Throughout history, landmarks, street names, airports, and many other things have been dedicated to men. But there is an exception: fashion designers dedicated and kept the designs of their iconic bags to strong women. With Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy, Jane Birkin, and Princess Diana, designers chose the strong women of their time, and dedicated the houses’ most famous bags to them. As these bags are still in high demand today, let’s take a look at them, the stories behind, and ways to style them.
From actresses to wives of real powerhouses, these icons come with unique stories and styles. Their stories and their styles moved the masses. Women around the globe looked up to them.
Audrey Hepburn
Of course, she’s famous for her many movies. She drove through Rome on a Vespa in Roman history, she played the ukulele in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and played along Humphrey Bogart in Sabrina. Besides her acting career, she was and still is a muse and influencer for fashion and art. She was captured by Andy Warhol and is famous for her short bangs, long gloves, and winged eyeliner. The house Louis Vuitton dedicated the Speedy 25 to Audrey Hepburn. The Speedy as a bag was already a classic piece of the house’s collection in size 30. However, the nowadays most famous size – 25 – was a special design for the icon. By resizing, Audrey Hepburn turned the Speedy bag in an every day handbag and one of the best sellers of Louis Vuitton.
Jackie Kennedy
Jackie Kennedy was part of the high society already before she met JFK. The original New Yorker was interested in journalism – and of course – fashion. She kept that passion alive while being First Lady and showed it during her many public appearances. She’s remembered for a classic, proper appearance with a certain ease and elegance to it. A good example for that are her tweet ensembles in pastel colors, paired with huge sunglasses, and a kitten heel. After her role as First Lady, Jackie Kennedy remained an interest of the paparazzi. She shielded herself from them in the 1970s with a Gucci bag which then resulted in the Italian house dedicating the bag to her. The Jackie bag was since shown in many variations, but remains one of Gucci’s most iconic bags till today.
Jane Birkin
Famously known for a light French attitude, the original London girl was a public’s favorite during the 60s and 70s. She was known for bohemian looks, long bangs, and a je-ne-sais-quoi-attitude. The same attitude she would later treat one of today’s most expensive bags with. She decorated it with stickers, and wore it with jeans and sandals in her casual bohemian style. The story of the birth of the Birkin says that Jane Birkin was seated next to Hermès chief executive Jean-Louis Dumas on a flight and the two started talking about the lack of a feminine leather bags in larger sizes. Today, the Birkin is the USP of the house Hermès and can only be bought if the brand offers you a buying option. These buying options are limited to two a year and the bags start around 25K.
Princess Diana
The tragic story of Lady Di still has the world in shock today. The phenomenon is referenced in many songs, movies, series, documentations, and books. Before her passing, the English Princess was gossiped about – not only, but for sure heavily – for her appearance. From sporty 80s and 90s styles, to feminine day dresses, she kept things classy, but made them her own, for sure. Generally, the English royals have a long history with the house Dior. Queen Elizabeth wore the designer’s gowns to milestone events in royal history. Lady Di however, inspired a piece the house still sells today. The Lady Dior bag. It’s reproduced every season in new colors, materials, and shapes, and is for sure one of the most recognizable bags.
Classic icon: Speedy 25
There is no going wrong with Louis Vuitton. The Speedy bag will hold everything you might need for a day on the go and can be styled with anything. For a classic look, combine the iconic bag with an &Stories wool jacket. The jacket’s attached scarf is a cute reference to the icon’s love for head scarves. Add Ganni jeans for a modern proportion. Complete the look with a simple knit (also &Stories), and some classic loafers by Tod’s.
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Elegant icon: Jackie
Channel your inner Jackie Kennedy with the original Gucci bag. For an elegant yet modern look, pair the bag with a Sandro tweet dress, Carel banana pumps in cherry red, and a Missoma pearl necklace. This combination will look young, fresh, and timeless. Make sure you stay warm by adding a pair of black matt tights and a trench coat. The First Lady reference is guaranteed.
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Casual icon: Birkin
Wear the Birkin like its muse. To dress the bag down for a casual look without looking boring, start with some 70s inspired jeans by Weekend by MaxMara. Add a semi-sheer turtleneck. If you’re bold, be like Birkin and play with the see-through effect. If you need some coverage wear a Fleur du mal bra under. Add some vintage style hoops from Hey Harper and velour boots by Khaite to complete the homage to the bohemian icon.
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Playful icon: Lady Dior
Balance the iconic Lady Dior with a 90s inspired look. For the base, combine a maxi denim skirt from COS with an oversized knit from Sandro. Style it with Onitsuka Tiger sneakers in matching red and a Ralph Lauren cap. The 90s sport style references are a playful homage to Lady Dianna’s casual looks while the bag breaks the look off with its elegance.
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Weekly inspiration
Speaking of icons, this week’s inspiration is the style evolution of the Obama women. Ever since they left the White House, the Obama women have truly transformed their style. Except Michelle Obama, they don’t have known social media accounts. Since paparazzi are still fallowing them around and they sometimes still attend public events, you will be able to find some pictures of them. I put together a little collection of Michelle, Sasha, and Malia. I find their style simple, cool, edgy, and very unique.
