The return of the "fanny pack"

I have neither the hips (not runway-model thin, if you know what I mean) nor the bank account ($300-$2000!?!?!) for this trend. Will be interesting to see if the high-fashion Italians adopt this trend.

What do you mean about coming back in style. I didn't think they'd ever completely gone away. American tourists have continued to wear them. Maybe they're the true trendsetters and not Italian fashinistas.

Oh no, oh no! I can't take it! Hey, at those prices, why would anyone need to steal what's inside? Just take the pack and re-sell it.
Hmmmm at least the one the model's wearing is petite and doesn't hang down below her beer-belly!

Are you all aware of how, er, startling the name of this "fashion" accessory is in ENGLISH English, and what the connotations are??? :-) Roger

Roger... no problem. The UK ladies just wear in the front. Many people do anyway.

Disasterous... maybe we can pair it up with out pajama jeans for a great travel look.........

The problem with fanny packs is that people feel that they are secure, and tend to carry items in them that should be securely in their hidden money belt. On an Athens subway, some members of the tour group I was with were subjected to a whirlwind skilled theft team (one distracts, one jostles, and one zips and unzips that fanny pack with a light-as a feather touch). The lady in question did not even know she had been ripped off until she returned to her hotel.

I was looking at this one: http://www.daymakers.com/shopexd.asp?id=123 All black, no insignias, security features including clipped closed zippers and slash proof front, sides and underneath, to be worn halfway between my front and my side. Very practical....keeps hands free without having a lug a messenger bag. And let's face it, small messenger bags do not look good on men. It looks more like a purse. Still a no go?

A fanny pack is fine to carry water bottle, snack, bus schedule, map, guidebook, and phrase guide. Maybe even a very cheap camera. It just shouldn't be used to carry money, password, credit cards, nice camera, cell phone, etc.

Yes, per Roger's point use the term "bum bag" rather than "fanny pack" if you decide to wear your $2000 fashion accessory in Europe. Fanny has a totally different meaning in British English.

Stores like Urban Outfitters and American Apparel have been trying to "bring back" the fanny pack for a few years now. AA: http://store.americanapparel.net/rsanc500.html?cid=1422 Urban Outfitters: http://tinyurl.com/4mdj774 I don't know how, but they've convinced some people that these are cool.

I was just watching the France Shows that Rick did with Steve Smith. Not certain of the year, but Steve was wearing one. Good enough for him...

I agree they're not thought of as "cool", but they are functional. Use them to keep your hands free. A better place for a P&S camera than your pocket.Though I can't imagine why anyone would wear them in the back. Defeats the purpose of easy access.
Frank - Go for it.