As fashion‘s 20-year cycle comes full circle, the “It” bags of the early 2000s are making a blazing return. Heritage houses are reimagining their most beloved styles for a new generation of highly engaged shoppers.
For spring 2026, the handbags are not simply replicas of former versions but as reedits with the backdrop of nostalgia. Today, these bags are everywhere again — on runways, in campaigns, and on the arms of celebrities who understand the reference. Their return isn’t nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake, but instead a refocus with built in customer awareness. The updated versions’ proportions are refined with new materials and storytelling that connects the past with current desires.
The New Icons:
Lady Dior, 1995
Original by Gianfranco Ferré, update by Jonathan Anderson; Fun fact: It was renamed after Princess Diana made it her signature bag; Small Clover bag with strap, $11,000, dior.com
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Balenciaga Motorcycle, 2001
Original by Nicolas Ghesquière, update by Pierpaolo Piccioli; Fun fact: It skipped its runway debut and became famous on the crook of Kate Moss’ arms instead; Le City Bag in calfskin, $3,550, balenciaga.com
Chloé Paddington, 2005
Original by Phoebe Philo, update by Chemena Kamali; Fun fact: Its padlock was so heavy it became part of the flex; Grained leather tapestry blue, $2,750, chloe.com
Celine Phantom, 2010
Original by Phoebe Philo, update by Michael Rider; Fun fact: It earned status on the arms of editors and celebrities even before it debuted in a campaign; Medium Luggage bag in suede calfskin, $4,250, celine.com
Saint Laurent Mombasa, 2002
Original by Tom Ford, update by Anthony Vaccarello; Fun fact: When it launched, the brand was still called Yves Saint Laurent; Medium Mombasa bag in leather, $4,300, ysl.com
