From the stylish Hermès Birkin to the bold Fendi Baguette, "It" bags have gone beyond being just practical items. They've become symbols of luxury, status, and personal style. Over the years, these must-have accessories have not only followed changing fashion trends but also reflected important cultural moments. Each decade has introduced a new iconic bag—carried by celebrities, loved by fashion fans, and made famous in pop culture.
This list picks one bag from each decade over the past 70 years, highlighting the most iconic designs that shaped fashion and represented their era.
1950’s
Chanel 2.55
The Chanel 2.55 got its iconic name from the date it was created: February 1955. Worn by the ultimate ‘It’ girl herself, Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel, it was inspired by her love of horse riding.
In 2005, Karl Largerfeld reissued the 2.55 to celebrate its 50th anniversary, tweaking the design to create a streamlined, sleek version of the classic itself.
1960’s
Gucci Jackie
Originally named ‘The Constance’ at its release in 1961, it was renamed ‘Jackie’ later on in the decade after Jackie Kennedy frequently paired it with her modern and iconic personal styles.
The Jackie’s half moon shape and piston lock are two of the bags distinctive features, which make it an incredible statement piece even to this decade.
1970’s
Loewe Amazona
In a decade full of changes, the Loewe Amazona is a perfect representation of the new world on the horizon for fashion enthusiasts in the 1970’s. The Spanish brand were creating a bag for the modern woman.
Bohemian, relaxed, with the functionality to support the working lady and her lifestyle. With suede interiors and sturdy top handles it was a breath of fresh air and has continued to stay popular, with more sizes and variations being released since 1975.
1980’s
Hermès Birkin
It really wouldn’t be an ‘It’ bag list without featuring the Birkin, would it? Being possibly the most famous bag to exist, the Birkin was created in 1984.
Named after British actress and singer Jane Birkin, the bag was born out of a chance encounter when she and Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas shared a flight. Birkin expressed her desire for a practical yet stylish bag, leading to the design of this now-coveted accessory.
1990’s
Fendi Baguette
Even though it was only released in 1997, the Fendi Baguette earned its ‘It’ bag status immediately, earning a cult following with fans falling in love with its iconic shape and the release of the Mamma in Zucca monogram.
The craze only increased when it was donned by Carrie Bradshaw on Sex and the City in 1998. With 90’s/00’s fashion being the rage once again, the Baguettes have left the wardrobe after their siesta and are still seen on nights out today.
2000’s
Balenciaga City
The noughties, from chunky trainers to skater jeans, we have seen 00’s fashion come back swiftly, and this is where the City comes in.
With its slouchy leathers and billowy tassels, the Balenciaga City is a biker style bag, and is sometimes known affectionately as ‘The Motorcycle’ bag. Combining urban chic and cool girl shape, Kate Moss was one of the first 25 people to get their hands on the City, and she never let go. This bag still has a cult following of adoring fans.
2010’s
Celine Luggage Tote
The beginning of the 2010’s we had the release of the Celine Luggage Tote. A sleek, practical and minimalist design with trapezoidal shape, it oozes luxury travel.
Even though it didn’t immediately gain traction, it wasn’t too long before it was seen on the arms of The Olson twins, which helped it to snowball in its popularity. Soon, it was released in 4 alternative sizes and is still appreciated for its luxurious feel and versatility.
2020’s
Prada Cleo
If anyone is looking to find a handbag which is 90’s inspired but ultimately the classiest accessory around, then look no further. The Prada Cleo has a retro feel about it, as it takes essence from the Prada Nylon.
With its contemporary twist, it combines a 90’s shape with a modern, uplifted material selection. Ultimately, even though we are not even half way through our 2020’s decade, the Cleo screams ‘It’ bag potential pretty loudly.
With even more decades to come, we hope to see more ‘It’ bags born. Some from beloved designers, others from rising stars.