In 2005, American designer Marc Jacobs released a quilted leather, kiss lock bag that quickly found its way into the hearts of bag lovers and on the arms of some of the biggest celebs. Named after model Jessica Stam, the Stam Bag is one of Marc Jacobs’ most popular and iconic bags to this day, despite its retirement in 2013. While the photos below are an ode to its incredible popularity, Marc Jacobs was beloved for more than just his Stam bag. The designer was (and is) an influential force in the American fashion industry.
Jacobs’ diffusion line, Marc by Marc Jacobs (though also no longer in production), was a favorite amongst stars too. Jacobs was known for his buttery soft (often quilted) leathers in stunning colors, and his bold use of hardware detailing. Anyone who loved bags in the 2000s remembers the Marc Jacobs aesthetic in its heyday, and while trends have changed just as drastically as the new MJ has, it’s fun to reminisce. Check out our finds below. Do you miss the old MJ?
Ashley Tisdale (2006) – Marc Jacobs Stam Bag
Rihanna (2007) – Marc Jacobs Stam Bag
Hilary Duff (2007) – Marc Jacobs Mini Stam Bag
Beyonce (2007) – Marc Jacobs Stam Bag
Kate Beckinsale – (2007) – Marc Jacobs Stam Bag
Nicky Hilton – (2008) – Marc Jacobs Stam Bag
Blake Lively – (2009) – Marc Jacobs Stam Bag
Miley Cyrus (2009) – Marc by Marc Jacobs Picnic Hatty Tote
Lauren Conrad (2009) – Marc by Marc Jacobs Twisted Q Groovee Satchel ($399)
Jessica Szohr (2011) – Marc Jacobs Stam Bag
Jessica Alba (2012) – Marc Jacobs Antonia Satchel
Cameron Diaz (2010) – Marc Jacobs Rio Bag ($250)
YES. This is the post I’ve been waiting on.
I miss old Marc Jacobs everything (le sigh). Let’s not forget this man gave us the Stephen Sprouse LV collection, among many other things. The ‘hardware everywhere’ trend that Valentino has swagger-jacked started with Marc.
Gifted man. Can we revert to those designs, and the AMAZING leather, tho’? I can’t with the new MJ stuff, but that’s just me.
So funny, I just bought a Marc Jacobs bag today. I also bought one of the little lunchbox looking ones for my birthday last year. I own two multi pockets, a mini Stam, a mini drawstring, a mini multi pocket, and a shoulder bag. This doesn’t count the ones that I sold because they were too big. To say that I’m a fan of Marc Jacobs would be an understatement. I even own a few clothing pieces.
It would have been nice to see a celebrity carrying one of the multi pockets.
I bought a Stam about a year ago! I have another that I’m eyeing on another site too. I loved the bag back then, but sadly never bought one. It’s such a great bag. I have never been disappointed with any MJ item that I’ve owned.
I was obsessed with this bag as a teenager, it was in every magazine for a while there (fashion mags and tabloids). Couldn’t afford it at the time but their price has gone way down secondhand and I have enough money now from working. So I finally got one, just made the order today, and I’m super excited for it to arrive. I don’t care if it’s not the trend in 2022; I think it still has a very classic look and I will wear it proudly just because I know my 14-year-old self would be SO happy. Fingers crossed Marc Jacobs makes a comeback, seems like they lost a bit of direction stylistically but the Snapshot and the Tote Bag are pretty popular and hopefully they will have another “it bag” soon.
That STAM was the absolute ultimate bag back in the day. Pure gorgeous perfection. I was obsessed. The moment I un boxed mine , I remember my hands shaking! Lol.
Marc by Marc Jacobs wasn’t too bad either. I had a few of those beauties as well.
The Stam was the best MJ bag of all time and I still think it’s timeless even now! 🙂
OMG THE STAM. I loooooooooved my black stam with the chunky gold hardware… I wouldn’t necessarily carry it now, but then, it was the HEIGHT of fashion. 🙂
i was one of those who was really saddened when they discontinued the Marc by Marc Jacobs line. Loved the price point at around $300-600, excellent design, and very functional. They’re the sort of bags that you can carry anywhere and don’t have to baby.
The quality of MBMJ bags, especially the older ones, was really top-notch. Still kicking myself because towards the end of his run in 2015, I saw a bunch of MBMJ bags on sale at Nordies Rack and I didn’t bite. Even though my purse-averse husband was like “….go on, get one!…” Ugh.
Yes! And I still have yet to find leather so buttery. The construction was impeccable.
I always like MbMJ better than most of the MJ line. I was so bummed they did away with it too!
So cheap and dated looking. So glad the trend had moved on.
I want the Stam back!!!!
No Incognito or Trouble?
I used to have two of those. I dissolved a ‘friendship’ with someone and the bish kept them both! Brings back bad memories
I had the coolest MJ Stam bag, sequins and safety pins on the handles, but I gave it away to my bestie. I wish I still owned it especially since she NEVER uses it!
Urghhh my heart. I was just thinking about my stam bag the other day. I still have two of them. I don’t think i could let them go.
My 1st ever designer bag purchase was the MbMJ Dr Q Grovee bag in dark brown back in 2006. I remember scouring every MbMJ store in SF and in NYC but it was just all sold out. Finally found it on display in Nordstrom SF, with a $500++ price tag. A splurge for me during that time. The bag is still with me today, and my gosh the leather and craftmanship is still amazing. Used it everyday from 2006 to 2010 i think.
The quality of the grained leather plus the hardware was really topnotch. Right now due to my age (late 30s) I have moved on to Cèline and Loewe but I will never sell or let go of this bag since it represents a time independence and being financially stable to afford “designer” prices. Would probably pass this on to my daughter when she grows up.