‘Eternals’ Director Chloé Zhao Wore This Back-to-School Essential on the Red Carpet
The Oscar-winning filmmaker swapped the usual clutch with Fjällräven's best-selling backpack.
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Danielle Directo-Meston
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As the Venice Film Festival winds down, there have been no shortage of red carpet looks to fuel our fashion daydreams in the coming months. From Zendaya’s skin-clinging nude leather gown by Balmain and Anya Taylor-Joy’s fluorescent pink Christian Dior dress (both are clients of image architect Law Roach) to Tiffany Hadish’s Old Hollywood-inspired Christian Siriano gown and Kristen Stewart’s Princess Diana-inspired Chanel ensembles (the star is an ambassador of the brand), stars offered plenty of inspiration for upcoming soirees.
Among those who sported looks that were the most translatable to daily life was Oscar-winning filmmaker Chloé Zhao, who paired her floral dress with a popular back-to-school accessory. The Eternals director swapped the usual sparkling clutch for Fjällräven’s light gray Kanken Mini backpack, one of the Swedish accessories brand’s best-selling carryalls that goes for only $70.
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The Venezia78 jury member — whose highly anticipated Marvel film arrives Nov. 5 — is known for her casual, bohemian-luxe approach to red carpet dressing. Zhao notably wore a neutral smocked and pleated dress embroidered with pearls and white sneakers (both by Hermès) earlier this year to the Oscars, where she won an Academy Award for Nomadland.
Zhao certainly isn’t the first person in Hollywood to sport Fjällräven’s classroom-ready carryall. Known for its boxy, sturdy silhouette available in a range of practical sizes, the minimalist-cool backpack has also been spotted on stars including Olivia Wilde, Alexa Chung and Zoe Deschanel.
Founded in 1960, Fjällräven debuted its classic Kanken backpack as a way to alleviate the backs of Swedish schoolchildren. The $80 bag has become a beloved piece among kids and grown-ups alike, thanks to its durable Vinylon material (which is water- and dirt-resistant), zip-open main compartment, handy front pocket and top handles and comfortable shoulder straps. The bag comes with a removable foam seat cushion, and the interior sleeve can also be used to hold a laptop. (The brand makes laptop-specific backpacks, too.)
Whether you’re looking to make a casual statement like Zhao at your next cocktail event, or just looking for a versatile everyday backpack, shop the Fjällräven Kanken mini backpack below, as well as other options from the beloved label.
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, we may receive an affiliate commission.
1. Fjällräven Kanken Mini Backpack
The brand’s Kanken mini backpack measures 11.4 inches tall by eight inches wide by five inches deep, and offers seven liters of storage space. Just like its classic-size counterpart, the small backpack has a main compartment that zips open fully, a front zippered pocket, two side pockets, adjustable shoulder straps and a top handle. It’s available in a variety of colors, like the light gray shade that Zhao wore to Venice.
Fjallraven Kanken Mini Backpack $70
2. Fjällräven Kanken Mini Backpack
Fjallraven Kanken Mini Backpack $70
2. Fjällräven Re-Kanken Mini Backpack
For an eco-friendly option, the brand’s Re-Kanken Mini backpack is made of recycled plastic bottles and was dyed using a process called SpinDye that reduces the amount of chemicals, energy and water during manufacturing. It’s available in a range of colors, too.
Fjallraven Re-Kanken Mini Backpack $75
3. Fjällräven Kanken Sling Crossbody Bag
If you prefer something even smaller, there’s also a sling crossbody version of the Kanken bag. It measures slightly smaller than eight inches tall by about six inches wide and three inches deep.
Fjallraven Kanken Sling Crossbody Shoulder Bag $65
4. Fjällräven Kanken Sling Crossbody Bag
The Fjällräven Kanken sling crossbody bag also comes in an array of hues, including this neutral gray option.
Fjallraven Kanken Sling Crossbody Shoulder Bag $65
5. Fjällräven Kanken Backpack
Prefer the classic Kanken backpack? The brand’s medium-size carryall is 14 inches tall by 10 inches wide by 4.5 inches deep, and fits most 13-inch laptops.
Fjallraven Kanken Backpack $80
6. Fjällräven Kanken No. 2 Backpack
The Swedish label also offers the Kanken No. 2 backpack, which features luxe leather handles and details.
Fjallraven Kanken No. 2 Backpack $120
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