The year was 2008. Barak Obama was elected into the White House, Beyoncé and Jay-Z tied the knot, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie were still an item (and had just given birth to twins), and the very first Twilight movie was released to massive fanfare. Receiving equally as much fanfare in the handbag world in 2008 was Proenza Schouler’s PS1 bag. It was an instant hit when it was first released.
Created by Proenza’s founders Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, at the time, the bag’s casual cool schoolbag feel was a welcomed change to other of-the-moment bag shapes. Its name plays off of the schoolbag silhouette, paying homage to the naming formula of New York City public schools. The PS1 has been released in multiple iterations over its 12 year lifespan, from various shapes and sizes, to colors, exotic skins and more. Of course, our favorite celebs got their hands on a slew of Proenza’s most iconic designs. Take a look below at the many PS1s celebs carried back in the bag’s heyday.
Kirsten Dunst (2009) – Proenza Schouler PS 1 Medium
Leighton Meester (2009) – Proenza Schouler PS 1 Medium
Jessica Alba (2010) – Proenza Schouler PS 1 Medium
Nicky Hilton (2010) – Proenza Schouler PS 1 Medium
Dakota Fanning (2011) – Proenza Schouler PS1 Mini Crossbody Bag ($945)
Reese Witherspoon (2011) – Proenza Schouler Bicolor PS 1 Medium
Emma Roberts (2012) – Proenza Schouler PS 1 Medium
Alanis Morrisette (2012) – Proenza Schouler PS1 Tote ($250)
Lala Anthony (2012) – Proenza Schouler PS 1 Medium ($500)
Mandy Moore (2012) – Proenza Schouler PS 1 Medium ($500)
Minka Kelly (2012) – Proenza Schouler PS 1 Medium
Khloe Kardashian (2012) – Proenza Schouler PS 1 Medium ($300)
guys I just saw the proenza archive sale has some PS1 bags!! I think it ends in a couple of days though but I just ordered the PS 1 in a suede chocolate color
I still want one tbh
I have had an epiphany with this bag. I was obsessed back in the day, but somehow didn’t get one. For many years, I’ve been really into mini bags and I never considered anything over 10′ width. I figured, why carry the extra weight if I can somehow Tetris my essentials into these small bags. Then, I bought a second-hand, divine PS1 Tiny made of different exotic leathers, all black. New with tags. It arrived and it was not the Tiny! It the Medium, I was gutted!!! But I had fallen so much in love with the leather and brilliant craftsmanship of the patchwork, that I did not return it- I couldn’t bear to part with this masterpiece. Turns out, I was missing out all those years. I can fit so much into it, it is a perfect size for my mid-size frame. It looks so much better than my Balenciagas. It slouches a bit, but just the right amount. It’s an ‘I’m-easy-going’ kind of slouch, not an ‘I’m-a-slob’ slouch, you know what I mean? I just expanded the strap with a black kerchief, to wear it more comfortably as a crossbody. I think it’s now the best bag in my collection and I have all my holy grails including my Dionysus, Nano Luggage, Chanel Classic Flap. I am not sure I would love it as much if it weren’t for the unique leather patchwork, but I think I would. It looks so cool. I have ordered two Tinies, they are on their way to me now. I’ll update on how they compare.
Definitely!!!!!!
This bag is still beautiful. Got a pre-loved Tiny 2 years ago.
I highly suggest getting one! I’ve had mine for years and its my ride-or-die bag. So fantastic, also, they go for pretty cheap on preloved sites for pretty much new condition ones.
Even the medium looks SO HUGE thru my 2020 eyes. And I had one, mind you! I still have 2 of the tiny size, it’s a great small crossbody bag.
Completely agree. I love the mini, though.
I still Carry my Graffiti leather one all the time..I think the bag is timeless.
The PS1 mini is my favourite casual small crossbody of all time for its unparalleled functionality and distinctive style.
I love my PS1s. I have both a black and a navy. In my mind, they are fairly timeless and are great everyday bags.
To be honest, most of these celebrities are paid to carry a bag, be photographed and/or post it. Then it’s passed off to an assistant. This is a beautiful bag, don’t get me wrong! But I’d rather see many every day women carrying it because they chose it, not because they’re paid to be shown with it.
street style is infinitely more interesting
It has become a classic bag. Even the price they’re sold at nowadays indicates that ( 1500 € + new). I have two mediums and carry them all the time, thinking of getting a large as well. My favorite bag of all times, so practical, beautiful and really well made.
I own one PS1 in the tiny size in furs his suede. However, that closure is a pain in the butt. I am having it repaired for a second time. I really would like another one because it’s my favorite bag, but the closure makes me pause.
Also, these are EXTREMELY inexpensive on the secondhand market. I only paid $250 for mine.
I’ve wanted a PS1 (likely medium) since i got into the designer purse world about 8 years ago….bought other bags on my list, but still not the PS1. As much as i’d like the experience of brand new, i’m also open to preloved if i could be sure of authenticity. Does anyone have good recommendations for preloved websites?
I have PS 1 medium size in Blue Color, I wear it all the time, and the shape makes it perfect for boys to wear it too.. Fit for your daily activities. Very unisex type of bag.