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Low-rise jeans, satin slip dresses, chunky belts, pleated mini skirts: love it or hate it, the Y2K aesthetic has been a mainstay for a few fashion seasons now and doesn’t show signs of going anywhere. And while we’re not all embracing the baby tee and mini skirt combo just yet, one throwback trend we can get behind is Y2K handbags.
Y2K handbags defined a fashion moment way before viral Instagram posts. Splashed across tabloids in the arm crooks of celebrities such as Paris Hilton or Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, designer It bags were (and still are) coveted globally. These throwback pieces span all shapes and sizes, from shoulder bags to large carryalls, making them a versatile way of tapping into the trend if you’re not quite ready to crack out the Juicy Couture tracksuit again quite yet.
While many Y2K handbags are being sourced from archives, numerous silhouettes have also been reimagined by designers in newer collections. As these designs reclaim their It bag status, we’ve curated the best styles to invest in this year.
Balenciaga City bag
Leading the Y2K handbags revival is the bag that almost never was. The Balenciaga City bag, previously known as the Balenciaga Motorcycle City bag, was originally made in 2001 by then-creative director Nicholas Ghesquière. The initial production of 25 bags was met with hesitation as the bag’s slouchy silhouette and bulky accessories were a stark contrast to the sleek shapes popular at the time. But as the bag found fans in fashion icons, such as Kate Moss and the Olsen twins, its mass appeal soared.
This unstructured bag was refreshingly unbranded at a time of peak logomania but the best part about the City bag? It looks even better used, beaten up, and dirty. Mary-Kate Olsen famously used hers until it was worn-out and adorned with pen marks and scratches. So popular was the silhouette that Demna Gvasalia reimagined it in 2021. Now called Le Cagole, the rugged bag’s compact iteration is also perfectly primed for the cacophony of purse charms and keychains synonymous with the ‘indie sleaze’ aesthetic.
Prada Nylon shoulder bag
Nothing says It girl quite like a sleek Prada nylon bag slung over the shoulder. While the luxury brand introduced nylon into its backpacks in the late-Eighties, the shoulder bags of the Noughties dominated the market. Minimal yet practical, its popularity grew after Prada launched its Re-Edition 2000 and 2005 designs in 2020. The It bag is a staple of the off-duty model look, beloved by runway stars including Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, and Bella Hadid.
With a chic nylon body, Saffiano leather handles, and hardware detailing, the sleek shoulder bags perfectly complement streetwear and athleisure. The redesign also introduced new colourways, including pink, blue, red, and nude, while sequin adorned pieces make for great party bags. For 2024, the Y2K icon comes with longer straps for crossbody wear and coin pouches perfect for storing AirPods or even a lipgloss.
Dior Saddle bag
From tabloid to TikTok sensation, the Dior saddle bag’s popularity has persisted since its introduction in 2000. Designed by John Galliano, the bag’s equestrian-inspired curves were adored by Noughties style icons including Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie. Swathed in a variety of fabrics, including the oblique Dior monogram, canvas, denim, leather, and intricate embroidery, the bag was reintroduced in 2018 by Maria Grazia Chiuri. Whether you pick a vintage Trotter canvas version or a newer print, you’re sure to look stylish with one over your shoulder.
Fendi Baguette
Immortalised in pop culture when Carrie Bradshaw clarified, “It’s a Baguette”, to her mugger in Sex and the City, the feminine Fendi Baguette has long been a coveted Y2K handbag. Silvia Venturini Fendi was inspired by the French tradition of carrying a baguette under your arm to get it home from the bakery for this rectangular bag.
Launched in 1997, the bag’s minimalist design was detailed with Fendi’s signature FF clasp and has since been made in numerous sizes and enveloped in an assortment of fabrics, including canvas, wool, and denim, and adorned with sequins and intricate embellishments. Last year saw the bag’s 25th anniversary celebrated with collaborations with Marc Jacobs, Tiffany & Co. and even Sarah Jessica Parker. While the brilliant purple sequinned iteration from Sex and the City lives in our head rent-free, the bag also comes in subdued versions including plain leather and classic monogram.
Chloé Paddington
Among Phoebe Philo’s lust-worthy creations at Chloé, the Paddington bag stands out. While the bag was released towards the tail-end of the early 2000s, it was a cult favourite before its launch. The oversized bag featured rounded edges and came adorned with a leather-wrapped padlock and key suspended from the top handle. The bag’s lengthy waitlist and stamp of approval from 2000’s icons including Lindsay Lohan and Jennifer Lopez aided its popularity. The fact that you now need to scour the market for rare pre-loved versions only makes this It bag that much more desirable.
Louis Vuitton monogram bags
Logomania is synonymous with Y2K handbags and no logo is as well-known as the iconic interlocking L and V of Louis Vuitton. Louis Vuitton handbags gained popularity in the late ‘90s and early 2000s and continue to be adored by the fashion pack. The French maison’s iconic Speedy and Neverfull totes are definite favourites while the smaller Pochette is a great micro bag. The brand has also reintroduced its famed Monogram Denim design in the new LV Remix Collection. Pair these light-washed denim shoulder bags with cargo trousers and a graphic tee to channel It girl energy.
Celine Luggage Tote
Another Philo design, the winged sides, boxy silhouette, top handles, and straight zipper across the body of the Celine Luggage tote made for a timeless classic that was also practical. Released in four different sizes, the tote bag is offered in various materials, including linen, textile, and calf leather, rendered in solid and bicolour hues. The structured bag was beloved by celebrities through the mid-2000s and continues to be worn, particularly in its nano version, by superstars including Gwyneth Paltrow and Rihanna.
