Legacy Icons That Never Go Out of Style: The Designer Pieces Worth Owning

Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Speedy

When Louis Vuitton introduced the “Express” Bag in 1930, they redefined what it meant to be a “woman on the go.” The bag was eventually renamed Speedy, as it was crafted as the perfect silhouette for city living. The Speedy was first introduced in the 30 cm size but when icon Audrey Hepburn requested a smaller size, the 25 cm was born, and the traveling became that much easier.

Hermès Kelly Bag

First released in 1932, the Kelly silhouette was introduced as a travel bag that was originally referred to as the sac à dépêches. It would eventually be renamed to the Kelly after actress Grace Kelly was photographed with the bag while she was pregnant and using it to cover her baby bump. The Kelly comes in two iconic styles: the Sellier and Retourne. Only adding to the mythos of the Kelly is the fac that it can take a single Hermès craftsman up to 18 hours to construct it.

Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Sardine Bag

Debuting in Matthieu Blazy’s foundational collection, the Sardine bag is a dedication to the artisans of the fashion house who do and have worked tirelessly to create iconic and unique pieces. The Sardine is typically crafted from Bottega Veneta’s iconic Intrecciato woven leather, a technique unique to the house that began in 1975 and mimics a fabric-like texture.

Christian Dior Canvas Book Tote

Introduced by creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri in 2018, the Book Tote has since become a legacy piece for Christian Dior thanks to its meticulous, detailed creation and the history that is steeped behind the bag’s creation. Chiuri took inspiration from Christian Dior creative director Marc Bohan and designed the bag based on his sketches and drawings. Each book tote is hand-stitched by a Christian Dior artisan, with some taking up to 40 hours to finish.

Gucci Jackie 1961 Shoulder Bag

First released as the “Constance” in 1961 by Aldo Gucci, the Jackie gained global recognition (and a new name) in 1964 when former first lady Jackie Kennedy was spotted leaving a Gucci boutique with multiple styles of the bag. The Jackie was given a new life during Frida Giannini’s time as creative director, and the updated “Jackie 1961” was released by Alessandro Michele in 2020.