Welcome to our list of The It Bags That Have Defined Fashion History!
Throughout fashion history there has been many popular bags, but only a few defined history. Here I’ll show you the most important designer bags launched from 2010 until the 1950’s, to this day they are icons!
So, without further ado here are The It Bags That Have Defined Fashion History:
1. Chanel 2.55 Bag
In February 1955, Coco Chanel created the 2.55 Flap Bag, and history was made. The Chanel 2.55 Flap signified fashion liberation: it was the first bag made for women to come with a shoulder strap, freeing them from the constraints of the impractical clutch. Rebellious and controversial, this Chanel handbag was a revelation, and women were immediately drawn in. With an emphasis on practicality, each detail caters to women’s every need. It is said that the back slip pocket was originally designed to hide love letters.
Arguably the most classic Chanel bag of all time, the 2.55 Flap bag is a timeless icon.
2. Gucci Horsebit 1955 Bag
As the legend goes, the horsebit hardware entered Gucci’s arsenal in 1953. It was Aldo Gucci—recognizing that shoppers liked a side of history with their handbags—who perpetuated the myth that the Gucci family had once been saddlemakers to nobility. Since the horsebit appeared on a handbag in 1955, that elegant hardware has become as recognizable as the Chanel double Cs. Reintroduced at the house’s cruise 2020 collection, the reprised Gucci Horsebit 1955 bag comes in various shapes, like tote, satchel and shoulder bag, all unified by the instantly identifiable double D-rings.
After all, there’s no need for a Gucci logo when its signature hardware is present.
3. Hermès Kelly Bag
One of the most classic bags ever, the Kelly will never go out of style! In 1935 Émile-Maurice Hermès diversified the brands offerings designing a bag for his wife to carry. Called the Sac à Dépêches the bag was practical and elegant with a classic style. The accessory achieved worldwide recognition in 1956 when the American actress and princess of Monaco Grace Kelly used her Sac à Dépêches to cover her pregnant belly from the paparazzi. As soon as the photo of that is published on the cover of Life Magazine women from all over the world start running to Hermès asking for the Kelly Bag. In response the brand changed the bags name to the Kelly, and history was made.
Today an icon of elegance and sophistication, the Kelly is one of the most sought-after bags on the resale market. Not only for its timeless style but also for the enduring allure of the woman it is named after.
4. Gucci Jackie 1961 Bag
Like the enduring allure of the woman it’s named after, The Jackie is a bag that will never go out of style. In 1961, Gucci introduced a Hobo-style bag that caught the eye of Jackie Kennedy, whose husband so famously loved Gucci’s loafer moccasins. It’s said that upon seeing a paparazzi image of Jackie Kennedy with the bag (then called the Fifties Constance), the Gucci family quickly christened the bag the Jackie. Relaunched in 2021, the recognizable shape is presented in many materials like leather and the GG Supreme canvas.
No matter which one you choose this is a beautiful bag that will be a cherished item in your wardrobe forever. It is perfect for any occasion! It is an It Bag that defined fashion history!
5. Hermès Birkin Bag
The Birkin bag is the most famous and popular bag in the world, and for sure one of the most classic. The Birkin was designed in 1983 when Hermès creative director Jean-Louis Dumas set next to the actress Jane Birkin on a flight. She was wearing a straw tote and explained that most leather bags were too structured for her taste. So Dumas designed the bag on that flight on the back of a napkin. Today the Birkin is an icon and is the kind of bag that will last you your whole life.
The price of a Birkin when buying directly from an Hermès store varies depending on size, leather, hardware and color. Starting at $10,075.
6. Louis Vuitton Pochette Accessoires
The Louis Vuitton Pochette was originally designed to be an accessory to the Louis Vuitton Bucket bag, but when it launched, it became so popular that it transformed into a handbag of its own. This bag’s heyday was the 2000’s, I’m sure you remember many celebrities trotting around with this bag on their arms. This bag is small but effective, it fits your keys, cellphone and cards.
In recent years this bag has been growing once more in popularity due to y2k trends. And in the vintage market this bag’s price is going up constantly.
7. Lady Dior
A bag that was designed almost 30 years ago in honor of one of the biggest style icons in fashion history, the Lady Dior is a classic! In 1995 Bernadette Chirac, then First Lady of France, requested Dior to custom design a bag for Lady Diana. The bag was gifted to the princess while she was on an official visit to Paris, it instantly became one of her favorite bags! After that Lady Diana was spotted multiple times carrying the bag, so Dior decided to change its name to the Lady Dior in 1996, with the princess’s blessing. Described as iconic and legendary the brand launched the bag in a larger series, becoming a favorite of Dior clients.
This is a classic top handle bag that will never go out of style. And is a bag every handbag lover should know!
8. Fendi Baguette Bag
It was 1997, when minimalism was all the rage, that Fendi launched the first It Bag in history, the Fendi Baguette. The bag was anything but minimalist, but because of its iconic style and pop culture it became one of the most important bags in fashion history. The bag was designed by Silvia Venturini Fendi. It was intended to be worn under the arm in the very same way French people are usually seen carrying their baguettes. The bag was a breakout success. More than 100,000 bags were sold in the first year alone, and its appearance in Sex and The City solidified it’s place as the ultimate It Bag.
Today, 26 years after its debut, the Fendi Baguette, remains a stylish it bag that is iconic of the brand. It is one of the most classic designer shoulder bags!
9. Dior Saddle Bag
The Saddle Bag was first created in 1999 at the peak of John Galliano’s Dior tenure. Its initial appearance toed the line between what was considered high fashion and, for lack of a better word, ugly. But it became one of the most iconic It Bags in history. The bag is intended to be worn short trapped and tight against the arm like a saddle, hence the name. After the enormous success of the bag in the 2000’s, the bag was discontinued in the 2010’s. In 2018 Maria Grazia Chiurri relaunched this bag and it has since become a part of the classic styles of the brand. The Dior Saddle bag takes its cues from the equestrian world. The inspiration can be seen in the graphic design with the now iconic asymmetrical flap.
One of the most classic shoulder bags ever, the Saddle is an icon!
10. Celine Luggage
One of the most popular bags of all time and the most famous Celine bag, the Luggage is an icon, and reportedly the most copied bag in recent handbag history. It was Phoebe Philo’s first It bag for the brand, released in the Spring 2010 collection. With its distinctive front face adorned with a zipper and availability in multiple colors and materials, it is not hard to see why the Celine Luggage, even after a decade of its launch, still appeals to fashion connoisseurs of all ages and tastes. This bag was extremely popular in the 2010’s and because of its minimalist style and colors, it really would be a staple in your collection.
The bag comes now in 3 sizes: Nano, Micro and Mini.
Hope you enjoyed The It Bags That Have Defined Fashion History! Finally, check out The Bags to Keep Forever!
