When the Fendi Peekaboo first hit the runway in September of 2008 for the following Spring season, it quickly became the next it-bag to have. At the time, landing an it-bag was a major objective for fashion brands, though it would be plagued by a short life expectancy. The next must-have bag would quickly succeed its it-bag predecessor in popularity and the bag you once lusted for would soon become irrelevant.
Earlier this year, the Fendi Peekaboo celebrated its 10th anniversary. A majority of bags, even the most popular, don’t ever achieve iconic status, let alone reach this milestone anniversary. The Fendi Peekaboo hence accomplished a unique feat by not falling out of favor with bag lovers worldwide.
The Peekaboo is discreet, classic, and timeless. Over time, Fendi introduced small, but noticeable tweaks and new renditions, which marked the Peekaboo a cornerstone bag in the world of designer handbags. Most notably, the Peekaboo has proven its staying power, as it’s still one of the most easily recognizable and loved bags today.
So what makes this bag so great? Many things.
Firstly, the versatile design suits everyone’s personal life and style and there are now more than one thousand combinations, differing in materials, colors, and hardware. Initially, the Peekaboo was introduced in one size. Now there are three versions (more on that below) in various size options, allowing the bag to work for absolutely everyone.
The Peekaboo transforms itself with the wearer – a bag that functions as a work bag or an everyday more casual bag or an out-on-the-town bag.
The Peekaboo comes in the classic rendition that we’re acquainted with best, which the brand dubbed the Iconic. Fendi extended the family by introducing the Peekaboo X-Lite, a lighter version with less hardware, and the Peekaboo Iconic Essentially, a more minimal version. When it was designed, the Peekaboo was the simple counterpart to the flashy, cultural icon Baguette, refocusing on the roots of the house’s leather goods. The inside of the bag mattered most as the brand saw the peek of the interior and way the bag opens up to be a new spin.
The Peekaboo Iconic, X-Lite and Essentially are available in a wide range of sizes and colors. We pulled a bunch of bags from Fendi to give a comparative look at the whole family and guide you to find a Peekaboo that may be perfect for you.
Fendi Peekaboo Iconic
Sizes available:
Large : Length 15.7″, Height 11.8″, Depth 5.9″ (starting at $4,800)
Medium : Length 13″, Height 10.2″, Depth 4.7″ (starting at $4,200)
Mini : Length 9.1″, Height 7.1″, Depth 4.3″ (starting at $3,390)
XS : Length 7.5″, Height 6.3″, Depth 2.4″ (starting at $3,190)
Micro : Length 5.9″, Height 4.5″, Depth 2″ (starting at $1,290)
The Iconic range is the original classic for the house, featuring the recognizable “peek” aspect. The two internal compartments are divided by a stiff partition with a metal bar and two opposing twist lock closures on both the front and back of the bag. The leather tabs on the sides of the bag can be unhooked for a looser look, achieving the peek. There’s a single top handle and an adjustable, detachable shoulder strap. The Iconic now comes in 5 sizes, with the larger sizes offering a zippered pocket on the interior as well. The Iconic sports just the right combination of casual and refined to make it a lasting staple in your wardrobe.
Peekaboo Iconic Medium
Peekaboo Iconic XS
Fendi Peekaboo Iconic Mini in Blue Suede vs XS
Micro Peekaboo
Fendi Peekaboo X-Lite
Sizes available:
Large : Length 16.9″, Height 12.6″, Depth 5.5″ (leather version starting at $4,450)
Medium : Length 11.8″, Height 9.8″, Depth 5.9″ (starting at $3,980)
The Peekaboo X-Lite was introduced as a lightweight alternative to the Iconic. Fendi pared down the design just enough to make it a bit lighter while keeping all of the notable and defining aspects of the Peekaboo.
What’s different? The shoulder strap is made of lighter canvas, which is a touch I love as it pairs a classic body bag with a more casual strap. The X-Lite has a single twist lock closure and no center partition splitting the interior. Unlike the Iconic, the side-mounted leather straps are anchored to the back panel and create the recognizable peek effect when unhooked and opened. The X-Lite represents a modernized and sleek evolution of the Iconic.
Fendi Peekaboo X-Lite Medium - Rear View
Fendi Peekaboo Iconic Essentially
Sizes available:
Medium : Length 10.6″, Height 7.9″, Depth 4.3″ (starting at $3,980)
Large : Length 15.4″, Height 11.4″, Depth 5.3″ (referred to as Iconic Essential, $4,900)
The Essentially sits aesthetically and functionally right between the Iconic and the X-Lite. If you prefer the Iconic with its center partition but want the bag to be a little lighter like the X-Lite, this is the version for you. The twist lock comes on both the front and back of the bag and there’s a zippered pocket on the interior as well. The detachable and adjustable shoulder strap on this bag is made from leather, similar to the Iconic. To add a modern touch, the side tabs are integrated into the front and back leather panels, unlike in the Iconic, where the tabs are made from separate leather straps.
A handbag is meant to be carried and loved. As a bag girl, I own plenty of bags that suit occasions but there are few bags that I love as much as my Fendi Peekaboo. The bag is a beautiful dream, to both look at and carry. It’s a bag that you’ll never look at and worry it has gone out of style, as the bag has proven its relevance for 10 years now. Of course you can pick a more seasonal color, but majority of the Peekaboos are daily carries for years to come.
Discover the entire offering of Fendi Peekaboo bags on Fendi.com.
My perfect Peekaboo is on consignment somewhere in Soho. Still looking for it.
Adore this bag. Lusted after it for years. But too cheap to spend. Even on used.
The Peekaboo is going to be peeking out of my wardrobe real quick.
I think it will be my next purchase even though I am looking at a Lady Dior too. The XS is darling, so cute!
I bought the My lady dior in the small and then my next purchase was the selleria peekaboo mini. The Fendi mini fits SO much more than the small lady dior. I love the versatility of the peekaboo since i can buy different straps, defender covers etc. Recently took the bag on a work trip and folks thought I had brought multiple bags because of the swap outs.
Wow thanks so much for this detail. I think I will pull the t and get the peekaboo!
I love the Peekaboo but I’d never pay retail for it. It’s on the short list of bags that I look for on resale websites and if I ever find a really good deal, I could see myself picking it up.
I’d love to own one, I just don’t think they justify the price. I agree with everyone else, I’d love to find an affordable secondhand one!
These photos are stunning! Now I want one even more. Thanks purseblog team!
So glad you like the pics! It is honestly one of my favorite bags I own
Hi Megs, I cannot find the beige piece online. Is the interior orange as shown on the photo? it’s exactly the shade of Beige that i want!!!!
I can’t decide if I love it or hate it (this doesn’t make sense to me, either). However, one thing I know is that it’s too expensive even 2nd hand and for that reason, alone, I would never purchase.
As others have voiced, I’d love to own this bag but price is too steep.
Sadly, due to the big price increases from the big brands the past few years, they are off my list. Now I’m looking for quality bags from different brands for under $2500 – that’s for a FULL SIZE bag, not a mini.
I have the selleria mini peekaboo and love it! Yes it was pricey but it holds so much, can dress up or down and ability to swap straps, etc…one of the best bags i’ve added to my collection!
A bit surprised reading that Peekaboo, even preowned, is seem to be too expensive (though I get people have different opinions). I have black nappa Mini and feel the leather is luxurious, the details impeccable, the design long lasting. So different to more expensive Chanel where quality is low whilst prices insane (at least last few years). I have owned bags from both brands.
They should make a mini-version of the X Lite. I really love that design without a lot of clutter.
Agreed – I think it would sell really well!
I soooooooo want that green Peekaboo!! it’s beautiful.
I have one very similar, more of a blue grey color, and it is stunning! The green… it’s dreamy!
Yes indeed. Remember that post which is what got me salivating for that bag.
OMG! So thrilled to read. This is my Christmas gift pick to myself this year. I’ve been watching and wanting the RIGHT peakaboo for 3 years now. I’m sold on the color…RED! But now they’ve come out with another version of the iconic mini in red that is made of calfskin instead of lambskin; it has feet; and now a thicker strap. Meanwhile the red in the lambskin appears a little darker in tone (more of a blue red) than the new red. I thought once I locked in on the color the choice would be easier! ?????…Ugh decisions! ?????
Love it Megs & have been drooling about this bag for a couple of years since I saw your post with that teal blue Peekaboo. This one with the pictures & the comparison are amazing. On my list for sure as it’s such a classic.
I love the x-lite but the price is hard to swallow. I like that is does mot have a dividing center. I have a dot.com bag and it is beautiful and well made. I have been lusting after it but I can’t pull the trigger on the price. I am looking for a pre-loved but there are not many x-lite out there right now.
This has been my dream bag for so long, but I could never afford to buy a new one as my life looks right now. However, this September I found my beloved medium Peekaboo Monster in calfskin second hand in PRISTINE condition. Complete with sleeping bag, rain cover, and all documents through Vestiaire Collective and with some hrmpf, creative mathematics regarding my budget I went through with the purchase. I love it and couldn’t really wish for anything more!
These bags are so sleek, edgy and ladylike at the same time, love it!