Adidas Y-3 MB Weekender

THE ASKMEN TAKE

The genius of world-renowned Japanese fashion designer Yohji Yamamoto and ubiquitous German sporting goods label adidas spawned love child Y-3 back in 2003. The collaboration, which features everything from athletic shoes to a recently debuted ready-to-wear clothing line, has proven to be successful for the curious pairing. Yamamoto’s decidedly avant-garde aesthetic isn’t exactly the obvious choice for hitting the gym or running the occasional marathon. But as it turns out, the practicality of German engineering with its attention to technologically advanced fabrics and construction is the ideal window of opportunity for a designer known more for making asymmetrical jackets than track pants. The haughty weirdos of the fashion world may be turning up their pointy plastic noses, but adidas has finally made Yamamoto commercially viable. Y-3’s MB Weekender bag is design practicality at its best.

UNIQUENESS

It can be tough to find a weekend bag that doesn’t sacrifice a shred of masculinity for style. Fortunately, the Y-3 MB Weekender is all man without looking like a crappy duffle bag. The minimalist design is adorned with two simple exterior pockets and just enough metal hardware to make the bag work. Extra storage pockets on either end with snap closures make it easy to stash a few extra things before hitting the road. The focus on functionality continues with a removable long strap for throwing the bag over your shoulder. The Y-3 MB Weekender is also fully lined on the interior. Instead of black -- Yamamoto’s signature color -- this bag comes in a slightly different but equally versatile dark gray.

DURABILITY

Leather is the only way to go when it comes to investing in a weekend tote. You can take care of a bag all you want, but the reality is that it will take a beating over the course of its life. A few dings and bruises on canvas or nylon, and it’s time for an early retirement. Leather is the only material that can take the abuse and get better with age. But basic leather just doesn’t fit the tech-driven functionality of adidas or the avant-garde design principles of Yohji Yamamoto. This matte leather is specially treated to last. With design as simple and durable as this, the Y-3 MB Weekender may just become your weekday bag, too.