The Marc Jacobs Stam. The infamous it-bag was released in 2005 and quickly gained momentum in the fashion world. Named after model Jessica Stam, the popular bag was and maybe still is considered the classic Marc Jacobs handbag. Despite not being in production for five years, I still correlate the Stam with the brand. Â The quilted leather, kiss lock closure, and chunky hardware made this bag extremely eye catching. In addition to dual rolled handles, it also included a chain shoulder strap, making it versatile for the wearer.
The Stam was released at the height of Marc Jacobs popularity, and in my opinion it represents the golden age for the brand. True to its it-bag notoriety, the Stam had a loyal following of fashion insiders and celebrities and a waitlist so long that it stopped taking names. Before being discontinued (much to my dismay) in 2013, it was released in an array of limited editions, a few favorites of mine being exotics, sequins, and studded leather.
The Stam was the first premier handbag to catch my eye, largely in part to Megs. Premier designers were out of reach for me during the bag’s heyday, but I remember making my laptop wallpaper a picture of Beyoncé with her Stam nonetheless. Although many consider it dated, I find myself browsing the pre-owned market for Stams regularly, and am very tempted to pull the trigger on it.
I personally think that out of all the it-bags of the past, the Stam is the one that best stands the test of time. I have always been a sucker for quilted leather, and I think it adds a timeless, classic element to the design. Honestly this bag still has the ability to make my heart skip a beat, and I find myself lusting for it even now, 13 years after its release.
