We’ve all seen the Iconic ‘IT’ bags, whether that’s on a celebrity in the press or styled by an influencer on your insta feed. We can all recognise these iconic pieces, but do you know that most of them have been around for over 50 years? These timeless pieces are created with longevity in mind, not only will they never go out of style but they can last a lifetime.
So, what does it mean to be an IT bag? Bags continue to play an important role in self-expression and remain (dare I say) the most important accessory. The IT bags become collectable items to be treasured, a piece you keep for a lifetime that’s always on trend. These timeless, quality, crafted pieces can become an IT bag simply by being connected to a celebrity in an encapsulating moment. From Jane Birkin and the Birkin to Carrie Bradshaw and the Baguette bag, with the famous line from Sex and the City, no one forgets… ‘oh this is not a bag. It’s a baguette’.
 Over decades their following and momentum stays strong. We have everything you could possibly need to know about the classic IT bags seen on super models and film stars’ shoulders.
Chanel 2.55
Named after its launch date; February 1955, the Chanel 2.55 has truly stood the test of time, as it increases in popularity and in price. This iconic piece was an innovation of it’s time, born with a desire to create a classic bag that was hands free. (Chanel always kept practicality in mind for women.) Consequently shoulder straps were born! To this date handbags were only worn with grab handles, can you even imagine a time you only had one option of handles? This timeless staple features the signature chain and the ‘mademoiselle lock’ designed by Coco herself, this iconic feature is still on the bag to date.
Fendi Baguette
The IT bag that became an iconic staple of fashion. First designed in 1997, it 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. Made popular by the one and only Carrie Bradshaw in the Sex and the City days, it is known to be one of the first IT bags that had driven desire brought to it from TV. The iconic name we all know it as ‘baguette’ actually comes from the way it was designed; the bag was created to be thin and compact to fit perfectly under the arm, the exact same way the French would carry their bread. Therefore it was titled the Baguette.Â
Dior Saddle Bag
You’ve more than likely seen this bag on your Instagram feed, the most popular influencer bag right now was actually was first ever created in the 90’s! The iconic and unique shape has stood the test of time with it’s classic, gold embellishments. Designed back in 1999 by the one and only John Galliano, the iconic bag debuted in S/S 2000 on the runway, and it wasn’t long until it became the most talked about accessory of the year. Wind forward almost 20 years later, the saddle bag made it’s revolutionary return and is now the street style staple we know to date.
Prada Nylon
Prada and Nylon go hand in hand, since the 2000’s it has become a dynamic duo with Nylon becoming synonymous with the brand. Back in the 80’s, unlike any of the other powerful fashion houses, the brand succeeded in turning this (now classic) material into a must-have accessory to date. With leather being the predominant material that ruled bags. Prada perfected the technique of working with Nylon, starting with the Nylon backpack in 1984 the collection grew to the iconic bags we know to date, including the 00’s shoulder bag which not only stood the test of time, but continues to rise in popularity.Â
Prada Galleria
Inspired by a classic doctor’s bag, this iconic piece is the definition of timeless sophistication. Crafted from the brand’s iconic Saffiano leather, this piece represents the roots of Prada’s DNA and signature leather. Debuted in 2007, this enduring leather and silhouette was actually named after the historic Prada store that Mario Prada first opened back in 1913: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan.
The Lady Dior
Originally named ChouChou, the bag was first launched in 1995 and 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, ordering more in a variety of colours; leading her to be spotted with the bag by press in public many times. This led to Dior later renaming the bag as to what we know it today: The Lady Dior, in honour of Princess Diana. Decades on, the classic piece remains one of the most popular bags today and one of Dior’s everlasting designs.
Hermes Birkin
Of course we had to include the IT bag of them all; the one and only Birkin. The ultimate status symbol, the price of this iconic bag rises every year, you could look at it as more of an investment. Victoria Beckham herself is rumoured to own at least 100 Birkin’s! The idea around the IT bag of them all was first created in the early 1980’s in the sky on a flight from Paris to London. After actress Jane Birkin dropped her diary by chance, her papers scattered over the plane when her neighbour helped to collect her belongings back for her, he introduced himself as the executive chairman of Hermes himself; Jean-Louis Dumas, as if by fate the two collided paths. The two discussed the ideal roomy and classic bag, as they sketched out a faint scribble of what would become the iconic Birkin we see today.
What do you think could be the next rising IT bag? The Jacqumes Chiquttio or the Bottega Venetta Chassette? We can’t wait to find out…
Want to learn more about the history of fashion? Register for this free webinar on the history of fashion capitals with the fashion historian Emma McClendon
