Fashion Education: The History of the “It Bag”
Class is back in session with your favorite Fashion Expert!
Original Graphic by Erica Capobianco
Ready for your fashion fix? Class is back in session with your favorite Fashion Expert! And today’s lesson comes with a little BYOB… that is “bring your own bag” of course!
As fashion-lovers, I’m sure you’re all familiar (and if you’re anything like, me a bit obsessed) with trending luxury-designer handbags.
Prior to understanding the history and significance of the “it bag,” we must look at its predecessor. The term “it girl” derives from the 1800s Gibson Girl defined as “the personification of the feminine ideal physical attractiveness.” The Gibson Girl maintained a practically perfect persona that was matched with the most elegant clothing and accessories of the time period.
Two hundred years later, the idea of the trending “it girl” still exists. From Paris Hilton to Alexa Chung and Olivia Palermo, in their reigning eras, these women knew style better than anyone else. They also knew the importance of a stellar, and in turn widely coveted, handbag.
While today’s lesson in Fashion Education may require a bit more coin, these bags have proven their worth as true investment pieces. Curious to see which I’ve rounded up?
Dior Saddle Bag
Year of Debut: 1999
Price Range: $2,900-$4,100 (respectively)
Photo Courtesy of Dior.com
The first featured ‘it bag’ is the Dior Saddle Bag, which originally debuted in 1999 from John Galliano for Christian Dior. The bag was an instant sensation of the early 2000s, worn by Sarah Jessica Parker’s infamous Carrie Bradshaw on Sex and the City.
The bag regained its traction when reinvented by current Women’s and Men’s Creative Directors, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Kim Jones in their Fall/Winter 2018 Collections. Since then, this shoulder bag has accompanied nearly every major fashion blogger and influencer.
It’s short strap and odd ‘kidney shape’ nestles perfectly underneath the arm and has easily become a classic born again. The saddle shape has translated to a variety of sizes as well as a cardholder, wallet, and belt pouch.
Select colors and patterns available on dior.com.
Pre-loved options are available on:
Prada Nylon Mini Bag
Year of Debut: 2000
Price: $775
Photo Courtesy of Prada.com
The Prada Nylon Mini Bag debuted in 2000 in response to the brand’s success in translating nylon to a luxury fabric. Like the Dior Saddle bag, this baguette-shaped shoulder bag proved to be the perfect grab-and-go, everyday bag. It’s small yet practical size has a casual appeal with its easy-to-care-for nylon base, yet remains sophisticated with its Saffiano leather trimmings and handles.
The bag made its long-awaited comeback in 2019 alongside its 2005 successor. The Re-Edition 2000 has formed a massive following since worn by Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid, Kaia Gerber, and Dua Lipa, just to name a few. It’s no wonder why this bag has been in and out of stock for the last year!
Lucky for us, this bag shows no signs of going anywhere! Originally reported by Refinery29, Prada announced as a part of their future sustainable efforts, all nylon bags will be made with Econyl, a 100% regenerated fiber from fishnets and other nylon excesses by 2021.
Select colors available on prada.com
Pre-loved options are available on:
Celine Luggage
Year of Debut: 2010
Price Range: $2,100- $3,600
Mini Luggage
Photo Courtesy of Celine.com
When the infamous Phoebe Philo came to Celine to revitalize its brand image, her “Luggage Tote” became one of the most coveted bags of the 2010s.
Easily recognized by its waved piping on the face of the bag, this bag is complete with an exterior pocket and large, roomy center compartment. The Celine Luggage Tote can be held by hand or shoulder with its removable shoulder strap.
Its proven functionality translated to its six size options- Nano, Micro, Mini, Medium Phantom, Shoulder, Large Phantom. It is currently available in Nano, Micro, and Mini. In its reign as the must-have bag, it was used for travel and work bags because of its extraordinary size.
The original Luggage Tote has been reimagined by the current Creative Director, Hedi Slimane, and is still available for purchase.
Select colors and sizes available on celine.com
Pre-loved options are available on
fashionphile.com (Mini Luggage Black)
fashionphile.com (Mini Luggage Tri-Color)
Gucci Marmont Shoulder Bag
Initial Launch: 2016
Price Range: $1,050-$2,350
Photo Courtesy of Gucci.com
One of Alessandro Michele’s biggest contributions to Gucci is his line of extremely successful accessories and leather goods. The Marmont takes a modern and trendy twist on the tried and true quilted flap bag. It is designed with a beautiful matelasse leather with microfiber lining and detailed with a prominent Double G logo at the flap closure.
The Marmont Shoulder Bag raced to instant success in the latter half of the 2010s and contributed to the ‘logomania’ trend. It is currently carried in a variety of sizes, including the Super Mini, Mini and Small. But perhaps its greatest appeal is its versatility; its strap can easily adjust making it a shoulder, top handle or crossbody bag.
Select Colors and Sizes available on Gucci.com
Pre-loved options available on:
rebag.com (Super Mini Nude)
rebag.com (Small Diagonal Quilted Multi-Black-Neutral-Red)
fashionphile.com (Mini Nude)
fashionphile.com (Mini Black)
Jacquemus Le Chiquito
Initial Launch: 2018
Price: $510
Photo Courtesy of Jacquemus
The last “it bag” in this roundup is the Jacquemus Le Chiquito. This mini treasure made quite the impact on the industry when it first debuted during the Spring/Summer 2018 show. The ‘Le Chiquito’ features a round top handle with a detachable shoulder strap and a square body with a petite golden logo.
This most impractical, practical bag is just 12cm x 6 cm. However as the tiny bag obsession continued, designer, Simon Porte Jacquemus, created an even tinier bag measuring 5.3 cm x 4.3 cm (in case you’re looking to carry a couple tic tacs this is the bag for you).
While the mini bags may not be for everyone, it's impossible to not recognize the phenomenon these bags have created. From Chiara Ferragni and Hailey Baldwin to Lizzo, this bag proved that sometimes the best things come in the smallest of packages.
Select Colors Available on Jacquemus.com
Pre-loved options available on
vestiairecollective.com (Black)
vestiariecollective.com (White)
I have not been compensated to advertise any of the above products.