The Fendi Spy Bag. We all remember the it-bag from the 2000s. If you need a refresher, the Spy bag was designed by Silvia Venturini Fendi, and was released in 2005 on the heels of its it-bag predecessor, the Chloe Paddington. The Spy had a huge following, with a long wait list and countless limited editions to back it up.
The Spy was the it-bag that everyone had to have — remember those? The unique bohemian design included a hidden coin purse, beautifully braided handles, and a fold-over flap closure. It wasn’t a satchel but not quite a hobo, making it a unique shape all its own. Not only did the bag have an interesting design, it was photographed on the arm of every it-girl in Hollywood, including Nicole Richie, Lindsay Lohan, and Hilary Duff to name a few.
The saying “everything old is new again” has come up a lot in fashion industry recently. Nostalgia seems to be dominating the current trends — I’m looking at you, platform shoes. Is it possible that Karl Lagerfeld or Silvia Venturini Fendi could reboot the Spy bag? With the relaunch of the Dior Saddle Bag under the reign of Maria Grazia Chiuri at Dior, it appears that nothing is impossible or off limits.
When I saw a photo of Nicole Richie in LA last month, the first thing I spotted was the Fendi Spy on her arm. I did a double take–is that really a Spy bag on a celebrity in 2018? I don’t think I have seen a Spy in the wild in over 10 years. The nostalgia swept over me and I found myself googling photos of the illustrious bag. I always lusted after the hologram Spy after seeing it on Emily in the Devil Wears Prada, so I personally would be very excited to a see this bag re-released with a fresh twist.
Sofia Vergara
Ashley Tisdale
Gwen Stefani
Gwen brought hers back out in 2013!
Jessica Simpson
Kimora Lee Simmons
Nicky Hilton
Nicole Richie
Sarah Jessica Parker
I admired the Spy back in the day and a few months ago I picked up a pre-owned one from The RealReal for a couple hundred bucks. The leather was so soft. I didn’t end up keeping it. (No pockets on the inside didn’t work for me, and the secret compartment didn’t really cut it.) But I re-consigned it and someone snapped it right up. So a lot of love still out there for the Spy!
I’m just gonna say what a lot of us are probably thinking… everyone had this bag back then ‘cos we were all on a lot of cocaine and that tube in the front came. in. handy.
LOL seriously?
I really don’t understand why you all seem to feel it’s not possible to wear and be seen with a vintage bag. I wear my classics from the 2000’s all the time. Can afford only 2nd hand designer bags anyway (as probably 90% of women in this world). If you love your Spy and it’s in shape: wear it!
I have new bags and vintage ones I do love my new peekaboo or my luggage from Celine as much as my spybag. Actually is coming tomorrow to work with me. I think is silly to wear something just because is old. Is all about style
Completely agree! If I spent good money to buy it and I like it, I’m carrying it!
I still adore, use and carry my nude baby spy. Iwish ihad gotten the woven spy on the cover of this article… ugh
Speaking of throwbacks and nostalgia…could you guys do a review piece on all of Phoebe Philo’s hits…expanding from years at Chloe to Celine?
Great post idea! Let me find someone that could cover that really well 🙂
Thank you!! I love your blog…and I’m a huge Philo-phile (as i clutch even tighter to my Paddington and Luggage and Belt Bags, oh my!) ?
I’ve been holding onto mine just in case there’s a comeback!! 🙂
I still have mine too!
Me too, and I would LOVE to start using it again. In fact, I will pull it out this fall. It still makes me happy!
i had picked my up at the Sample Sale before Fendi stopped doing them
A new mini version would be fun! We carry a lot less now a days- thanks iPhone;) fun posts!
More articles about the nostalgia pieces please!
I hope they bring back the YSL Muse next.
This bag was on my radar in the early years of my bag obsession. I often find myself googling if there is a planned re-release! I will cross my fingers……
I like this post! Maybe you could feature a regular column about past ‘it bags’? Something in vein of ‘handbags through history’ that would be so good to read…
Absolutely intending on making this a regular feature that we call Throwback Thursday.
Love the idea too. Glad you guys are thinking about it Vlad.
Yes, please! That would be amazing.
I still remember lusting so much after a denim one with squirrel embroidery. Such a pretty bag.
2006 I purchased my cognac brown leather Fendi Spy bag at Barneys, she has since been restored and hangs alongside Chanel, YSL, LV, and Burberry… she hangs with good company even if not being worn!. ; )
Now I’m sorry I sold mine!
I actually just purchased a baby spy in cognac. Leather is lush. Smaller than the regular size but still by no means tiny compared to everyone’s mini obsession these days. Would love to acquire a baby paddington soon!!! Bring back the oldies!
omg… I’d die!! praying that they relaunch this bag- the Fendi Zucca Spybag in Zucca print was and always have been my dream bag! was never able to get my hands on it… my boyfriend (husband now) got this cake made for my 25th birthday party 6 years ago. <3
Due to how Disqus collapsed your comment by default, I thought it was a spam post. After expanding it, I realized it was a Spy cake! How epic!
I’ve always liked the small version of this bag, but it doesn’t have a long strap. If it had a long strap, I’d scoop one up in a minute.
Definitely all in for Fendi to reintroduce the Spy but not rebooted in white. Please no. Love Nicky Hilton and Ashley Tisdale’s bags and the style scene in general.
My favorite is the gorgeous caramel brown snake one on the arm of a radiant Sophie Vagaras. Just gorgeous! ?
Love the interesting shape & realized that I wasn’t following designer bags in the early 2000s as too busy with the kids.
It is a really unusual shape & would love to see if they resurrect the shape.
Jana
Oh, how I love this! I loved that Spy Bag – it was so COOL & Carefree! I so loved the styles back then, too. I think this was the time all those Marc Jacobs heavy chain bags were all the rage. The Belenciago City Bag was pretty hot, as well! It was such a luxurious time, until the 2008 stock market crash happened, & we all lost most of our life savings. Boy, was that tough to swallow! It helped, knowing that we ALL were in the same boat! But the Fendi spy lived on!