Whether you refer to it as girl power, female empowerment or the women’s movement, by now we all know who runs the world…GIRLS!
We figured there’s no better time to celebrate the fashionable, beautiful and fabulous wonder women in our world. That’s why we wanted to highlight a few special women who made their mark on the designer handbag industry. From Jane Birkin to Princess Diana and Jackie O, find out how they inspired and helped design the most sought-after bags on the luxury market today.
Hermès Birkin
By now it’s common knowledge that the Birkin was named after actress Jane Birkin. She was grabbing something out of her bag in the overhead bin on an airplane, it tipped over and a bunch of her items fell out. She loudly exclaimed that it was impossible to find an elegant carryall that could hold all her essentials. Luckily, the Jean-Louis Dumas of Hermès was sitting right near her and granted her wish. In the mid-1980s, the Birkin bag was born.
Hermès Kelly
The Kelly Bag (formerly known as the Sac à Dépêches) was originally designed as a saddle holder. After going through multiple iterations, it became an iconic symbol of wealth and exclusivity, thanks to Grace Kelly. Princess Grace was snapped on the cover of Life Magazine using the Kelly Bag to conceal her pregnancy. And the rest is fashion history.
Chanel Gabrielle
Karl Lagerfeld first introduced the Chanel Gabrielle for the Spring 2017 shows. Designed to attract a younger, hipper clientele, it launched to thunderous applause with celebrities like Katie Holmes, Lily Collins and Hilary Duff all getting their hands on this essential carryall. Inspired by Gabrielle Chanel and virtual reality glasses, it has a casual chic vibe.
Dior Lady Dior
Luck be a Lady Dior with this elegant and sophisticated satchel that was renamed in 1995 to honor Lady Diana, the Princess of Wales. This eternally chic tote — that comes in many sizes, colors, and materials — features logo charms, dual top handles, a detachable shoulder strap, a footed seat, and interior pockets. Plus, since it’s so incredibly lovely, and almost as iconic as the Chanel Flap bag, this is a true investment bag.
Salvatore Ferragamo Sofia
Ferragamo is an understated, exquisite Italian luxury line that’s stood the test of time. Sophia Loren, the Italian actress and model, has also aged like fine wine. As a close personal friend and client of Salvatore Ferragamo, the Sophia bag was presented at the Spring/Summer 2009 fashion show as a tribute to her beauty and their lifelong friendship.
Gucci Jackie Bag
This bag, which was known for its half-moon hobo design and piston-shaped closure, was first introduced in the 1950s and is thought to be the original hobo bag. This instant classic became the epitome of timeless style after Jackie Kennedy Onassis was regularly spotted toting it around New York City. It was then renamed The Jackie Bag as a nod to her jet-setting style and influence over the fashion industry.
Content and images for this blog post have been referenced from LePrix.