From Our Archives: Iconic Gifts That Define Eras

Originally designed in the 1930s but fully embraced wholeheartedly in the 70s, Louis Vuitton’s Speedy became the everyday bag for celebrities like Audrey Hepburn who requested the now iconic 25cm size. Its relatively lightweight and defined the idea of practicality for the women on the go. 



With its roots laid in the 1940s, Gucci’s Bamboo Bag hit a revival phase in the 1970s. The Bamboo bag was created in 1947 due to a leather shortage after World War II, prompting Gucci to use durable, easily imported bamboo for its handles. The bag was seen carried by everyone from Elizabeth Taylor to Grace Kelly. The signature bamboo handle paired with the silhouette encapsulated the retro sophistication of the era. 



Introduced in 1978, the Hermès Evelyne offered casual luxury at its best. The bag was originally designed to carry equestrian riding gear with the perforated 'H' side facing the body to allow ventilation and body heat to dry wet pieces after a ride. Its functional crossbody form aligned perfectly with a decade leaning toward effortless elegance. 



In 1955, Chanel’s namesake Coco Chanel created a bag with a shoulder strap for an added layer of convenience after she was tired of carrying her bags by hand. This style was named the 2.55, AKA the date of its creation: February 1955. In the 1980s, Karl Lagerfeld re-created the bag with the now iconic ‘CC’ turnlock closure on the front flap. 



Though introduced decades earlier, Louis Vuitton’s Keepall became a symbol of luxury travel in the 80s. Its roomy shape echoed the era’s “more is more” philosophy. Aptly named to “keep all,” safe and secure as you travel the globe with your essentials, the Keepall has been reinterpreted many times since its debut, with new variations released in different materials like Damier, Epi leather, and various limited-edition prints created in collaboration with artists and designers. 



Minimalist yet groundbreaking, Prada’s Nylon fabric represented the rise of utilitarian luxury. The use of industrial fabric marked a shift toward experimentation. When Miuccia Prada introduced the Vela Backpack in the 1980s, the tides began to shift: why use leather and canvas when nylon was also so readily available? The water-resistant nylon was called ‘Pocono’ and was as iconic as any of Prada’s leather offerings. 



The Dior Saddle Bag is, much like its name, is shaped like a horse saddle with an asymmetrical flap and bold “D” charm. Often cited as the most popular Galliano-era Dior bag, the Saddle made its first appearance in 1999 during Dior’s Spring/Summer 2000 ready to wear show. Created as a tribute to equestrian world, the bag was featured in a highly sexual campaign and was eventually catapulted to stardom thanks to its appearance on Sex and the City. 



In 1997, Silvia Venturini Fendi designed the legendary Baguette bag, a small, rectangular shoulder style meant to be tucked under the arm like a French baguette. The Baguette was unlike anything else at the time and became one of fashion’s first true “It bags.” Fendi’s Baguette bag was famously featured in Sex and the City, which saw Carrie Bradshaw utter the infamous line, “It’s not a bag, it’s a Baguette.” 



Designed by Gianfranco Ferre in 1994, the Lady Dior was originally named the Chouchou. After the bag was gifted to Princess Diana by the First Lady of France, Diana was seen carrying the bag everywhere. She would attend the Met Gala in 1996 with a mini version of the bag and made fashion history. The house of Christian Dior would eventually be renamed the Lady Dior in 1996, as a dedication to Diana. 



Though both were introduced much earlier, the Birkin and Kelly experienced a massive cultural revival in the 2000s, becoming symbols of ultimate, untouchable luxury.  



Karl Lagerfeld reintroduced the iconic 2.55 in February 2005 in commemoration of the silhouette’s 50th anniversary. The 2.55 features the iconic Mademoiselle lock, a fully metal chain, and signature quilting. With its re-release, the timeless elegance made it an instant classic all over again. 



A collaboration with artist Takashi Murakami, the Multicolore line reimagined the classic LV Monogram in a playful, vibrant palette. A little over twenty years ago in Spring 2003, the first collaboration between the artist and fashion house was born at the helm of creative director Marc Jacobs. Jacobs wanted to attract a younger audience to Louis Vuitton, which intertwined perfectly with Murakami’s playful art. 



Gucci’s Marmont collection is a highly popular style across social media, often seen worn over influencer’s shoulders on their latest Instagram posts. The style introduced the now-iconic Running GG motif and chevron-stitched quilting. 



Edgy, structured, and youthful, the Boy Bag offered a fresh counterpoint to the timeless classic flap, quickly becoming a statement piece. Introduced by Karl Lagerfeld in 2011, the Boy Bag was inspired by Coco Chanel’s lover, Boy Capel. 



Launched in 2018 by Maria Grazia-Chiuri, the Dior Book tote is a large and in charge tote silhouette that brings the wearer an array of colors, styles, and sizes. Chiuri took inspiration from Dior’s archive and sketches from past Creative Director Marc Bohan.