets. “It’s perfect with a white outfit,” says Sushila Subba, store manager, Promod, Forum Courtyard. Prices range between Rs 1,950 and Rs 3,250.

Functional and elegant — sling bags can be teamed with cool casuals and even stylish eveningwear. “Pair them with flowy dresses or lounge wear,” says Ajjampur. Slings also double as perfect daytime accessories and go well with almost any Western outfit.

The larger size bags from Abraham & Thakore are unisex. Abraham says: “For the right look, your clothing must have clean shoulders without fussy treatments so you can sling the bag across.”

So, store away your totes and bulky shoulder bags this summer and go hands free with a sling bag.