The 10 Most Iconic Bags of All Time

Susan Hooks

Updated: 26 August 2025 ·

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The 10 most iconic bags of all time

Today, we launched, in partnership with Galeries Lafayette, a monthly series of 6 infographics focusing on the fashion, beauty, and style of French women. The 1st infographic discusses the most iconic bags of all time.

Check the end of the article for an exclusive promotion from Lafayette for Conexão Paris readers.

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Iconic Bags

The most iconic bags of all time are those that, even years after their launch, continue to be desired (and purchased) by women.

They are symbols of status and objects of desire created by the luxury market. And, if the French are the kings of this market-8 out of the 10 brands on our list are French-these bags are the queens.

They are largely responsible for the brands' revenue and serve as gateways for new consumers. A quality bag (in terms of both design and material) is a more reliable investment than a piece of clothing. A bag has a longer lifespan and can be used repeatedly, at any time of the year.

The bags on our list have stood the test of time and continue to captivate women. They have transformed from 'it bags'-the bags of the moment-to icons of their respective brands, still coveted, produced, sold, and used today.

All of them, except for the Birkin, can be found on the ground floor of the Galeries Lafayette.

THE 10 MOST ICONIC BAGS OF ALL TIME

most iconic bags
photo by www.conexaoparis.com.br

1) 2.55

Brand: Chanel

Year of launch: 1955

History and trivia:

  • It defines classic and chic.
  • It is only sold in Chanel stores and only a few units are made each year.
  • Inspired by the messenger bags of the military.
  • Created by Coco Chanel herself in the 1920s.
  • Relaunched in February 1955, hence the name 2.55.
  • In 1988, Karl Lagerfeld launched the most famous version of the bag, featuring the interconnected double C's on the clasp and the leather strap passing through the chain of the handle.

Another famous bag from the brand: Boy

2) BIRKIN

Brand: Hermès

Year of launch: 1984

History and trivia:

  • Created by Jean-Louis Dumas, one of the brand's owners, after a meeting with French actress Jane Birkin during a plane trip.
  • Inspired by another Hermès bag, the Haut à Courroies, created in the 1900s.
  • It remains one of the most difficult bags to obtain.

Another famous bag from the brand: Kelly

3) LADY DIOR

Brand: Dior

Year of launch: 1995

History and trivia:

  • Created at the request of then-French First Lady Bernadette Chirac, as a gift for Lady Di.
  • It was initially named Princess.
  • The quilted pattern is inspired by the seats of the Napoléon III chairs at the Maison Dior on Avenue Montaigne.

Another famous bag from the brand: Saddlebag

4) SPEEDY

Brand: Louis Vuitton

Year of launch: 1965

History and trivia:

  • Created at the request of actress Audrey Hepburn, who wanted a smaller version of another bag from the brand, the Keepall, for daily use.
  • In the 2000s, it was reinterpreted by artists like Stephen Sprouse and Takashi Murakami at the request of then-creative director Marc Jacobs.

Other famous bags from the brand: Neverfull, Alma

5) BAGUETTE

Brand: Fendi

Year of launch: 1997

History and trivia:

  • Created by Silvia Fendi.
  • Its short strap allows it to be carried snugly under the arm, like how the French carry their baguettes.
  • Became famous due to the TV show Sex and the City.
  • It was from this bag that the media began using the term 'it bag' to describe luxury bags that became a trend.

Another famous bag from the brand: Peekaboo

6) MOTORCYCLE CITY

Brand: Balenciaga

Year of launch: 2001

History and trivia:

  • Created by Nicolas Ghesquière, then creative director of Balenciaga.
  • It was the 2nd bag launched by the brand.
  • Its unstructured and vintage-like appearance, different from the rigid bags that were popular at the time, almost prevented it from being commercially released.
  • Only 25 units were made, distributed among the most famous models and editors of the time.
  • It continues to be a bestseller today, even with the brand having changed creative directors twice since.

Another famous bag from the brand: Bazar

7) PS1

Brand: Proenza Schouler

Year of launch: 2008

History and trivia:

  • The brand's 1st bag to be launched.
  • Although created to be an anti 'it bag,' it became an 'it bag.'
  • PS represents the initials of the brand and also how public schools in New York are referred to.
  • Its overall appearance references the old backpacks/bags children used to carry books and notebooks to school.

Another famous bag from the brand: PS11

8) LUGGAGE

Brand: Céline

Year of launch: 2009

History and trivia:

  • Created by the then-creative director of the brand, Phoebe Philo.
  • Its structure-a square and rigid body with flaps that expand-has been copied worldwide by other luxury brands.
  • Available in 5 sizes: Nano, Micro, Mini, Medium Phantom, and Large Phantom.

Another famous bag from the brand: Classic

9) ANTIGONA

Brand: Givenchy

Year of launch: 2011

History and trivia:

  • Created by the brand's then-creative director, Ricardo Tisci.
  • It did not achieve immediate success but gradually gained popularity.
  • Its main attractions are its rigid structure, straight lines, and overall clean and discreet appearance.
  • Available in 3 sizes: Mini, Small, and Medium.

Another famous bag from the brand: Nightingale

See other infographics in the series

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Benefits of Galeries Lafayette for Conexão Paris Readers

The Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann is the most famous and historic department store in Paris. Besides being an iconic address in the city, it is part of the elegant Parisian lifestyle. The store is also the best tip for tourists looking to shop. It features 3,500 brands for sale across 70,000 square meters - three buildings, seven floors.

Reasons and advantages of shopping at Galeries Lafayette:

  1. GET GIFTS! Galeries Lafayette offers exclusive gifts to Conexão Paris readers on purchases over 50 euros. Click here and read our article explaining everything. Note: only one gift per person, per voucher, per day, per proof of détaxe.
  • 1 tote bag from Galeries Lafayette with purchases over €50

Note: only one gift per person, per voucher, per day.

  • 1 coin purse from the Galeries Lafayette brand with purchases over €200

Note: only one gift per person, per voucher, per day, per proof of détaxe.

  • 1 Beauty Box from the Rituals brand with 4 products + access to the Le Concierge lounge + appetizer with purchases over €650

Note: only one gift per person, per voucher, per day, per proof of détaxe.

  1. You will be protected from the rain or sun! You can even have your meals inside Lafayette. There are various restaurants spread across the different floors of the grand magasin, click here and read our article about them.
  1. Save time! At Galeries Lafayette, you can find a wide variety of brands-feminine, masculine, and children's; known and unknown; French and international-under one roof, catering to all budgets and tastes.
  1. Save money! You can sum up the values of all purchases made in different stores within Galeries Lafayette to reach the minimum amount necessary of €100 to receive the refund for tax (détaxe) there itself. Click here and read our article explaining everything.
  1. See runway shows and discover the season's trends. Every Friday, Galeries Lafayette promotes a fashion show presenting the latest trends of the season and the news from the store. Readers of Conexão Paris receive 10% off the ticket price, just use the code GLCONEXAO. Click here to make your reservation.

Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann: 40 boulevard Haussmann, 75009 | Metro lines 7 and 9, Chausée d'Antin - La Fayette station or lines 3, 7 and 8, Opéra station | Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, from 10 AM to 8:30 PM; Sundays and holidays, from 11 AM to 8 PM.

Also read about Galeries Lafayette

  • Galeries Lafayette Paris: 2023 benefits for Conexão Paris readers
  • Galeries Lafayette, the best address for shopping in Paris
  • Lafayette Gourmet and Maison: the gastronomic address in Paris
  • Wellness Galerie: Galeries Lafayette's floor dedicated to well-being
  • Wine Tasting in Paris: How to Taste, Where, When, and Discounts
  • Cooking Class in Paris: Learn to Make French Dishes
  • Events and classes at Galeries Lafayette

Discounts and gifts for Conexão Paris readers

  • GALERIES LAFAYETTE: Gifts for purchases over €50 made at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, click here for more information and to download the vouchers.
  • FRAGRANCE DE L'OPÉRA PERFUMERY: €10 off for every €150 spent at the Fragrance de l'Opéra - click here for all information and to download the voucher.
  • CARRÉ OPÉRA PHARMACY: 10% off purchases made at Carré Opéra Pharmacy - click here for all information and to download the voucher.
  • SAINT ANDRES DES ARTS HOTEL (charming 4-star in Saint Germain): 10% off + 1 bottle of wine + breakfast - use the code paris-story.com when making your reservation on the hotel's website, click here to access.
  • TRAVEL INSURANCE: 5% off when purchasing your Travel Insurance using the code paris-story.com. Travel insurance is one of the documents that may be required upon entering Europe, click here to learn more.
  • TICKETS: 5% off tickets, tours, and activities sold on Tiqets using the code paris-story.com, click here to access the site.

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