We’ve all seen the Iconic ‘IT’ bags, whether it’s on a celebrity in the press or an influencer on your Instagram feed. We can all recognize these iconic pieces, but do you know that most of them have been around for over fifty years?
So, what does it mean to be an IT bag?
These timeless pieces are created with longevity in mind; not only will they never go out of style but their fine quality makes them durable and their value only increases each year.
What’s more, bags continue to play an important role in self-expression and remain (dare I say) the most important accessory. They become collectible items to be treasured – pieces you keep for a lifetime that will always be trendy. From the classic Chanel 2.55 to the innovative Prada Nylon, and the cult Hermès Birkin and the Fendi Baguette, we share everything you need to know about iconic bags that made fashion history.
Iconic Bags that made fashion history:Why are they so famous?
Chanel 2.55 Bag
“I got fed up with holding my purses in my hands and losing them, so I added a strap and carried them over my shoulder.” Coco Chanel.
The Chanel 2.55 bag is one of the most iconic fashion accessories ever designed by Gabrielle Coco Chanel. It was first introduced in 1929. The exterior was initially made of quilted wool, inspired by the saddle blankets at the horse races she frequented. Later, to celebrate the reopening of her boutique in 1954, Gabrielle Chanel reintroduced the following year her iconic double flap bag, naming it 2.55 after the date of its creation – February 1955.
The 2.55 was a revolutionary handbag. Before Chanel’s masterpiece, handbags were only worn with grab handles. Can you imagine a time when this was your only option? That’s why the 2.55 bag with a shoulder strap was such an innovation, born with a desire to be carried hands-free. Chanel always kept practicality in mind for women. This timeless staple features the ‘mademoiselle lock’ designed by Coco herself.
Lady Dior
Originally named ChouChou, the bag was first launched in 1995 by Dior’s then-creative director Gianfranco Ferré. Also, not long after was gifted to Princess Diana by the wife of President Chirac. Diana (the fashion icon) instantly fell in love with the iconic bag. She ordered it in multiple colors, and was spotted wearing this bag in public many times. This prompted Dior to rename the bag “Lady Dior”, in honor of Princess Diana.
Gucci Jackie Bag
Did you know that the iconic Gucci bag was originally named “Fifties Constance” and only later became known as “The Jackie”? Here is the story.
Created in the 50s, the “Fifties Constance” was an instant success. Also, the former First Lady of the United States, Jackie Kennedy, was among its biggest admirers and collectors. She was regularly photographed wearing her beloved Gucci bag everywhere. So in 1961, the brand decided to rename it in her honor. “The Jackie” thus became synonymous with Jackie Kennedy and her style.
Louis Vuitton Speedy Bag
One of the most coveted handbags Louis Vuitton has ever released is the Speedy model. Introduced in 1930 by Gaston Louis Vuitton, the founder’s grandchild, the Speedy was then released under the name “Express”. The name reflected the travel revolution of the beginning of the 20th century that saw increasing travel and faster means of transportation.
The first “Express” bag – now called “Speedy” – was designed in the house’s signature Monogram canvas. It was initially available in a 30cm size. The size was a more practical and smaller alternative to the Keepall bag, launched six years prior. Another revolution the Express introduced was that it was designed to be carried around not just for travel but for everyday purposes, though thanks to its cotton-canvas design, it could be easily flattened to fit into a suitcase. As the demand grew, the brand expanded the size range to 35cm and 40cm versions.
The Speedy quickly gained popularity and reached its peak thanks to Audrey Hepburn, who was often seen carrying the bag. She even requested to have it made in a smaller size – the Speedy 25 – and this new style soon became a hit.
Fendi Baguette
“It’s not a bag, it’s a baguette!” Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City
The Fendi Baguette was created by Silvia Venturini Fendi in 1997.
The name actually comes from the way it was designed. The bag was created to be thin and compact (a standard Baguette measures 26 x 14 centimeters) to fit perfectly under the arm. It was the exact same way the French would carry their bread.
Since 1997, the Fendi Baguette has been reinvented more times than you can count. By updating the fabrics, patterns, and embellishments there are now over 1000 iterations of this iconic bag. It was popularized by the one and only Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City. The bag is known to be one of the first IT bags that had driven desire from TV.
You can learn more about the evolution of the Fendi baguette in this article.
Dior Saddle Bag
The Dior Saddle bag was invented by Dior’s former creative director John Galliano and was introduced in 1999 in his Spring Summer 2000 ready-to-wear show; It was the first bag Galliano ever created for the Christian Dior house. As its name suggests, the bag’s shape reminds of a horse’s saddle, inspired by the equestrian style. Galliano created the bag with the gilded “D” charm in various colors and prints, including Dior’s iconic Oblique pattern, and the house’s now rare newspaper print.
The Dior Saddle was undoubtedly the it bag of the first half of the 2000s. Shortly after its release, the Dior Saddle made its way into a popular TV show – guess which – Sex and the City! The beautiful version in gold, white, and pink, and another one in denim was worn by Sarah Jessica Parker’s character Carrie Bradshaw.
Prada Nylon Bag
In 1984, 6 years after she joined the family business, Miuccia Prada released an iconic product: the Vela backpack. It was the first product made of nylon that Prada released, and soon after it became the ultimate travel bag.
Miuccia crafted it from water-resistant nylon called “Pocono”, used in military tents in WWII. The nylon bag was distinctive and unique compared to the conventional leather bags luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel were producing at the time. Combining luxury with practicality, the Prada Nylon Bag made a statement that performance fabrics have a place in fashion and can go hand-in-hand with luxury.
In 2019, the company introduced the Re-nylon Re-edition of 2000 and 2005 bags – a collection consisting of mini bags, totes, shoulder bags, belt bags, and backpacks available in new colors to the classic black shade.
Prada Galleria
Introduced in 2007 by Miuccia Prada, Prada Galleria was named after the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan, which is where Mario Prada, the founder of the brand and grandfather of Miuccia Prada, opened his first store in 1913.
Prada Galleria was inspired by the medicine bags of the 1950s, which had a similar practical shape and timeless design. It was originally crafted from Saffiano leather, the result of a hot-pressing process that renders the calf leather scratch and water-resistant; raw edges are smoothed and painted entirely by hand. The Saffiano leather was in fact invented by Mario Prada and has been the hallmark of the Italian house ever since.
Hermès Birkin
Of course, we had to include this IT bag on the list. The Hermès Birkin was imagined in the sky in 1981. Yes, you read that right! Jane Birkin was on a flight from Paris to London. She accidentally dropped her belongings when she tried placing them in the upper head compartments. A man sitting next to her rushed to help her: it was Jean-Louis Dumas, the executive chairman of Hermès himself.
It was a fateful encounter. Jane Birkin was looking for the ideal bag for her everyday needs as a young mother. After discussing what this perfect bag would look like, Dumas began sketching it on the spot. And so the Birkin bag was born. It was officially released in 1984.
You can learn more about the history of the Hermès Birkin bag in this article.
What do you think could be the next rising IT bag?
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