NOWADAYS, people seem to be getting more and more obsessed with bags?and we?re not just talking about designer bags. Thanks to brands that offer specialized designs for different bags (like backpacks, laptop sleeves, messenger bags or small purses), students, yuppies, outdoorsy types and techies no longer have to settle for generic bags that don?t reflect their personalities.

If you?re looking for the perfect bag for school, work or play but don?t really feel like combing through a dozen stores, make sure to drop by the newly opened Bratpack flagship store in Greenbelt 5.

But the store, which is Bratpack?s largest branch, isn?t just a bag shop?it?s a lifestyle concept store.

?The store caters to your every need from head to toe,? says Raquel Serrano, channel manager for Bratpack. ?We no longer just offer bags; we have clothes, shoes, accessories, and other small but necessary items for day-to-day life.?

Aside from bags, the store carries men and women?s apparel, accessories, shoes and sports items from more than 20 brands (and counting). Are you an outdoorsy mountain climber? The North Face has durable backpacks for your one-with-nature exploits. Are you a high school or college student in search of a sturdy but cute backpack? Jansport has a new line of graphic design bags. Maybe you?re looking for a no-nonsense bag for your first day at work?then go look for a messenger bag at Hedgren.

Other current brands of bags, clothing and accessories include Timbuk2, Vajo, DC, Aigle, Life is Good, Tough jeans, Sanuk, Kickers, FitFlop and Eastpak, while customers can expect new arrivals from True Religion, Travis and Tretorn by December.

Even boyfriends or brothers with short attention spans won?t get bored here, as the store?s merchandise is equally divided between both sexes. Plus, if they really don?t like shopping, they can still have fun checking out the store?s cool interiors, designed by architect Dindo Guerrero in collaboration with graphic design group Team Manila.

Check out the Bratpack flagship store at the 2nd floor of Greenbelt 5. Call 728-4028.

E-mail biancaconsunji@yahoo.com