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!