Laguna Beach and its spinoff series, The Hills, defined pop culture in more ways than one. The first show of its kind, the docuseries pioneered reality TV and influenced an entire generation. The stars of both series became celebrities and style icons in their own right, often followed by paparazzi all over LA and seen at the best of the best events in LA, NYC, and all over the globe.
The late 2000s was quite a time for fashion, and the ladies of The Hills were often seen sporting some of the eras now-iconic trends. From low-rise jeans and tunics to oversized scarves and bug-eye sunglasses, the stars of the MTV hit were the epitome of late-2000s fashion. Though the series is back on air today, nothing beats the original, and today we’re taking a look back at some of the series’ best bag looks. Whether filming on set or spotted off-camera, the bag eye-candy does not disappoint.
The Bags
Before she was Mrs. Pratt, Heidi Montag loved bright, bold bags and teeny-tiny shorts. Here, she’s seen carrying a classic Kelly in a stunning hue.
A classic choice, the Louis Vuitton Neverfull was new to the LV lineup back in 2008.
Ms. Montag was spotted in NYC soaking up her newfound fame and showing off this stunning 2008 mixed-media Chanel.
Another uniquely eye-catching Chanel carry, this bright blue puzzle 2.55, was the perfect accessory for shopping back in 2008.
Ms. LC herself was a big fan of Balenciaga. Here, she’s seen wearing a very late 2000s look and carrying one of her many BBags.
When she’s not sporting Balenciaga, LC often opts for Chanel. Here, she’s seen leaving a nightclub in LA, accompanied by her BFF and costar, Lo Bosworth. Both girls are carrying Chanel, of course.
Stephanie Pratt, aka Spencer’s sister-turned villain-turned BFF, was seen filming with a Louis Vuitton Neo Cabby. Remember this bag?
Here she is again, pictured here with her on-again, off-again, boyfriend, and carrying a Fendi Baguette. I hope she saved that one!
While on a cast trip to Mexico, Lauren Conrad carried a monogrammed Goyard tote to the beach and wore denim short-shorts. After all, she is a Cali girl.
Lo Bosworth was spotted in 2009 wearing skinny jeans and a blue Chanel Wallet on Chain. Also, those platforms…why did we love to torture ourselves so much back then?
Back when the show premiered, the girls of The Hills turned into celebrities overnight, often invited to some of pop culture’s most star-studded events, like movie premiers, parties, and of course, fashion week. Lauren Conrad was spotted attending the Nanette Lepore fashion show back in 2009 carrying a Chanel Flap bag.
Another day, another WOC. This time it was Audrina Patridge who sported this Chanel mini to a day of filming. Costar Heidi opted for a Birkin and an insane pair of Louboutins.
What did I tell you? LC loves her BBags! This time she opted to tote along Balenciaga’s Weekender for a flight out of town.
This look is pretty classic, and though the chunky scarf screams 2009, overall, this is one of the few looks pictured here that actually translates well today. So does Conrad’s black Chanel Flap.
This Miu Miu was an old favorite of LC’s. We spotted her carrying it many times throughout our deep dive into the archives.
Former Hills star Lo Bosworth is now the founder of a supplement company called Love Wellness, but long before she was a wellness expert, she was a pro at nailing the California cool look. Here, she paired white shorts with a bold statement necklace (presumably J.Crew IMO), and a Balenciaga City.
In my opinion the hills was the best faux reality show and I quite enjoyed their style minus Heidi plastic surgery disaster (she definitely had mental health issues which have continued)
I think you summed it up. I loved watching this scripted show. And yes the Heidi and her 30+ surgeries at once. Sadly her and Spencer still need fame to be validated. I love the direction Lauren went with her life.
Yes exactly – Lauren did get thing and now is out of the limelight where as Speidi went bankrupt and are back on the hills 2
While I agree that this was a great show, I disagree with the statement that this was the first to bring on reality TV. The Real World was the first to champion reality tv…. Also an Mtv show.
You’re absolutely correct! I loved Laguna and The Hills but The Real World was the 1st. And season 1 on TRW was the best.
The real world with Eric, Julie, Heather, Norm, Andre, and Kevin. That was truly reality tv as nothing like that had been done and they weren’t acting. Loved that show.
I agree … The Real World nyc
I searched for MONTHS for the Balenciaga weekender but sadly I believe it was discontinued shortly after she wore it 🙁