Old icons, new obsessions. Fashion's most iconic purses that are having their moment again.

There's a particular kind of thrill that comes with recognizing a <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/open-bag-trend-spring-summer-2026-handbags-purses-how-to-style" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bag</a> before you even see its label. A bamboo handle. A padlock. A floppy motorcycle silhouette that smells faintly of paparazzi flash and early-2000s <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/young-kate-moss-90s-style-runway" target="_blank" rel="noopener">celebrity</a> gossip. Right now, <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/fashion-collaborations-spring-summer-2026-capsule-limited-edition" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fashion</a> is doing something it does every generation or so: going back to the <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/paris-french-american-style-influence-lofficiel-archive-photoshoots-chic-inspo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">archive</a>, dusting off its greatest hits, and presenting them to a whole new audience that's falling in love for the first time&mdash;and to the rest of us, who never really moved on.
Because here's the thing about a truly great <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/grab-and-go-pouch-bags-spring-summer-2026-accessories-trends-reticule-regency-purse-bridgerton" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bag</a>: it was never just an object. It was a woman. <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/young-kate-moss-style-90s-to-today" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kate Moss</a> leaving a hotel with that slouchy leather thing under her arm. <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/sienna-miller-birthday-career-moments" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sienna Miller</a>&nbsp;at a festival, padlock swinging. <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/sarah-jessica-parker-vivenne-westwood-gown-and-just-like-that-premiere-nyc-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sarah Jessica Parker</a> tucking a compact, baguette-shaped clutch under her shoulder on a New York sidewalk like it was the most natural thing in the world. These bags didn't become iconic in editorials&mdash;they became iconic on the arms of women who made you want to be them, or at least dress like them.
Which is exactly why they keep coming back. We live in an era of infinite newness, and somehow nothing feels new enough, so we go back to the things that actually meant something. The revival isn't nostalgia&mdash;it's a correction. A reminder that the best designs weren't chasing a <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion-week/fall-winter-2026-accessory-trends-handbags-shoes-jewelry-brooches-gloves-fashion-style" target="_blank" rel="noopener">trend</a>, they were setting one, and that kind of star power doesn't expire. What's changed is everything around them: the women carrying them, the context they live in, and the conversations they're starting.
On this occasion, L'OFFICIEL has done the work for you&mdash; old icons, new obsessions, all available now.

Born in 1947 out of postwar necessity&mdash;leather was scarce, bamboo was not&mdash;Gucci's craftsmen turned the cane plant into something extraordinary. Each handle is still flame-scorched, lacquered, and finished by hand today, meaning no two are ever identical. It's the kind of piece that holds its value, tells a story, and never has to explain itself at the party.&nbsp;
Gucci Gucci Bamboo 1947 medium bag, $5,850, <a href="https://www.gucci.com/us/en/pr/women/handbags/top-handle-bags-for-women/gucci-bamboo-1947-medium-bag-p-863164AAGDL1096" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gucci</a>

Bamboo Bag, Gucci

Bamboo Bag, 1947

Based on Bonnie Cashin's 1969 Cashin Carry&mdash;the original design by Coach's first-ever lead designer&mdash;this buttery, glove-tanned leather elongated carryall features the iconic snap-shut kisslock closure, an inside zip pocket, and a detachable shoulder strap. It was recently launched again on the Fall 2026 runway and sold out within hours.&nbsp;
Coach Kisslock Frame Bag 27, $550, <a href="https://www.coach.com/products/kisslock-frame-bag-27/CDZ29.html?frp=CDZ29+B4L38&amp;fromSearch=kisslock" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Coach</a>

Kisslock Bag, Coach

Kisslock Bag, 1969

Originally designed as the Chouchou in 1994, it became the Lady Dior when Princess Diana made it her own in 1995&mdash;and no bag has carried that weight more gracefully since. Now Jonathan Anderson brings his touch to the mini version in rose Soupir lambskin, embroidered all over with the Dior Clover motif, the house's own lucky symbol reinvented in the softest blush pink you've ever seen. The pale gold D.I.O.R. charms are redesigned, a leather clover charm swings alongside them, and a tiny metal ladybug hides in the details like a secret.&nbsp;
Dior Mini Lady Dior Bag with Strap, $9,500, <a href="https://www.dior.com/en_us/fashion/products/M0669OUQF_M19N" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dior</a>

Lady Dior Bag, Dior

Lady Dior, 1994

Silvia Venturini Fendi created it in 1997 as the original It bag, and now, under Maria Grazia Chiuri's debut at the house, it's back as the opening statement of Fall/Winter 2026. The new version is pure Roman craftsmanship: a front flap with the iconic FF clasp, magnetic closure, gold-finish metalware, and that unmistakable underarm carry that made it a cultural artifact.
Fendi Baguette 26424, $3,600, <a href="https://www.fendi.com/us-en/woman/baguette-26424-a-recreation-of-the-original-style-code-8br850b16bf0err?queryID=3f716ff816d0473d89755b149a77b4e2&amp;objectID=8BR850B16BF0ERR&amp;indexName=production_eu01_fendi_demandware_net__US__products__en_US" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fendi</a>

Baguette Bag, Fendi

The Baguette, 1997

Nicolas Ghesqui&egrave;re designed the original in 2001, Balenciaga's executives tried to kill it, Kate Moss wore a prototype on a runway, and the rest is fashion legend. The new Le City in Arena Storico lambskin is faithful to that original spirit: distressed leather that ages into its own patina, Palladium Vibrato hardware with braided zipper pulls, and that signature slouch that somehow looks better the more you live in it.
Balenciaga Le City Bag, from $2,990,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.balenciaga.com/en-us/le-city-bag-medium-army-green-8230582ABEK3258.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Balenciaga</a>

Le City Bag, Balenciaga

Le City Bag, 2001

Twenty years is a long time to wait for a bag, but the Paddington is worth every minute. Creative Director Chemena Kamali&mdash;who started her career as an intern under Phoebe Philo at this very house&mdash;brought it back for this season. The new version is lighter than the original, crafted in supple washed leather with a single-zip opening and the same equestrian-inspired aged-grain finish that made it the most coveted bag of 2005.&nbsp;
Chlo&eacute; Paddington Bag, $2,750, <a href="https://www.chloe.com/en-us/p/bags/shoulder-bag/CH25WS802P75602.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chlo&eacute;</a>

Back Like They Never Left: Fashion's Enduring Obsession With the Most Iconic Handbags

Tags

Related Articles

Shopping

The 21 Fall Purses We Can't Wait to Add to Our Rotation

Shopping

These 17 Designer Bowling Bags Are the Ultimate Accessory for the Woman on the Go

Shopping

Suede Bags Reign As This Season's Most Sophisticated Style

Recommended posts for you

Film & TV

Where Is The Cast Of 'Riverdale' Now?

Fashion