What’s old is new again. We don’t have to tell you twice that the leading aesthetics of the past several years have all leaned heavily upon the nostalgia factor of the late ’90s and more recently, early ’00s. Simply open up any social media feed to see just how widespread the resurgence really is. Not only has this wave brought back trends like baggy denim and platform shoes, but it’s also resurfaced a slew of designer It bags that celebs and fashion people were carrying during the era: the Fendi Baguette Bag, Prada Nylon Bag, and Balenciaga City Bag, just to name a few.
Since being ahead of the curve is just what we do, we’re also reaching back into the archives to pull out a few more It bags from the era that were popular then but haven’t quite made the same comeback—at least not yet. If you like to be an early adopter, then I suggest you get a head start on shopping these oft forgotten-about carryalls now before the hype (and prices) inevitably take off. You’ll certainly be the first to do so.
Ahead, discover the four nostalgic designer It bags that have made a comeback from the ’90s and ’00s—and the ones that haven’t yet (but should).
Designers have been smart to create re-editions that bring back their older bag styles in new iterations for the modern day. As we’ve seen time and again with Prada, Fendi, Gucci, and so many others, it’s a win-win. The value of the original bags skyrocket on the resale market and the new versions they’re introducing are quick to reach sell-out status.
Prada’s nylon shoulder bags rose to fame in the early aughts and have been recently brought back by the likes of Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid and their vintage versions. Wisely, Prada opted to reissue the bags. The Re-Edition 2000 Mini Bag (the most popular one) features the original fabric strap, while the 2005 version comes with a leather strap or a chain strap (which is a bit more expensive). Both come in neutrals and brights.
From the moment Silvia Venturini Fendi launched the classic Fendi Baguette bag back in 1997, it became one of the most coveted designer bags on the market. SATC fans know it as one of Carrie Bradshaw’s most memorable bags and fast-forward to the present day, the baguette in all its iterations remains coveted by the fashion set. The brown Zucca logo is a classic, but the special edition baguette bags—like those that are embroidered or embellished—are even harder to come by.
There’s no doubt that Coach’s leather goods are top-notch quality, so when you add on A+ marketing and design that still aligns with the aesthetic of today’s consumer, you have a hit. Enlisting celebrities from Megan Thee Stallion to Paris Hilton and Jennifer Lopez for its campaigns, Coach brought bag its iconic Tabby shoulder bag to much fanfare. The bags come in both classic leather and a puffy versions and a range of neutrals and candy hues.
Want to be ahead of the curve? Here are just a few designer bags that were popular over a decade ago. They have yet to make their splashy return, but we think it’s only a matter of time until they do. You’d be wise to make a (relatively affordable) investment in one of these now.
WHO: Kim Kardashian, 2006
WHO: Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, 1999. I don’t think it gets any more early aughts than a Kate Spade bag. The boxy tote bag is delightfully minimalist with a single stitched-on logo and elevated satin finish. While it made its red carpet debut, the practical shape would make it perfect as an everyday accessory in 2022.
WHO: Jessica Alba, 2006
Givenchy introduced the Nightingale bag in 2006, and the oversize leather carryall managed to remain a fixture on the arms of street style stars and celebs alike for the many years that followed. Notable fans of the satchel bag include everyone from Kendall Jenner and Keira Knightly.
