Fashion Maisons compete yearly to introduce the it-bag that will make history, but those who succeed are few. The ones that make you say, “Oh yes, I know it!” even though you don’t know the bag’s name. I grouped in this editorial the most famous it-bags in fashion history.
The first one, the one everybody has in mind while discussing must-have bags, is undoubtedly the Birkin from the luxury Maison Hermes, one of the most replicated models, along with its fellow Kelly bag. Everyone knows it is dedicated to the British model and actress Jane Birkin, but only a few know the full story behind its creation. The legend has it that Jean Louis Dumas had the inspiration while flying to Paris: he happened to be sitting next to Jane, who kept complaining she couldn’t find any elegant bag that was spacious enough for travelling.
Another famous model, which will soon be part of my collection, is the Lady from the luxury brand Dior. Originally called Chouchou, the name was changed on September 25th 1995, when Lady Diana Spencer attended an art exhibition in Paris wearing this beloved bag, becoming an unrivalled icon of style and elegance. Moving on to another famous French Maison, I believe it is fitting to name the Louis Vuitton Speedy bag, an iconic model during the 90’s. Born in the 30s, drawing inspiration from the chests used for travelling on trains, this bag was designed to be practical and spacious. Initially titled Express, it was renamed Speedy during the 60’s.
To end the French world list, I’d like to bring to your attention the Chanel 2.55, an emblem of luxury and elegance. With its leather fabric and characteristic diamond pattern, this bag has excited generations of women worldwide, dreaming one day to have it in their closet. Recently, the Maison has realized the importance of its iconic nature and issued an advertising campaign with Brad Pitt and Penelope Cruz to revive all of its most famous it-bags, starting precisely from the 2.55
Not only were French brands able to deliver iconic bags, but it’s right to credit Italian Maisons, so I’d like to start with Gucci Jackie, a timeless classic. The hobo bag par excellence that Michele, while at the helm of the company, has revived several times, adapting its style to fashion and trends while keeping its uniqueness. This bag was dedicated to the style icon of that period, Jacqueline Kennedy. And how not to mention the faithful Fendi’s Baguette in this list? Designed by Silvia Venturini during the 90s and presented in different motifs, the quintessential it-bag is beige and brown, with its logo in an allover pattern and the logged buckle. This bag is new and costs 2500€ and up, but it’s almost impossible to find in good shape on websites or luxury flea markets. However, if you find the iconic 90s version, it can be worth much more than you think it could be.
Last but not least, Prada’s Galleria is the great icon to top this list in radiance and sophistication, the mother of the bags for charm, magnificence and handiness. Its name is pure Italian patriotism, representing the Galleria of Milano. Mario Prada established the brand at this Italian luxury central venue and opened its first haute couture store, which rapidly became a regular meeting place for European high society. There, he dressed aristocrats from all over the world, and its Galleria bag was meant to represent the essence of its brand. And I would say he did an admirable job.
Article edited by Giorgia Chiavico