It’s Not a Bag, It’s a Baguette: The Fendi Baguette Bag History
Only a few accessories have achieved the cultural impact of Fendi Baguette. It is often known as the “IT Bag” from the late ‘90s and early 2000s. This compact shoulder bag is one of the most recognizable designs out there.
But why has this particular style stood for the test of time?
Let’s explore the full Fendi Baguette bag history and the meaning behind this iconic silhouette.
What are Baguette Bags called?
The Baguette bags is essentially a small, rectangular shoulder bag that is carried snugly under the arm.
It comes from the French bread “baguette,” to show how the bag can be tucked under the shoulder.
Now the term “baguette bag” has since become a generic style category, but it originates specifically from Fendi’s design.
Baguette Bag meaning: Why did it become iconic?
The Baguette bag became synonymous with effortless, everyday luxury.
Silvia Venturini Fendi introduced the bag in 1997, where it redefined how women approached handbags into smaller, but statement-driven pieces.
The Fendi Baguette bag history
Creation
The Fendi Baguette bag history started with Silvia Venturini Fendi in 1997, who was the granddaughter of the Fendi House founders Adele and Edoardo Fendi.
Sex in the City popularity boom
The Fendi Baguette became a pop culture icon thanks to the TV show Sex and the City. It was worn by Carrie Bradshaw where her character (and the bag) symbolized independence, style, and modern femininity.
The most unforgettable scene was when Carrie corrected a mugger by saying, “It’s not a bag, it’s a Baguette.” That cemented the bag’s place in fashion history.
Logomania
In the 2000s, people saw Fendi using their now-luxury monogram FF logo. It became so popular that other luxury brands created similar versions.
#BaguetteFriendsForever
Fendi brought back the Baguette bag in 2019 for their #BaguetteFriendsForever campaign.
It was a series of three short movies of 4 best friends on an adventure, featuring influencers, actresses, DJs, and models from various countries.
In these movies it shows these girls shoping, eating, and a night out, showing that the Fendi Baguette is a popular choice for any occasion.
Fendi Baguette’s 25th anniversary
For their 25-year anniversary of the Baguette, Fendi opened New York Fashion Week with a special runway, which also included guest designers for special collaborations for the Baguette bag.
This included Marc Jacobs and Sarah Jessica Parker (the actress for Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City).
Fendi x Tiffany & Co.
Additionally, the 25th anniversary included a collaboration with Tiffany & Co., creating a Fendi Baguette in the signature Tiffany blue color.
This Tiffany & Co. x Fendi collaboration included a medium-size Baguette bag in various leather, silk, and satin with a sterling silver chain handle.
All these bags have a “Return to Tiffany” tag, and a Baguette-shaped enamel charm was part of the collection.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Baguette bag so popular?
The Baguette bag didn’t start as popular as it is today. It wasn’t until it appeared in the TV Show Sex and the City that over 100,000 units were sold in one year. Afterwards, it became a fashion statement.
When did Baguette bags become popular?
The Baguette bags become popular in late 1990s and early 2000s after appearing on the TV show Sex and the City.
Is the Fendi Baguette a classic?
Yes, the Fendi Baguette is considered a classic in fashion history. Its design is timeless, so it’ll never go out of style.
What was the inspiration for the Fendi Baguette bag?
Silvia Venturini Fendi created the Fendi Baguette bag after seeing a chic Parisian women carrying a loaf of bread, a baguette, under their arms.
In closing
The Fendi baguette bag history is a fairly recent one compared to the more legacy handbags like the Louis Vuitton Speedy or the Chanel Flap.
Whether you are looking for vintage or modern styles, the Fendi Baguette bag showed how a simple shape can change the fashion industry.
See also: Top 10 Women Purse Brands: An Easy Guide to Luxury Bags