Culture
Top fashion houses have drawn inspiration from influential women for decades. Take a look at who inspired some of the most iconic luxury handbags, including the Hermès Birkin and the Christian Dior Lady Dior.
Birkin once lamented to Jean-Louis Dumas, head of Hermès, that she couldn't find a leather bag that fit all of her daily needs. This launched a collaborative effort between the two — and the Birkin was born.
The renowned actress and Princess of Monaco fell in love with the Hermès Sac-à-Depêches, ordering several versions from the French fashion house. The bag quickly became associated with the actress, thus becoming known as the "Kelly".
The Hermès Constance bag was designed by Catherine Chaillet in 1959. The model was named after her daughter, who was born that same year.
The Christian Dior Lady Dior bag quickly became associated with the late Princess Diana after she received it as a gift from then-First Lady of France, Bernadette Chirac. The princess was frequently pictured carrying the handbag, which soon became known as the Lady Dior.
Jackie O enamored the world with her style and elegance in the mid-20th century. Originally dubbed the "Fifties Constance", Gucci renamed its design in her honor after Jackie fell in love with the iconic hobo bag.
Saint Laurent's Kaia bag was introduced during the French label's SS20 fashion show. Top model Kaia Gerber debuted the bag on the runway and has frequently flaunted it around the globe.
The Gucci Bardot handbag is a tribute to the French actress and fashion icon. First introduced in the brand's SS11 collection, this chic shoulder bag quickly became an in-demand choice among luxury fashion connoisseurs.
Coco Chanel revolutionized women's fashion with a design approach that was both elegant and practical. She disliked the inconvenient silhouettes of her time, including the handbag style. That principle inspired the creation of the Gabrielle handbag.