KNOWLEDGE
Handbags
through history
By Koyaana R. Oct 9, 2019
Handbags have become an integral part of life in the last century,
as well as a status symbol in the last two decades. To celebrate National Handbag Day, Rebag has compiled a list, narrowed down to brass tacks, of the most notable and iconic pieces that make up the holy grail of handbag collections.
1930 – Louis Vuitton Speedy
Fun Fact: The Speedy was created as a more versatile option of the brand’s iconic Keepall luggage.
1930 – Hermès Kelly
Fun Fact: Initially dubbed the “Sac-à-Depêches,” the Kelly was renamed when Grace Kelly, the princess of Monaco, favored the bag and famously carried it to disguise her baby bump.
1955 – Chanel 2.55 Flap Bag
Courtesy of Vintage Fashion Guide Blog
Fun Fact: The chain on the 2.55 was identical to the chains that held the keys of the caretakers at the convent where Gabrielle Chanel grew up.
1978 – Hermès Evelyne
Fun Fact: The Evelyne was originally intended to easily carry and ventilate horse grooming supplies.
The 1980s – Chanel Classic Flap
Fun Fact: It is speculated that the “secret” zipper pocket on the underside of the flap was intended to hide Coco Chanel’s love letters while she was carrying on with an affair.
1984 – Hermès Birkin
Fun Fact: The conceptualization of the Birkin happened on a plane ride when Jean-Louis Dumas happened to meet Jane Birkin.
1994 – Christian Dior Lady Dior
Fun Fact: Originally named the “Chouchou,” it was renamed the “Lady Dior” in honor of Lady Diana in 1995.
1997 – Fendi Baguette
Fun Fact: It is theorized to be the first “It” bag when it garnered a waitlist in the very early 2000s, something that was unheard of at the time, even for brands such as Hermès.
1999 – Christian Dior Saddle Bag
Fun Fact: With the resurgence of vintage fashion gaining strength, Dior made a bold but smart move by resurrecting the iconic silhouette nearly two decades after its initial release.
2000 – Balenciaga ‘Motorcycle’ Bag
Fun Fact: The motorcycle bags were never actually intended to be put into production, surprisingly. Nicolas Ghesquière had made a prototype in 2000 and a year later several models kept picking it up backstage which led to Kate Moss being photographed with it.
2005 – Chanel Reissue 2.55
Fun Fact: This bag is named the Reissue because it is a revival, or “reissue,” of the original 2.55. It was released on the 50th anniversary of the original design, February of 2005.
2007 – Louis Vuitton Neverfull
Fun Fact: The Neverfull’s largest size, the GM, can carry 200 pounds of weight.
2010 – Givenchy Antigona
Fun Fact: The Antigona is currently available in 3 sizes; however, at one point a larger size was offered and is now harder to find.
2010 – Celine Luggage
Fun Fact: Many people are confused by the name of the Luggage, so it is often referred to as the “smile bag” in reference to the front design looking like a face. Even more confusing is its sizing, which is currently available in nano, micro, and mini, from smallest to largest.
2011 – Chanel Boy Bag
Fun Fact: While the name refers to the love of Coco Chanel’s life, Arthur “Boy” Capel, there is, in fact, a Girl bag.
2013 – Saint Laurent Sac de Jour
Fun Fact: The name “Sac de Jour” literally means “day bag,” a perfect description of this wardrobe staple.
2016 – Gucci Marmont Flap Bag
Fun Fact: This particular collection features standout hardware that was inspired by belt buckles from 1970s vintage Gucci items.
