What do Jane Birkin, Grace Kelly, and Princess Diana have in common? Besides their legendary status and impeccable style, they have all lent their names to some of the most iconic handbags in fashion history. In the world of luxury accessories, a handbag isn’t just a bag—it’s a statement, a symbol, and often, a tribute to the remarkable women who inspired their creation. These luxury handbags for women, christened after famous muses, carry with them stories of serendipitous meetings, groundbreaking designs, and a dash of Hollywood glamour.
Join us as we delve into the fascinating tales behind these iconic arm candies, each one as fascinating as the celebrity who inspired it.
THE HERMÈS ‘BIRKIN’ BAG
The Hermès’ Birkin,’ arguably the most famous handbag in the world, owes its name to British actress and singer Jane Birkin. In 1983, a chance encounter on an Air France flight between Jane and then-Hermès chief executive Jean-Louis Dumas led to the creation of this iconic bag. Birkin mentioned her difficulty in finding a suitable leather weekend bag, inspiring Dumas to design a bag that combined style and practicality. The rest is history.
THE HERMÈS’ KELLY’ BAG
Unlike the ‘Birkin,’ which was created and named simultaneously in honor of Jane Birkin, the Hermès’ Kelly’ was introduced as the ‘Petit Sac à Courroies’ in the 1930s. Two decades or more after its debut, all it took was a single photograph–that of Grace Kelly attempting to hide her pregnant belly with the bag– to alter its fate. As the photograph circulated the world over, demand for the ‘Kelly’ bag grew exponentially. It wasn’t until 1977 that Hermès officially renamed the handbag the ‘Kelly.’
THE ‘LADY DIOR’ BAG
One of the most iconic handbags for women, the ‘Lady Dior’ didn’t always bear its name. In fact, it was named ‘ChouChou’ at the time of its launch in 1994. However, in September 1995, when Bernadette Chirac, the First Lady of France, sought a gift for Princess Diana, Dior suggested the not-yet-released ‘Chouchou.’ Presented to the late Princess at the Cézanne exhibition at the Grand Palais, it would soon become one of her favorite accessories.
Two months later, Princess Diana was spotted with the black ‘Chouchou’ paired with a white Versace suit during an official trip to Argentina. She even commissioned a second one in blue. In 1996, Dior officially renamed the bag ‘Lady Dior,’ honoring her pre-marriage title.
THE GUCCI’ JACKIE’ BAG
The Gucci’ Jackie,’ originally known as the ‘Fifties Constance,’ found fame through First Lady Jackie Kennedy. According to the story, the former First Lady walked into a Gucci boutique in 1964 only to leave with six of the crescent-shaped handbags. She was then often spotted with the hobo-style bag, prompting Gucci to rename it in her honor. Still one of the most covetable luxury handbags for women ‘Jackie’ has since become a quintessential piece of the brand’s history.
LOUIS VUITTON’ SC’ BAG
The Louis Vuitton’ SC’ bag, a masterclass in understated elegance, owes its creation to a collaboration between the French luxury brand and filmmaker Sofia Coppola. The partnership began when Coppola, known for her minimalist yet sophisticated style, expressed a desire for a bag that was both practical and chic. Louis Vuitton saw this as the perfect opportunity to create something truly unique.
Coppola worked closely with Louis Vuitton’s design team to bring her vision to life. She wanted a bag that was spacious enough to be practical for everyday use but still retained an air of elegance and simplicity. The result was the ‘SC’ bag, which features clean lines, luxurious materials, and a timeless silhouette. Launched in 2009, the ‘SC’ bag quickly became a favorite among fashion enthusiasts and celebrities alike.
THE MULBERRY ‘ALEXA’ BAG
The Mulberry’ Alexa’ bag pays homage to British style icon Alexa Chung. Inspired by her effortless fashion sense, Mulberry designed a satchel that balanced practicality with chicness. Launched in 2010, the ‘Alexa’ quickly became a must-have for fashion-forward women, reflecting Chung’s unique blend of tomboyish charm and sophistication.
MULBERRY ‘DEL REY’ BAG
Singer Lana Del Rey’s vintage-inspired style caught the eye of Mulberry, leading to the creation of the ‘Del Rey’ bag. Launched in 2012, the bag mirrors Lana’s old Hollywood glamour with a modern twist. Its structured shape and luxurious leather make it a timeless addition to any wardrobe.
GABRIELA HEARST ‘NINA’ BAG
Gabriela Hearst named the ‘Nina’ bag after legendary singer Nina Simone. With its unique, sculptural silhouette, the Nina bag is a tribute to Simone’s powerful presence and groundbreaking artistry. It’s a statement piece that combines elegance with a touch of rebellion.
JASON WU ‘DIANE’ BAG
One of the lesser known handbags for women, the Jason Wu ‘Diane’ bag is inspired by actress Diane Kruger, whose effortless elegance and poise made her a perfect muse. The Diane bag is a blend of luxury and functionality, much like Kruger’s own fashion philosophy. It’s designed for the modern woman who values both style and substance.
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