Back in October, we discussed whether or not the legendary Fendi Baguette, the first real It Bag and practically the fifth cast member of Sex and the City, might be poised for a return to prominence. Based on the Baguettes that are starting to surface for Spring 2012, I’d say that we might all be carrying Fendi in a year’s time. Can I request a crossbody version, please?

The simple, familiar shape of the Baguette has always lent itself particularly well to gobs of embellishment, and since fashion seems to enjoy gobs of almost anything these days, it’s perhaps no surprise that the bag would once again gain a certain amount of favor. The bright colors of the Fendi Python Baguette make for a perfectly trendy all-season bag that feels very now, while the modernist beading on the Fendi Optical Beaded Baguette appeal to those who appreciate the minimal lines and bold color choices of brands like Jil Sander.

With the wide-ranging design possibilities, it’s easy to see how the Fendi Baguette fervor began in the first place; they do have sort of a collect-them-all feeling, right? Usually those kinds of responses from me are reserved for box clutches, but the Baguette takes that same possibility for creation and makes it easier to carry during the day. Here’s hoping that the bag continues on its second wind.

Fendi Optical Beaded Baguette, $3340 via Neiman Marcus

Fendi Python Baguette, $2520 via Neiman Marcus

For an entire generation of women (of which I’m a part), the Fendi Baguette was the first It Bag to penetrate our collective consciousness. Indeed, many fashion people count its popularity as the dawn of the entire It Bag concept, and I probably have its existence to credit, at least in small part, to my current employment. In handbag history, the role of this little Fendi bag can’t be overstated.

Like anything, though, the heady days of Sex and the City passed and the Baguette fell out of favor to make way for the Chloe Paddington, the Fendi Spy and all the other must-have, “ungettable get” bags that followed. The fashion industry is endlessly cyclical, though, and eventually everything old is new again. Nearly 15 years after its launch, is it time for the Fendi Baguette’s second act?

As far as I know, Fendi never stopped manufacturing various versions of the Baguette but instead shuffled it to the back burner while the Spy, BBag and Peekaboo took their turns in the sun. It didn’t make an appearance on the Spring 2012 runway, but seeing this version of the bag in Bergdorf Goodman’s Resort 2012 arrivals section got me to thinking; Fendi’s spring bags look like they’re going to be a bit of a bust. Favor seems ready to swing back to shoulder bags, but smaller designs still rule the day, perhaps because we’re still all paying our chiropractors to fix our backs and shoulders from the last time that enormous bags were en vogue.

The Baguette, with its simple, familiar design, has already proved itself as a perfect canvas for bold color combinations and any manner of embellishment, both of which are important trends in accessory design at the moment (and neither seems to be going anywhere in the near future). I hated Fendi’s Spring 2012 runway bags and so did most of you, and I’m starting to think that a return to tradition might be in order for Fall. Would you be interested in seeing the return of the original It Bag? Buy through Bergdorfs for $990 in blue or silver.

But does this bag evoke enough emotion to draw a price tag over $8,000?

For me, the answer is no. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this Fendi bag and it is by far one of the most stunning colorblocked brown bags I have ever laid my eyes upon. But the structure paired with the single top handle gives this bag a very ladylike vibe that simply doesn’t work with my personal style. There is, however, an optional shoulder strap, which begins to make this bag call to me and remind me that this can work for me too.

I love wearing jeans and maxi dresses with oversized tops and funky jackets. Even with the optional shoulder strap, I would never give this handbag the love and wear that is deserves. For the ladies who love a little structure, Fendi delivers an intensely gorgeous option. Overall dimensions are 8.5″ x 12″ x 5.5″. Pre-order via Neiman Marcus for $8,180.

Forgive me for a moment while I indulge in a bit of Internet vernacular: I am disappoint, PurseBloggers. For the past few seasons, I’ve thought that Fendi was on something of a roll when it came to runway bags; Spring 2011 was of particular note, and I had high hopes for what Fendi Spring 2012 handbags would look like. Well. Let’s just say that those hopes were summarily dashed by what happened at the actual show.

I’m not here to critique the ready-to-wear, but I think it’s relevant to say that the entire thing made me think that Fendi really, really wants to be Prada when it grows up. Karl Lagerfeld made a lot of overtures to the wearable, intellectual, modernist quirk that has become Miuccia’s signature, but the final products felt like the designs were reaching for something they didn’t quite accomplish. That’s doubly true for the multicolored studded bags and all the totes that look like they’re birthing suede hobos. Maybe these bags are just so different that I need to give them a chance to grow on me, but right now, I simply don’t get it, with the exception of the couple clutches with the extra-short fur trim. Those can stay. Cathy Horyn disagrees with me, though, so I’m probably wrong.

We’ve written about the Fendi Fall 2011 collection a couple of times before, but it’s difficult to scrap together a full photo set of any company’s bags before the brand is good and ready to release them. Fendi has posted these photos on its Facebook profile over the past month, capping off yesterday with more than 30 photos of the collection’s exotics and runway bags.

The season contains some bags that will be familiar to fans – the Peekaboo, Silvana and 2Bag, for example – with a newcomer in the Chameleon totes and shoulder bags that Fendi appears to be banking on as the brand’s new big thing. Do you think it will be? I prefer the patent runway shoulder bags, personally. All the photos, after the jump.

You can pre-order these bags via Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom.

While paging through the handbags from Fendi Fall 2011, I kept waiting for the brand’s trump card. For the bag that would pull the whole thing together and make me sit up and pay attention. And while there are some very attractive options from the collection, unfortunately that bag never came. Perhaps after Spring 2011′s stellar lineup of Fendi accessories, I was expecting too much.

Fall continues some of the biggest hits from that line, including the ladylike multicolor satchels with crocodile flaps, and it also introduces several more multicolor options in the form of slouchy totes and shoulder bags with elongated straps. Some of these asymmetrically shaded designs work better than others, and I hope to see them hit retail in bright combinations as well as the neutrals seen here. For now, my collection winner in the blue patent shoulder bag that you see above.

Photos via Style.com.

Yesterday we told you about the Fendi 2Bag monogramming event happening at Bergdorf Goodman today. You still have time to stop by, as it lasts until 5 pm, but either way have the pleasure of showing you the Fendi goodies BG has to offer.

Of course the main focus is the 2Bag and the option of monogramming it, but there are also many fabulous Fendi items (including an exclusive trench for BG). We love the direction Fendi continues to take with their handbags, bringing back classics with bold colors and stylish finishes.

If you can not make it to the store today, make sure to check out the Fendi offerings Bergdorf Goodman has online.

What: FENDI Introducing the 2Bag with Custom Monogramming available

Where: Bergdorf Goodman NYC Main Floor

When: Friday, April 15

Time: 1-5pm

Phone: 212.872.2577

We have covered the color blocking rage relentlessly and will continue to as it remains not only on trend but also a trend that we at PurseBlog adore. Both bold and empowering, color blocking also leaves us with a very modern and fashionable product. Of course I appreciate this trend most with accessories, where you can easily add color blocking without having it taking over your entire wardrobe.

Fendi embraces color blocking with their highly popular 2Bag and Bergdorf Goodman is holding an event today (already over) and tomorrow only. You can have your bag custom monogrammed and receive additional ID tags to make your Fendi bag truly personal.

What do you think of the Fendi 2Bag?

Over the last several season, I’ve come to anticipate Fendi’s fashion shows because of the uptick in the quality of the brand’s accessories. Not only were its Spring 2011 bags totally on-trend and directional, but they seem just as brilliant now that they’ve arrived in stores as they did on the runway six months ago. I’m not as in love with Fendi Fall 2011 handbags as I was with those pieces, but there are still several winners to be found in the collection.

The line was fit for a wealthy New England art student, and the handbags also had the same vintage-modern flair. Shapes were mostly structured and ladylike, with several repeat visitors from Spring 2011, along with a handbag (literally) of textured, jeweled clutches that looked like the kind of thing you’d find at a finely curated thrift store in a great neighborhood. And I mean that in the nicest way possible; the charmingly retro feel of these bags will please a lot of customers.

Photos via Vogue.com.

Colorblocking is a huge trend for spring and will continue to be prevalent into next fall. With everyone talking about colorblocking, I was thrilled to see many design houses giving us handbag options that fit the trend ever so perfectly. Fendi is not always on my radar, but their Spring 2011 collection caught my attention early on.

And this Wednesday I am wanting to add the Fendi Silvana Flap Top Bag to my spring wardrobe.

The design actually comes from the Fendi archives and was inspired by late Italian screen star Silvana Mangano. The coloblocking is bold yet subtle. The beige canvas is offset with blue, green, and orange leather. Each color is on the neutral side and gives a soft feel to the overall palette.

Gone are the oversized cumbersome shapes we became accustomed to seeing and in are lady-like structured bags. This Fendi bag fits the new mold ideally. There is also an adjustable shoulder strap and flap top with a magnetic snap closure. I am wanting and loving this bag today! Pre-order via Neiman Marcus for $1,870.