When you think of truly iconic bags, the brands that are likely to come to mind first are ones like Chanel, Hermès, and Gucci. Typically, Cristóbal Balenciaga’s namesake fashion house isn’t at the top of the list. But while the classic handbag brands are certainly among our favorites, it’s Balenciaga that’s responsible for most of this year’s buzziest accessories, from the Y2K-favorite Le Cagole to Kim Kardashian’s go-to Hourglass.
To celebrate Balenciaga’s subtle dominance in the bag department, I called on luxury site Farfetch to help me take a few of the brand’s best styles, from former creative director Nicolas Ghesquière’s City bag to Demna Gvasalia’s Hourglass, out for a spin IRL. See what Balenciaga’s top bags look like in the wild and shop the brand’s standout styles below.
Balenciaga Hourglass Bag
With a superfan in Kardashian, Balenciaga’s Hourglass bag was destined for success. But the reality TV star turned entrepreneur isn’t the only A-lister to be seen carrying the popular bag shape. Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Hailey Bieber have given it their coveted stamps of approval too.
In the early ’00s, no bag was more ubiquitous among the street style set than the Balenciaga City bag, otherwise known as the Lariat or Motorcycle bag. Introduced by Ghesquière—who became the artistic director of womenswear at Louis Vuitton in 2013—in 2001, the bag was initially dismissed by his bosses, who insisted that the slouchy, structureless style wouldn’t garner acclaim. Despite that, he convinced them to manufacture a handful of styles, and the City bag blew up, soon becoming the It style for everyone from Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen to Kate Moss.
Balenciaga Gossip bag
First introduced in the brand’s Pre-Fall ’21 lookbook, Balenciaga’s Gossip line is among the brand’s more understated styles, especially compared to the tassel-embellished Le Cagole and City bags. This has made it a favorite for Hailey Bieber, who wore the bag to one of Justin Bieber’s concerts back in January. The timeless shoulder bag’s most dominating feature is the double-B logo, which sits atop one large flap closure.
Balenciaga Le Cagole Shoulder Bag
No bag has been embraced by the fashion set—including both celebrities and influencers—in 2022 quite like Balenciaga’s Le Cagole Shoulder Bag. It features all the tassels and metal embellishments of the original City bags, all wrapped up in a tiny, easy-to-throw-on shape. Spotted on Dua Lipa, Rosalía, Bieber, Elsa Hosk, and so many more, the Y2K-inspired purse is truly making the rounds.
Balenciaga Lindsay Shoulder Bag
A follow-up to Balenciaga’s best-selling Cagole bag, the Lindsay formally debuted with a campaign starring none other than Bella Hadid, who was wearing nothing but leather cut-away pants. The cool girl–approved style takes cues from the ’90s and early aughts, featuring a structured shape, a chain-link shoulder strap, and oversize buckle closures. Chic? Yes. A must-own piece? Also yes.
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In Conclusion: Our exploration of Balenciaga’s bags has been a journey through time, witnessing the evolution of a fashion house that dared to be different. From Ghesquière’s early triumphs to Gvasalia’s current reign, each bag tells a story, reflecting the changing tides of fashion and culture.
From the sleek Balenciaga Hourglass Bag to the playful Balenciaga Le Cagole, Balenciaga’s bags have transcended trends and become modern classics. Whether you crave the timeless elegance of the Balenciaga City bag or the Y2K nostalgia of the Balenciaga Lindsay Shoulder Bag, Balenciaga offers a style for every taste and personality. So, embrace your inner fashion icon and step out with the confidence that only a Balenciaga bags can bring.
