The handbag world in the late 2010s and early 2020s will largely be defined as the era of comebacks. In fact, it seems like the most popular phrases used to describe nearly every designer bag on the market today are “pulled from the archives,” “vintage-inspired,” “re-edition,” and the list goes on.
These days, anything and everything that was once old and considered retro is now new again. While fashion was once all about the latest and greatest next-best thing, some of today’s most popular bags continue to be current iterations of some of the most popular designs of the early aughts.
From the Dior Saddle Bag and the Fendi Baguette to more revivals than we can even name from Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton, fashion’s collective obsession with nostalgia continues to spawn throwbacks from a bygone era.
The nostalgia trend began to boom in the late 2010s, and by 2018, it was the hottest thing, culturally and aesthetically speaking. It hit a peak during the early 2020s, which, from a psychological standpoint, made a lot of sense. That era was one of the most tumultuous in recent history, and many of us reveled in the feel-good chemicals that these relics from the good old days elicited.
Today, we’re breaking down 5 of the most important throwback bags to make comebacks in the last decade. In no particular order, let’s dive in!
Dior Saddle Bag
After appearing on the runway at the brand’s Fall 2018 show by Maria Grazia Chiuri, the Dior Saddle Bag officially returned to stores in the summer of 2018. It was the era of logo love, yes, but at the time of the Saddle Bag’s return, few luxury Houses were returning to their archives in the same way that Dior was.
One of the most popular bags from the early aughts, the Dior Saddle Bag’s return was undeniably epic, with its popularity rivaling the original’s back in the 2000s. While the original cemented its place in pop culture and modern handbag history, the revival has (and continues to have) a resurgence that few could have predicted when it was discontinued in 2007.
Debuted in the bag’s classic size and in a mini version with both Dior Oblique Canvas and leather being options, the bag has since returned in many forms. To make its comeback even more epic, this year, Dior indulged fashion fans in nostalgia, bringing back its iconic Newsprint Saddle Bag.
Gucci Jackie 1961
If Maria Grazia Chiuri is the archival revival queen, then Alessandro Michele will go down in fashion history as its king. Following the successful launch of the Gucci Horsebit 1955 in 2019, Michele decided to up the ante, bringing back one of the handbag world’s most widely beloved bags: the Jackie.
Of course, returning to the spotlight as the Jackie 1961, named after the year of its first debut, the new Jackie made its appearance in the summer of 2020 to much anticipation. While much of the bag’s shape and distinct design elements remained intact, there was still a modern appeal. It was first re-released in both classic GG monogram and solid leather.
Like the original model, which became synonymous with the fashion jet-setter lifestyle of the 1960s and 1970s, the Jackie 1961 became an immediate hit. Having been carried by many fashion muses, including actresses, models, and influencers alike, it was one of the most anticipated comebacks of the lot. Despite changing creative directors and an update to the revival, it remains an incredibly important part of Gucci’s core bags today.
Fendi Baguette
Like the Dior Saddle Bag, the Fendi Baguette was one of the most popular bags of the early aughts, rising to cultural icon status in the late 90s and early 2000s. Few handbags have had such a collective hold on fashion lovers as the iconic Fendi Baguette has.
The Baguette, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2022, was re-released for the Spring 2019 season. What ensued was pure mania, and Fendi capitalized on its popularity, eventually bringing back the original 1997 model as well as Carrie Bradshaw’s famous purple-sequined Baguette from Sex and the City.
Prada Re-Edition 2000
When it comes to nostalgia, few bags bring back the feeling as strongly for handbag lovers as the Prada Nylon Re-Edition 2000. A starter bag for many bag lovers who came of age in the late 90s and early 200s, Prada reissued its classic nylon mini bag in late 2019 in a rainbow of fun colors.
First launched in 2000, the original began making waves well before the bag’s relaunch, with vintage versions spotted on stars like Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner. With the vintage revival boom, it was only natural that Prada would bring back the classic in all of its nylon glory.
The bag kept all of its original details—nylon body, a woven handle, and, of course, the iconic enamel Prada Triangle. Fitted with a new leather hangtag distinguishing the new from the old, the bag was an instant hit, and Prada would soon reissue even more of its icons.
Balenciaga Le City
You could argue that the Balenciaga City Bag never really left, and you’d be right. Still, Balenciaga brought back the beloved bag in its original form earlier this year. Created by none other than Nicholas Ghesquiere, the Le City made its debut in 2001. Known for its relaxed body and lived-in look, it was a hit amongst It-girls almost immediately.
In fact, the City was originally designed for the runway and produced in small quantities, but after Kate Moss herself requested a version from Ghesquiere, its demand skyrocketed. The bag has seen much reinvention, with its many leathers and colors spawning fan clubs and leaving collectors clamoring to get their hands on specific versions.
While the City never really left, earlier this year, Balenciaga hit us with the biggest dose of nostalgia of them all, bringing back the classic Le City bag. Distinct 2000s elements like Arena leather, original studding, laced zipper pulls, and lacquered leather handles made this revival one not to miss.
I have a very large collection of bags…none of these are in it. I have nothing against these bags but these were big influencer pushed re-editions. Trends if you will.
As I was scrolling down I was hoping to find one bag that would excite me. I felt very strainge when I got to the end of this article, as every single bag is from my “never buy” list. It’s a small list and the writer got them all. It’s my personal preference but WOW!
Just before the Dior Saddle Bag was discontinued, Dior briefly had a store in the Foxtown designer discount mall in Switzerland. They were selling a pretty large stock of Saddle bags for up to 75% off the regular price. The bag didn’t (and still doesn’t) appeal to me, but I wish I had picked up some, carefully stored them away and then flogged them over the past two years at the various resellers.
I never used to like the Dior Saddle bag but then it’s like a switch went off in my head and I suddenly wanted one. Bought it a few weeks ago and I love it!
Some great bags on the list!
I like them all with perhaps the exception of the Baguette.
I’ve been wearing my Prada re-edition and my Saddle like crazy! Love them both!
The Dior saddle works best in the men’s crossbody collection with its big buckle.
This article could have been written a year or more ago. Why is it news now?
The prada re nylon has always looked cheap to me. I absolutely love the saddle though!