2000s-era It bags get scaled down for the 2020s.

Before mini bags dominated social-media algorithms, supersized mid-2000s It bags were the ultimate status symbol. Large enough to stash a makeup bag, notebook, and, of course, a Motorola flip phone, celebrities from Kate Moss to Victoria Beckham to Nicole Richie were never without a padlocked Chlo&eacute; Paddington, a Fendi Spy with secret compartments, or a YSL Mombasa adorned with buffalo-horn handles that could probably double as concealed daggers.
Ludicrously capacious yet impossibly chic, these bags paired effortlessly with skinny jeans and oversized sunglasses, turning a coffee-run photo op into a mission executed with espionage-ops precision. Now the OG accessory heroes return, keeping their slouchy shapes, but in sleeker, more compact form.
The small Mombasa retains its curved handle, with clear plexi offered on ponyhair versions; the Mini Spy conceals its pocket beneath a sleek flap and adds a removable crossbody strap; and the small Paddington is fully selfie-ready, its exaggerated lock making a cheeky statement.&nbsp;

Mini Fendi Spy Bag in Black. Courtesy of Fendi.

Mini Fendi Spy Bag in Pink. Courtesy of Fendi.

Mini Fendi Spy Bag in Leo Animalier. Courtesy of Fendi.

Mini Fendi Spy Bag in Cappuccino. Courtesy of Fendi.

Mini Fendi Spy Bag in Red. Courtesy of Fendi.

Mini Fendi Spy Bag in Mercury Blue. Courtesy of Fendi.

Mini Fendi Spy Bag in Orange. Courtesy of Fendi.

Available in a wide range of hues, the Mini Spy bag is an accessory, yes, but more than that, it's a coveted treasure. In line with Fendi's centennial anniversary celebrations in 2025, the brand relaunched the original Spy bag&mdash;which first made waves in the fashion world after it debuted on the runway in 2005&mdash;and along with it, the brand-new Mini Spy bag. Much like its predecessor, the Mini Spy bag radiates pure ultra-chic energy, making it an already iconic It bag of the 2020s.&nbsp;

Saint Laurent Small Mombasa Bag in Black. Courtesy of Saint Laurent.

Saint Laurent Small Mombasa Bag in Dark Bay Leaf Alligator. Courtesy of Saint Laurent.

Back in the early 2000s, under the direction of Tom Ford, YSL first introduced the legendary Mombasa bag as part of the Spring/Summer 2002 line. With its sleek horn handle, the unique bag draws its inspiration from the Kenyan port city and embodies sultry, yet sophisticated flair, all wrapped up in a relaxed, slouchy silhouette.
For the Spring/Summer 2026 season, Saint Laurent has reintroduced the iconic bag, subtly reinterpreted with modern sensibilities. While the oversized bags represent a classic allure, it's the new small Mombasa bag that has caught the eye of the tastemakers of today's fashion scene.&nbsp;

Chloé Small Paddington Bag in Black. Courtesy of Chloé.

In 2025, Chlo&eacute; officially reintroduced the beloved Paddington bag&mdash;a launch that was met with celebration and praise from fashion lovers around the world. But beyond the iconic silhouette, complete with a smooth leather exterior and the emblematic chunky lock, it was the small Paddington that captured the attention of the It girls of today, what with its sleek, compact construction and characteristic charm.&nbsp;

This Season's Must-Have Accessory Is The Mini Handbag

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