As archival styles are reborn as icons, this season’s “it” bags look familiar.
Although fashion is ever-changing, iconic handbags stand the test of time, with the power to elevate even the most casual look into something elegant—the true definition of style.
Left: Princess Grace of Monaco carrying a Hermes handbag. Right: Ricky Lauren holding the iconic Ricky bag with Ralph Lauren in Paris
There is no shame in being on a first-name basis with a handbag, especially if it is Salvatore Ferragamo’s Sofia (named after Sophia Loren), Ralph Lauren’s Ricky (named after his wife), or Dior’s Lady Dior, which made its debut on Princess Diana’s arm in 1995. Yet some iconic bags demand to be identified in other ways.
Take, for example, Fendi’s Baguette, which was designed to be nestled under the arm like one would carry a loaf of warm French bread. To commemorate its 25th birthday, the brand recently released 25 reinterpreted archive editions, including some from collaborations with designer Marc Jacobs, jeweler Tiffany & Co., and Japanese luggage brand Porter.
Looks from the Fendi Winter Capsule 2022 collection. (photos courtesy of brands)
The resulting designs are a resplendent potpourri of Fendi handbag history, with one handbag covered in skunk fur and others featuring accents like blue-dyed howlite stone or faceted embroidery. Fans who prefer casual looks might opt for the denim- or cashmere-covered creations, while attention-seekers will gravitate toward the icy, metallized shearling version, the style covered in bold “vitaminic green” pony hair, or the bag encrusted with 380 mirrors and 200,000 beads.
In addition to bringing back archived handbags, Fendi asked actress-cum-fashion icon Sarah Jessica Parker to collaborate with Silvia Venturini Fendi on an anniversary capsule collection, which emerged with four colorways featuring all-over degradé sequin embroidery and four interchangeable magnetic FF buckles. These limited-edition designs will likely find their own place in fashion history.
Left: Alexander McQueen Slash Bag. Right: Alexander McQueen Jeweled Hobo Mini. (photos courtesy of brands)
While sourcing a variety of materials was no challenge for Fendi this time around, when Gucci faced that issue 75 years ago it really had to stretch. Luckily the solution—bamboo—became its signature. Finding inspiration in the vault of Gucci treasures, the brand recently released four shapes with bamboo handles and accessories, incorporating florals, pink and powder blue colorations, and even utilitarian backpacks. True showstoppers from the collection are the Gucci Bamboo 1947 Small Top Handle bags covered with metal studs, eyelets, and spikes.
Likewise looking to its vault, Hermès also took its classic Kelly style—the one named for Academy Award-winning actress and Princess of Monaco Grace Kelly—for a walk on the punk side of town. The newest Kelly To Go wallet bag is dressed in black box calfskin and features a thick shoulder strap with bold silver hardware.
Left to right: Bottega Veneta Sardine Top Handle Bag, Hermès Sabot Pluch bag in box calfskin and merino shearling, Gucci Bamboo Bag. (photos courtesy of brands)
On the softer side of iconic is Italian brand Bottega Veneta, with its bags featuring that distinctive braided weave. Since its start in the 1960s, Bottega Veneta has successfully interlaced originality with practicality, and the brand’s winter 2022 collection is no exception. Bucket bags, like the Kalimero with its sliding shoulder strap and knotted end, dominated the brand’s runway, along with unexpected designs like the brass handle-topped Sardine bag featuring a slouched lambskin shape.
Although fashion is ever-changing, iconic handbags stand the test of time, with the power to elevate even the most casual look into something elegant—the true definition of style.
