It’s no secret that the fashion industry has seen some of the most glamorous faces gracing its pages for the past few decades. From the sultry and glamorous Jane Birkin to the timeless style of Audrey Hepburn, these iconic “It Girls” have rocked designer bags and accessories to perfection – inspiring a new wave of success for the accessory. Now, ABC News is giving readers an inside look at how these ladies have shaped the designer bag world, and where the trend ultimately will lead us.
1. The Everlasting Impact of “It Girls” on Designer Bags
It Girls have always been a source of fashion inspiration for generations of bag-lovers. Whether they are stylish queens standing high in the industry, such as Alexa Chung and Olivia Palermo, or global pop sensations like Rihanna, their style never fails to set the trends of the season. From Hermes’ iconic Kelly bag to Chloé’s Faye backpack, celebrity endorsements have become more significant when it comes to designer handbags.
One thing is for sure, It Girls give their designer bags immense value. One of the most famous It Girls happened to be the one and only Jackie Kennedy, who made the Hermes Birkin bag one of the seminal It Girl accessories of all time. The simple silhouette and impeccable hardware have established the Birkin as a symbol of power, sophistication, and timelessness, and the eternal fashion statement classic of every must-have luxury design. These stylish and powerful It Girls portray the designer bags as a statement of awe and empower the big fashion houses to create more exquisite bags.
2. The Cultural Relevance of Jane Birkin
Pop-Culture Icon and Musician
Jane Birkin is a British-French actress, model, and singer-songwriter who first stepped onto the scene in the mid-1960s. Her immense popularity, however, was attributed to the her iconic duet with Serge Gainsbourg — the sultry 1969 song, Je T’aime… Moi Non Plus. The song shattered musical and social boundaries, bringing poise to adult themes.
Today, Birkin’s influence is still present in nearly every facet of pop-culture. Her 1968 collaboration with then-lover Gainsbourg has been featured on many films and television series. Fashion designers continue to be inspired by her legacy in particular, her signature shag rug haircut and basket purse. The Birkin Bag, an extremely luxurious crocodile-skin bag from the French fashion house Hermès, was even named after her.
Birkin’s Enduring Legacy
People also honor Birkin’s legacy by bearing her name — Birkin babies — and tattooing her image onto their skin. In the U.K., her name has become a part of everyday slang as an independent woman who puts their own needs first. The phrased ‘doing a Birkin’ is used to describe a person taking a journey without traditional tools of modern map navigation.
Her influential legacy has been celebrated in many forms. There is a multi-million dollar perfume called Birkin—by Rance an homage to her fashion, style, and music. There was also a 2014 documentary, Jane Birkin: and Serge Gainsbourg: A Heroic Life, which portrays the late singer-songwriter Gainsbourg and Birkin’s relationship. Her life works have made indelible marks throughout history and remain relevant in today’s entertainment and fashion worlds.
3. Revisiting the Iconic Handbag of Audrey Hepburn
The iconic handbag of Audrey Hepburn still resonates in pop culture today. It is as timeless and chic as the actress herself and there is no better embodiment of this than her very own bag. The bag has since been replicated by many brands but the original is considered the true classic.
Style changes over the years but the charming Hepburn bag has remained in trend since the 1950s. It follows a simple formula of a tiny chain strap, boxy shape and an intriguing closure system. That’s why this lovely accessory has been seen in the hands of many of the world’s most fashionable women. Today, it is the go-to bag for those seeking an offbeat, vintage look.
- Made of leather – the bag is usually crafted from leather with some versions available in suede.
- Tiny silver chain strap – the bag comes with a delicate and intricately crafted chain strap.
- Rectangular or oval shape – the bag either has a rectangular or oval-shaped body.
- Interesting closure – it has a unique double-ended zipper closure that is surprisingly effective.
4. Style Evolution: The Designer Bag Phenomenon
When it comes to keeping up with fashion, the designer bag phenomenon has consistently proved to be a powerhouse in constant evolution. From trends that come and go by the blink of an eye, to those that have stood the test of time, the handbag industry has undergone major transitions.
The modern ‘It Bag’ comes in all shapes, sizes, and colours.
- Mini bags: Boasting a petite size, mini bags are the daintiest of all purses. Whether immaculately crafted in velvet, adorned with decadent rhinestones, or crafted from modern materials, these mini bags are the perfect addition to complete any evening ensemble.
- Logo Bags: The concept of the logo bag has been around since the dawn of designer fashion. Over the last decade, logos have been seen as a status symbol, as customers willing to pay for a bag with a clear emblem or label are seen to be rewarded with a level of prosperity.
Ultimately, the designer bag phenomenon is an industry in constant revolution – from micro bags to sustainable materials, there is no single trend dictating the market. Instead, it’s a creative force that allows all women to express their individual style.
Jane Birkin, Audrey Hepburn, and countless other ‘It girls’ have ignited the designer bag phenomenon for generations, making it a staple for timeless style. From the streets of Paris to the busy avenues of New York, these coveted bags have become an essential accessory for any fashionista’s collection, inspiring us to never forget the power of a fabulous designer bag.
