Because paparazzi tend to follow the young, lithe starlets of LA and New York, so does our coverage of which bags celebrities are carrying–there’s simply more photographic evidence to go on. When we started looking, though, we realized that because of her out-and-about life in NYC, we could piece together enough to create an in-depth look at the handbag choices of legendary journalist Barbara Walters. So we did just that.
Not only has Barbara’s career spanned more than a couple decades, but so has her life in New York’s philanthropic and social circles, and we found that she regularly carries bags that she’s clearly had for some time. That made it harder to identify some of her pieces, but we think you’ll enjoy scoping them out, along with her higher-profile Chanel and Hermès picks, just the same.
This picture is somewhat old, so we were unable to identify this pretty, dignified exotic bag.
I can’t remember who makes this bag, but I would not want to be on the receiving end of this look from Barbara. I’m pretty sure the photographer who took this picture turned into stone soon after.
Bottega Veneta Shoulder Bag
$1,550 via Neiman Marcus
We’d know that woven leather anywhere.
Chanel Cerf Tote
This bag also isn’t too much of a head-scratcher.
Chanel Grand Shopping Tote
Rumors are (still) swirling that the popular GST is getting discontinued, but it will live on in Barbara’s closet.
We’re not 100% sure, but this looks like it might be a Chanel bag from the 80s or 90s.
Chanel Satin Bag
This, on the other hand: definitely Chanel. We’d know those straps anywhere.
Fendi Beaded Baguette Bag
$2,363 via mytheresa.com
Barbara attends a lot of red-carpet events, and we caught her carrying this jet-beaded Fendi to a handful of them.
This one’s another bag that looks like it’s probably at least 20 years old, which is impressive.
Goyard St. Louis Tote
Sometimes it feels like every wealthy woman in Manhattan has at least one of these bags in her closet.
Hermès Victoria II Bag
$5,150 via Hermès
From what we saw, there’s a strong argument to be made that this luxe, discreet bag is Barbara’s favorite.
Hermès Victoria II Bag
$5,150 via Hermès
She certainly carries it a lot.
This bag has notes of both Chanel and Lanvin, but we’re not entirely sure it’s either.
Ralph Lauren Soft Ricky Bag
$2,500 via Neiman Marcus
Along with the Victoria II, Barbara also carries this bag on the regular.
Ralph Lauren Soft Ricky Bag
$2,500 via Neiman Marcus
It’s a nice deviation from her normal penchant for neutrals. (Red does seem to be her favorite way to do that.)
Another red bag! But, sadly, one we don’t know the name of.
Stella McCartney Falabella Shoulder Bag
$845 via Saks
While looking for photos of her bags, we also found a few of Barbara hobnobbing with Stella’s stepmom Nancy.
Tod’s D Bag Tote
Shop Tod’s via Nordstrom
A Tod’s bag is a natural choice for Barbara.
VBH Manila Satin Clutch
$950 via Saks
Finally, a clutch we can identify! And it’s a beauty, too.
And finally, one last unidentifiable bags, which may be the weirdest of Barbara’s fairly staid bunch.
