11 Iconic Designer Handbags That Are Making A Comeback Now
These bags are back and they’re here to stay
Seeing how fast trends come and go, it’s not uncommon to see a bag slowly disappear from the shelves as the seasons go by. However, every now and then, for some reason unknown to us, a beloved style disappears off the shelves. Take for example Chanel’s Grand Shopping Tote or Louis Vuitton’s Eva handbag. Despite their immense popularity, the French fashion houses discontinued these styles, much to the dismay of fans.
But with the resurgence of vintage and Y2K fashion, many iconic styles that were mainstays in the noughties have been revived — and this time round, it sure looks like they’re here to stay. Before you rush to purchase them, you might want to dig around in your (or your mum’s wardrobe) to see if you have the original!
Known simply as the Iconic Top Handle, one of Ferragamo’s most recognisable styles is sleek, structured and sexy, its A-line shape drawing attention to the shiny Gancini logo which conveniently doubles up as a clasp.
The past few years, this bag was previously only sold as a collector’s item, made out of materials like wicker and even plexiglass. Now, it’s back in leather, offering a plethora of colours and finishes, including a gorgeous leather that’s so glossy, you may just see your own reflection in the bag!
When it was first introduced in 2001, the bag was known as the Motorcycle City bag. It was the ultimate cool girl bag, with its nonchalant slouchy structure, edgy studs and buckles, and a dangling lipstick mirror. Although the hype over the bag eventually died down a few years later, the Motorcycle bag (now known as the Classic City bag) now seems to be trendy again — this time for good!
So if you have one stashed in the back of your closet, it’s time to take it out. Otherwise, check out one of Balenciaga’s new Motorcycle City-inspired styles, like the Le Cagole.
A signature of Bottega Veneta from years ago, the Hobo bag was reimagined by Bottega’s previous creative director Daniel Lee in early 2020. This is how the Jodie came about — a shrunk down version of the Hobo with an added knot in the handle, giving the bag some (extra) character.
Simple and sophisticated, the bag makes a statement with Bottega’s signature intrecciato weave and knot, making it a conversation starter. Even if intrecciato leather is not quite your thing, the Jodie is available in shearling and mirror studs.
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A signature of the house, bamboo is often incorporated into Gucci’s designs, most commonly in the form of a handle or clasp. One of these designs is none other than the Diana tote, which debuted in 1991. The bag’s popularity soared when Princess Diana was spotted with it.
The bamboo handle tote was discontinued some years later, but now it’s back with a bang. Featuring all-new removable leather belts that pay homage to the bands that were previously used to keep the bag’s handle in shape, the bag now also comes in several eye-catching prints and exotics.
Dior’s unique saddle bag has been the foremost ‘it bag’ of the past few seasons, but did you know that this was also quite the ‘it bag’ in the early 2000s? Carrie Bradshaw was seen sporting one on Sex and the City!
First introduced in 1991, the design for this bag drew inspiration from the equestrian world — the flap resembles a saddle while the magnetic D clasp looks like a stirrup (the hook you rest your feet on). Though discontinued sometime after, the bag came back in 2018 with a bang. A flurry of influencers and celebrities were seen with a Saddle, quickly catching the eye of consumers with its unorthodox silhouette.
If you’re a fan of Sex and the City, you’ll probably remember the scene where Carrie Bradshaw got robbed of her purple sequined Baguette and told the robber that it wasn’t a bag, it was a Baguette. Iconic!
Pulled straight from Fendi’s archives, this signature bag first conceptualised in 1997 was re-issued in 2019. Ever since, the Baguette has only risen in popularity, and it’s easy to see why.
With a short shoulder strap and slim silhouette, the bag sits nicely under the arm, much like the way the French carry their baguettes. (Also why the bag is named as such!) New iterations of this style are spotted on the runway each season, making it a hallmark of the Italian fashion house.
Related article: Longchamp’s Box-Trot Bag Is The Modern Woman’s Answer To Quiet Luxury
When Louis Vuitton released the Cité nearly two decades ago, it was an instant hit. Its boxy structured shape exuded power while remaining extremely functional. The long shoulder straps meant that the bag could be worn comfortably on the shoulder without the bag digging into the arm, and the front pocket meant that you could access the essentials conveniently.
The Cité was discontinued in 2008, but Louis Vuitton has recently revived this style. Seeing how comfy and fashionable the bag is, it won’t be surprising to see it flying off the shelves soon.
Yet another revived bag renamed in honour of a prolific woman, this bag was former First Lady Jackie Kennedy’s bag of choice when shielding herself from the paparazzi in the 70s.
Initially known as the Fifties Constance, this hallmark design resurfaces on the Gucci runway every few years or so. Most recently, creative director Alessandro Michele brought it back in 2020, releasing it in the GG Supreme monogram, glossy leather and more.
Drawing inspiration from the handy Capucines of the 90s, Louis Vuitton reintroduced this style in 2013, giving it a stylish revamp by swapping out the turnlock for a magnetic clasp in the shape of Louis Vuitton’s logo and adding a sleek top handle.
Besides the added functionality, the Capucines has been given a fun and flirty makeover too, with editions featuring intricate embroidery, frilly top handles and more.
Related article: All The Funky Accessories We’ve Noticed From Fashion Shows
Old is gold — and with Prada’s 2000 and 2005 Re-Edition bags, Prada proves just that. Available in durable Re-Nylon, signature Saffiano leather and fluffy terry, the bags are casual enough for running errands, but pretty enough that you can dress them up for a girls’ night out.
Go for the 2000 Re-Edition for something simple and frills-free, or go for the 2005 Re-Edition to make a statement. The 2000 Re-Edition is a classic shoulder bag that fits nicely under your shoulder, while the 2005 Re-Edition is more utilitarian, coming with a shoulder strap, a handy bold crossbody strap and mini pouch that’s perfect for storing some AirPods or change.
This article originally appeared on The Singapore Women's Weekly.