If you thought carrying a handbag two-times your weight is fashionable and healthy, you have it wrong! The desire for oversized handbags due to celebrity influence has dominated the fashion industry, and despite its health complications, consumers are continuing to demand for more and more.

Nowadays, women carry huge bags to keep their wallets, an entire make-up bag, perfume, diary, mobile phones, tissues, a water bottle, scarf, a laptop, a bunch of keys, name it.

Like many other young trendy women, 25-year-old Sandra Uwase admits that the trend of carrying huge handbags is a woman’s fantasy.

Uwase says that she is obsessed with oversized bags and that her love for such sizes makes her feel comfortable and trendy.

According to John Mucyo, a shop assistant at Top 10 Boutique, in Nyamirambo, the trend is on the rise. Unfortunately, not all buyers are aware of the health complications of regularly carrying heavy handbags. 

Dr. Allan Habimana says that frequently carrying heavy handbags by stretching the nerves can cause damage to the carrier’s neck. And it also affects the body’s stance as you hike the shoulder up.  

Traditionally, handbags represent a woman because they provide an atmosphere of charm to a practical woman. Whether you are a fashion freak or a social carefree, Jessica Umutoni says that a handbag is just an essential accessory for every woman.

"Trendy women always follow their heart when it comes to following fashion trends,” Umutoni says. "We follow the latest trends, patterns and designs so that carrying handbags can make you feel like a queen.”

Today, it’s apparent that trendy woman can never leave home with an average sized handbag, as she needs extra space to carry her through the day and always look good.

According to a mini survey conducted from a few Kigalians, huge bags signify classic style and elegance. No matter what size, women enjoy carrying them.

They can be got in different designs: classic geometric patterns, or feminine flowers. Black and white will always be the combination known to deliver sleek and sultry styles have been wowing the fashion crowd since the trend claimed the fashion industry. Watch for the brilliant red leathers, they look hotter!

Kelvin Manzi says a huge bag detracts from a girl’s appearance, rather than enhance it. "A handbag should be an accessory, but not a shelf.” 

Like other styles, handbag trends change with the season. For example, the hottest handbag trends for 2009 are the oversized "carryalls”. In fact, the bigger the better! 

This stylish trend of an extra large handbag that can hold-everything is not only chic but practical and is an absolute must-have this season.

"I like big bags too... but I wouldn’t buy something bigger than my body size,” Christine Mugwaneza says.

"I own what I call a huge handbag which can accommodate my handset, makeup, dairy, Bible, a water bottle, and laptop.”

Like Manzi claims, huge handbags are all over the markets and shops throughout the country. Single colour bags have managed to steal the show.

However, the disadvantage with this so-called hottest trend, it might be difficult locating your money, handset, keys or any small accessory when tossed into this large thing. So, when buying, look for the one with inside pockets.

Oversized bags may be the style of choice, but it’s also equally important to have that small trendy handbag for an evening out. The hottest trend is the one in silver colour, metallic, or any with those bling bling details. They are forever flattering!

Evariste Kayitare, a physiotherapist condemns people who regularly carry huge handbags in the name of fashion. He says that carrying heavier bags on the shoulder can result into a health illness known as Scoliosis.

Kayitare adds that the illness is a medical condition in which a person’s spine is curved from side to side.

"The condition is mostly caused by the imbalances of the weights. It can also affect the backbone, if the muscles can no longer support the back.” 

Due to the above health problems, doctors have urged women, that if the trend is a must adapt, they should consider minimizing the items in the bag, and to balance the bag consecutively on both shoulders. So, there you are.

Contact: lindaonly2005@yahoo.com