Few handbags come with as much lore as Balenciaga’s iconic City bag and its accompanying line of moto bags. Originally designed by Nicolas Ghesquière in 2001, the City bag will always be that girl.
Two years ago, Balenciaga dipped into its archives to bring back the original—complete with the same distinct details we know and love, like Arena leather, original studding, laced zipper pulls, and lacquered leather handles and straps.
The City Bag’s Enduring Legacy
Twenty-five years after its debut, the bag remains a coveted and instantly recognizable silhouette, known for its maximalist appeal and distinct details. It’s a bag that can truly do it all—toting your stuff from place to place while offering an unmistakable air of cool-girl appeal. It has undeniably remained a staple for decades, and there’s no question why.
Now, the saga of the legendary BBag continues with Balenciaga’s latest release, which is evocative of an It-bag of yesteryear.
Let’s take a look!
A Cult Classic, Reimagined
New in for the season is the Balenciaga Le City Hobo. The City bag’s soft, slouchy, oh-so-chic details translate seamlessly into a hobo silhouette, which feels undeniably reminiscent of the Balenciaga Day Hobo—an early aughts favorite.
The signature Le City bag shape gets an update this season, but its classic details remain the same. Yes, this cool-girl grab-and-go hobo is crafted from Balenciaga’s storied Arena crinkled leather and, of course, is adorned with tonal, moto-inspired hardware.
The bag, which arrives in two sizes, features a roomy interior with enough space for your phone, wallet, and keys. Unlike the Day bag, this newly minted Le City Hobo comes with a longer shoulder strap that can be both adjusted and completely removed. Still, it’s meant to be a hobo bag—and truthfully, it looks best worn as such.
What do you think? Is this bag giving you all the nostalgic feels?
Kept a few of my Bal bags and still love them. My two daughters love them too. This bag never goes out of style. So glad they realize a classic and have brought it back!!
I love this bag and all the revivals Balenciaga is doing. Pierpaolo’s Spring 2026 collection had the best revival version of Balenciaga’s using the same leather and blueprint as the original City (same length of shoulder strap, bunny ears returned, etc.) so I am very excited to see his products in store.
I like it! The suede version is so pretty! Too bad suede is difficult to take care of.
I’m getting the men’s City Moto Small bag which is amazing too. Can’t wait.
oh that suede one is stunning!
Perfect redo of the 03 lilac color!
I saw the new Le 7 and realized it was a luxury bag that I could use daily, so I purchased it. I have the Biscuit/Plum version and it’s really gorgeous. The leather is stiff at first, but I’ve been able to replicate the slouch and it is softening up with use. I really like the Rodeo, but when I saw the colors of the Le 7 interior lining, I knew it was the bag for me.