As if you needed to be convinced…
A Classic Now and Forever
While other bags from the bygone era of the early aughts have come and gone, there’s one that has stood the test of time: Balenciaga’s Le City. Designed by Nicolas Ghesquière, who spent 15 years as Balenciaga’s Creative Director, the City bag was one of the most influential handbags of its generation. The epitome of Y2K fashion, few bags matched its cult-favorite status and ultimate It-bag energy.
Over the years, the City bag has been released in countless iterations, with nearly every size, fabrication, and color combination imaginable—leaving die-hard fans eager to track down rare, elusive color codes and limited-edition versions.
It’s hard to believe that the City bag has transcended the trend cycle and remained both relevant and coveted despite nearly three decades of changing trends and creative directors, but it has done exactly that.
Today, in 2026, under the creative direction of Pierpaolo Piccioli, Le City returns with nods to the OG, including original details like rolled, hand-braided leather handles, a detachable shoulder strap with a padded shoulder pad for added comfort, and, of course, Le City’s iconic rectangular leather-framed hanging mirror.
Once again, Le City proves its enduring staying power.
Distinct Yet Entirely Versitile
Le City has become synonymous with Balenciaga despite its lack of overt branding or logos. Still, one look at the bag’s relaxed, soft body, distinct studs, exaggerated zipper pulls, and braided handles and, if you know, you know—it’s a Balenciaga.
The City bag is as distinct as ever. Yet even with its Y2K-coded details, it can be worn countless ways, and that’s the power of a Balenciaga City bag. Not to mention, there are multiple sizes, from Mini to Large, to suit every need. Plus, the range of colors produced over the years is unmatched. On the primary or secondary market, if you can dream it, you can probably find it.
Price and Value
Justifying the cost of bags these days feels nearly impossible, with prices rising much faster than inflation or labor costs. Still, the cost of Le City—which has increased by about $1,000 over the past decade—feels somewhat attainable.
With most luxury bags priced well into the three- and four-thousand-dollar range, $2,590 for the Small Balenciaga Le City feels relatively fair. Though Balenciaga bags won’t hold or appreciate in value the way Chanel or Hermès styles might, demand for the City bag remains strong should you decide to resell.
Speaking of the resale market, the Balenciaga Le City is truly a bag for all, at nearly every price point. Whether decades old or brand new, the bag is designed to feel loved and lived-in, meaning you can snag a well-worn vintage version at a highly accessible price point and it will still look exactly right.
It is a great bag!
I love all of them. I bought various iterations of this bag (the Motorcycle line: Velo, First, Weekender, Work as well as the Papier, etc.) in all of the colors of the rainbow and then some.
Thankfully, I kept the ones (from the early aughts) having only parted with a couple through consignment or direct sale and regularly rotate them in the bags I carry. My personal preference are the older bags, accessories, and clothing as I don’t care for the more recent offerings from Balenciaga.
Whomever thinks these haven’t kept their value, has clearly not seen the current resale market. If they’re taken care of, one can easily sell them for what they paid for them new, regardless of how “old” they are.
Chanel and Hermes may have a higher value and resale but they also cost much more to purchase than Balenciaga bags do. I love my Chanel bags but wouldn’t be caught dead wearing Hermes.
Such a classic! The City bag and the First bag are iconic. True workhorse bags that are always in style.
Without wanting to criticize the City bag, it’s really distinctive, stylish, and cool without being restrained-elegant: so it works with whatever else one wears
I think that this bag really represent what Balenciaga has been in the last three decades: decadent, tacky and unrefined.
Three decades? You probably speak of the ad campaign in 2022. What else are you speaking of? The ads were certainly a lack of judgement but to ruin everything about Balenciaga of course not. You should look into the history of every brand out there and you will find similar or perhaps worse.
Absolutely. Disgusting brand. How quickly people forget.
You forgot inappropriate, tone-deaf, negligent, and disturbing. A big fat NO – so many better places to spend your hard earned money.
Yup. I didn’t even sell my B bags, I just donated that trash to Goodwill
Well that was probably quite stupid on your part. You certainly showed them!
I have two that I purchased when they first came out. I love mine. I don’t use a lot, but enjoy them when I do. That being said, I probably wouldn’t pay what they are going for now. Mine were much less expensive.
You need to write an article about how obnoxious sales associates are. It’s the reason I won’t step foot in Balenciaga anymore. I don’t like being hunted like an animal while I walk around. Blowing smoke up my butt every time I touch something. (omg that would go great with your hair!) I have an original City bag with 3 stripes of white, blue and black. And a new suede one. I think they’re great bags but I will take bear spray with me if I have to go into one of their stores again. I feel the same way about most designer stores. Makes shopping so unpleasant and just not fun.