These bags were inspired by fashion’s most esteemed celebrities. Curious who they are and which ones? Here’s a list of designer handbags named after famous people.
Today, well-known brands and designers transform celebrities into brand ambassadors and muses, a trend that dates back to the practice of naming bags after them.
To honor these muses and embody their artistic vision, luxury brands have created iconic bags designed to endure the test of time.
The Birkin and the Lady Dior remain cult favorites, cherished by celebrities and fashion enthusiasts alike.
From Hollywood stars to political figures, we’ve compiled a list of bags that have drawn inspiration from fashion’s most beloved icons.
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The Alexa Bag by Mulberry
Making waves in the 2010s, Mulberry’s Alexa bag drew inspiration from British fashion icon Alexa Chung.
A decade after its debut, Mulberry recently unveiled a capsule collection for its 50th anniversary, designed by Chung herself, as reported by Who What Wear.
This collaboration is inspired by the original satchel design of the Alexa bag. Additionally, it taps into ’70s nostalgia while embracing a touch of masculine formality.
The Jackie 1961 by Gucci
Originally introduced in 1961 as a unisex piece, the Jackie 1961 by Gucci is a slouchy, crescent-shaped hobo bag.
Former first lady Jackie Kennedy loved the bag and often wore it with her iconic tortoiseshell glasses.
The bag became synonymous with her chic style after she famously used one as a shield from paparazzi in the ’70s, as per Lifestyle Insider. This led Gucci to rename the bag in her honor.
Adored by fashion enthusiasts and celebrities alike, the bag has stood the test of time.
Since receiving Kennedy’s seal of approval, the half-moon-shaped accessory has remained a popular silhouette. It has been reintroduced and reimagined several times by Gucci’s successive creative directors.
According to Harper’s Bazaar, Gucci’s current Creative Director, Alessandro Michele, revived the archival piece in his Fall/Winter 2020 men’s collection with a few tweaks. This is to cater to modern tastes.
The Lady Dior by Dior
Gianfranco Ferré, the former stylistic director of Dior, designed the iconic handbag in 1994, as reported by Grazia.
Originally called the Chouchou, which means “favorite” in English. Briefly named Princesse, the bag featured a boxy design with quilted leather and a top handle.
In September 1995, Bernadette Chriac, the then First Lady of France, contacted Dior for a gift for Princess Diana.
Despite the Chouchou not yet being officially released and available only to select Dior clients, the Maison suggested it as a gift option.
Princess Diana, being the most photographed woman of her time, quickly made the accessory her own. She frequently wears the bag during her public appearances.
The Birkin Bag by Hermès
The highly desired Birkin bag, known for its long waitlist and limited availability, is a symbol of wealth.
They named it after British actress and muse Jane Birkin. According to Hermès’ website, the bag’s creation dates back to 1984.
This was after a chance meeting between Birkin and the former head of Hermès, Jean-Louis Dumas, on a flight from Paris to London. They sat next to each other and discussed Birkin’s ideal bag.
Dumas suggested adding pockets, and Birkin wanted a convenient bag to fit all her essentials.
They collaborated on a sketch, leading to the creation of the iconic Birkin bag we know today.
The Kelly Bag by Hermès
Another popular bag from Hermès, the Kelly bag has a fascinating history.
Hermès said that in the 1930s, Robert Dumas, the son-in-law of Émile Hermès, who later led Hermès from 1951 to 1978, designed the women’s bag with straps.
He created a trapezoid shape with two triangular gussets, a cutout flap, a handle, and two side straps. This brought a sense of boldness and modernism to the house.
In the late 1950s, legend has it that Hollywood star turned Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly, used the bag to conceal her pregnancy in photographs.
This moment catapulted the bag to international fame, and it later became known as the Kelly in her honor.
Banner photo via Wikimedia Commons.
