Five iconic bags & 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 looked to those close to them for inspiration. From the Dior bag named in honor of Diana, Princess of Wales, to the classic Louis Vuitton renamed to fit Audrey Hepburn's style, discover five handbags that have been 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 taking something from her bag into the overhead bin of a plane, it overturned and several of her items fell out. She exclaimed out loud that it was impossible to find a stylish tote that could hold all of her essentials. Fortunately, Jean-Louis Dumas d'Hermès, sitting very close 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
Luck favored 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 - which comes in multiple sizes, colors and materials - features logo charms, two top handles, a detachable shoulder strap, a foot seat and interior pockets. Plus, because it's incredibly beautiful and almost as iconic as Chanel's flap bag, it's a true investment bag.
Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Gucci Jackie
The Jackie bag, known for its half-moon hobo design and piston closure, 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 spotted wearing it around New York City. It was later renamed the "Jackie bag" in homage to her jet-set style and influence on the fashion industry.
Audrey Hepburn and Louis Vuitton Speedy
In 1961, shortly after the release of Breakfast at Tiffany's, Audrey Hepburn asked the house to release a smaller 25-centimeter model of the Louis Vuitton Speedy (it had previously been available in tote sizes of 30, 35, and 40 centimeters ). Sixty years later, the Speedy 25 remains a popular LV monogram option and has been restyled by Stephen Sprouse, Yayoi Kusama, Richard Prince and Takashi Murakami.
