A$AP Rocky attends Chanel fashion show carrying a pink purse, Challenges the narrow view of masculinity
A single accessory at a high-profile show led to discussions about modern masculinity and why certain norms continue to persist.
When it comes to fashion shows, celebrities often wear outfits that catch everyone’s attention, whether it’s a stunning dress, an unexpected suit, or a statement accessory. But sometimes, someone shows up and creates buzz for reasons beyond just style. That’s what happened when A$AP Rocky arrived at the Chanel fashion show, not just due to his outfit, but also because of a surprising accessory he was carrying with it.
Rocky arrived at the Chanel official Cruise 2026/27 show wearing a tan suede jacket trimmed with jeweled details over a red polo shirt, paired with grey wide-leg trousers. Slung over his shoulder, though, was something nobody expected, a soft pink Chanel shoulder bag with a chain trim, and dangling from the handle, a pair of tiny pink baby ballet flats as a charm.
When a journalist asked about the bag, Rocky explained, “It’s a gift from Matthieu. He’s so thoughtful, and he actually had a pregnant woman on the runway…. I’m going to give ballerina shoes to my daughter. Thank you, Matthieu.” Rocki Irish Mayers, the third child of Rihanna and A$AP Rocky, was born in September, 2025. Just seven months later, baby Rocki made her magazine debut, appearing with Rihanna on the cover of W Magazine, which caused a huge buzz online for their adorable outfits.
Many fans loved Rocky’s look and what it represented. Comments quickly filled up with reactions like “Rihanna will be happy with this beautiful gift.” When a man walks into a Chanel show carrying a pink bag with a ballet flat charm as a gift for his newborn daughter, that’s no longer a fashion statement. That’s a father showing love for his daughter in the most natural way. Another commenter wrote, “We love a man who loves and is proud of his family!”
Some acknowledged Rocky’s unique fashion sense. Rocky has always occupied a lane in menswear that’s entirely his own, and many commenters acknowledged that. One fan wrote, “He’s always pushed boundaries, that’s why he and Rihanna are perfect for one another”, one person wrote.
Both Rocky and Rihanna have built their careers by being true to themselves and their artistic visions, setting them apart from others in the industry. Their courage to break away from traditional fashion rules and express themselves freely has made them fashion icons and cultural trendsetters.
Predictably, not everyone was supportive of his look. Many people felt that the bag would look better on Rihanna, expressing opinions like, “Rihanna should carry that Bag, Not You.” Another said, “He’s the woman in this relationship.” Some went too far in their judgment, with one saying, “Too feminine for u.”
Such judgments show how some people feel uncomfortable when men break away from traditional gender norms without caring what others would think.
Even men joined in on the criticism. One man wrote, “I don’t care how confident and secure or fashion forward you are, I’m not carrying a purse unless it’s holding it for my girl or mom while they go to the restroom”. Many men still feel uneasy about holding anything that might be seen as feminine. Despite progress in thinking about gender roles, there is still a lot of change needed when it comes to attitudes about what is acceptable for men to wear or carry.
Being a girl’s dad in today’s world
In 2026, it’s surprising to see people reacting strongly to a man carrying a pink bag. Pink was considered a masculine color throughout much of the 18th and 19th centuries; no single color was assigned to a gender. The ideas we cling to about gender today are often just social constructs, mainly set by those who haven’t questioned their origins.
Being a girl dad can change your perspective in unexpected ways. You start to notice that things that used to seem important aren’t really a big deal anymore. It also helps you realize that activities, colors, or everyday choices don’t have to be tied to a specific gender. When fathers embrace this mindset, it influences how their kids see the world, too. A daughter can grow up feeling free to like what she wants without being limited by what society says she should like. Sons also learn that confidence doesn’t come from following rigid rules but from being comfortable in who they are.
The traditional idea of masculinity taught that being tough means being emotionally distant and that a man proves his strength by holding back. However, this approach hasn’t necessarily created better men or fathers. Many men have changed their perspectives, not because they were told to, but because they saw how it didn’t work. Carrying a pink bag doesn’t make a man weak.
