“It’s not a bag, it’s a Birkin” a lined coined by the iconic show Sex and The City which has become everyones truth. From hand to shoulder or crossbody the bag has become an extension of the wearer. A way to accentuate and communicate ones personality and style the handbag has very quickly solidified itself as an essential must have in everyones wardrobe.
Throughout time we’ve seen different bags take the spot as the number one it-girl bag, whether by appearances on runway or street style or by its moments of fame through television the bag has made her mark.
1. The Fendi Baguette
Designed by Silvia Venturini in 1997 and inspired by the way French women hold their baguette loafs under their arms, the Baguette quickly gained momentum and fame thanks to none other than the highly esteemed Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and The City. Fendi was the first luxury brand to loan the costume designer from SATC its pieces, opening the door for other designers to follow in. The Baguette maintained her moment on the podium throughout the late 90’s to early 00’s due to its extensive and enticing array of options and styles.
2. The Louis Vuitton multicolour
The Vuitton multicolour very quickly took the baton from the Fendi Baguette when Marc Jacobs teamed up with the talented Japanese artist Takashi Murakami to produce the bag that would define ‘chic’ in the early 00’s. A highly sought after bag still present in todays market many years since it’s discontinuation. Present in media through ‘Mean girls’ and ‘The OC’ and more recently in the personal wardrobe of the beloved Zendaya the Vuitton Multicolour will never completely lose her spot as the it-girl bag.
3. The Balenciaga City bag
The Balenciaga City/ Motorcycle bag, originally designed in 2001 by Nicolas Ghesquiere was not always loved and adored by the masses, in actuality the bag initially received mixed reviews from critics, not granting it title of an it-girl bag back in the early 00’s. However, more recently the bag has soared up to a number one spot. While still longer in production the vintage bag is in high demand, appearing on the shoulders of celebrities and cementing herself as the essential model-off-duty bag the Balenciaga City bag has secured herself a spot on the top 10-most-wanted bags of 2024.
4. The Chanel Classic Flap
Probably the most it-girl bag there ever was. The iconic bag has held its trophy for generations. This timeless bag is one of the most recognisable bags of all time, scaling the ladder to becoming defined as one of the most sought after luxury bags throughout history, making its many renditions, styles and shapes the most coveted bag of all time. Despite Chanels significant price increases, bringing the value of this bag to $23,000+ retail in 2024 the bag has not, nor will ever go out of style
5. The Lady Dior
It would be an injustice not to include the deeply loved Lady Dior. Designed by Gianfranco Ferre in 1994 and then later gifted to Princess Diana in whom it was named after by the First lady of France before it was officially released for the public. This iconic bag has become an integral staple in pop culture, having been reimagined and transformed throughout the past three decades to include the Mini Dior by the notable house of Dior the Lady Dior rightfully holds her title as a bag loved by many.
6. The Prada Re-Nylon issue
The bag that took the world by storm in 2018-2019. It’s no secret by now that not all bags immediately gain title of an it-girl bag during their time, however, the Prada Re-Nylon bag made a comeback years after its initial release. Being one of the first bags on the market to make nylon luxurious, the Prada Re-Nylon was redefined as chic and versatile, creating a bag that is both casual and classy. The Prada Re-Nylon has infiltrated the wardrobes of celebrities, industry workers and street-style enthusiasts
7. The Jacquemus Le Chiquito
Jacquemus introduced to the world the smallest most impractical bag in anyones wardrobe and it instantly became a must have. Introduced in 2018 during the brands spring show the bag put the brand on the map, named after the Spanish word for ‘tiny’ the bag is exactly that. Large enough to fit your lipstick and keys the Le Chiquito has become the essential bag for a girls night out. What you see is what you get, the Le Chiquito is a simply stunning and fun bag that has rightfully earned her spot on this list.
