5 Iconic Bags and the Brilliant Women Who Inspired Them
Fashion’s most recognizable handbags have sentimental stories behind them. Throughout the 20th century, as the impact of trophy bags grew, designers turned to those close to them for inspiration. From the Dior bag named in honor of Diana, Princess of Wales, to the Louis Vuitton classic renamed to suit Audrey Hepburn’s style, discover five handbags inspired by some of fashion’s most famous personalities.
Jane Birkin and Hermès Birkin
Everyone now knows that the Birkin owes its name to the actress Jane Birkin. While she was reaching into her bag in an airplane’s overhead compartment, it tipped over and several of her belongings fell out. She exclaimed aloud that it was impossible to find a stylish tote that could hold all her essentials. Fortunately, Jean-Louis Dumas of Hermès, sitting right next to her, granted her wish. In the mid-1980s, the Birkin bag was born.
Grace Kelly and Hermès Kelly
The Kelly bag (formerly known as the Sac à Dépêches) was originally designed as a saddle carrier. After undergoing multiple iterations, it became an iconic symbol of wealth and exclusivity, thanks to Grace Kelly. Princess Grace was photographed on the cover of Life magazine with the Kelly bag to conceal her pregnancy. And the rest is fashion history.
Princess Diana and Lady Dior
Lady luck smiles on Lady Dior with this elegant and sophisticated bag, which was renamed in 1995 in honor of Lady Diana, Princess of Wales. This eternally chic tote - available in several sizes, colors, and materials - features logo charms, two top handles, a removable shoulder strap, a footed base, and interior pockets. Plus, because it is incredibly beautiful and almost as iconic as Chanel’s flap bag, it is a true investment bag.
Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Gucci Jackie
The Jackie bag, known for its half-moon hobo design and piston-shaped clasp, was first introduced in the 1950s and is considered the original hobo bag. This instant classic became the epitome of timeless style after Jackie Kennedy Onassis was regularly seen carrying it around New York City. It was later renamed the "Jackie bag" in tribute to her jet-set style and influence on the fashion industry.
Audrey Hepburn and Louis Vuitton Speedy 25
In 1961, shortly after the release of Breakfast at Tiffany's, Audrey Hepburn asked the house to launch a smaller 25-centimeter version of the Louis Vuitton Speedy (it had previously been available in 30, 35, and 40-centimeter tote sizes). Sixty years later, the Speedy 25 remains a popular LV monogram option and has been reimagined by Stephen Sprouse, Yayoi Kusama, Richard Prince, and Takashi Murakami.
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