There’s one surefire way to curry favour with the fashion crowd. No, it’s not with Manolos or the YSL hooded dress. Your one-way ticket into sartorial stardom comes in the form of a baguette bag.
Baguette bags are easily one of the most iconic accessories out there. Popularised by Sex & The City’s Carrie Bradshaw who owns an array of rare editions, the baguette was a trend kickstarted by Silvia Venturini Fendi, the current artistic director of the Italian fashion maison, in 1997.
While many assume the name Baguette was a play on the word ‘bag,’ the reality behind the name is much more straightforward. These accessories were inspired by the long glutenous loaves which share the same name. More specifically, the bag was inspired by the manner in which baguettes are carried - casually, under the arm and preferably with an air of Parisian nonchalance.
If Fendi’s bejewelled designs spring to mind upon hearing ‘baguette,’ then your fashion knowledge is top-notch. A silhouette which fashion editors pine after, supermodels parade on social media and celebrities showcase only when the red carpet calls, the Fendi baguette is the epitome of luxury across the accessories department.
However, due to their iconic status, they don’t come cheap. Far from. Prices range from approximately £1,000 to £3,000 for new models. Head to eBay or Vestiaire and you’ll likely stumble across vintage renditions of a similar price. Fendi is a house known for its exquisite furs, leather and beading, all materials which add both to the design and the price tag of the beloved baguette.
No matter, this didn’t stop the stars from flaunting a baguette as and when they could. The Noughties oversaw a slew of Fendi’s finest hit the magazine pages, with famous faces from Kate Moss to Rihanna and Y2K queen Paris Hilton clutching the piece while out in public.
The high street was soon to catch on. Baguettes began to pop up in shop windows, and this still stands today. Stores including Massimo Dutti, Mango and Whistles have all turned out elegant, affordable alternatives to Fendi’s exclusive pieces. Even luxury labels, who are famously dogged about keeping signature house styles within the cutting room, quickly followed suit.
Balenciaga, Saint Laurent and Coperni have all embraced baguette-mania, putting their own spin on the silhouette. This has been executed via the inclusion of bold zip detailing, patent sheens or buckle hardware.
The fact that baguettes still feel as fresh as they did 25 years ago is a true testament to their timelessness. An accessory that walks the line between an economical investment piece and a badge of fashion authority, the design is a constant reminder that while fashion may be fleeting, baguettes are forever.
Discover the best baguette bags below and add a piece steeped in history to your seasonless wardrobe.
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Fendi Vintage Fendi Daisy Flower Denim Shoulder Baguette Bag
It would be almost rude not to kickstart this roundup with a Fendi number. This on-trend denim piece features embroidered daisies in sweet shades of marigold and cream, plus the brand’s insignia FF buckle hardware. Peek inside to find an exquisite golden lining where you can place all your everyday essentials.
Buy now £1086.75, Vestiaire
Ottolinger Purple Signature Baguette Bag
A prime example of luxury fashion brands adding their own spin on a baguette silhouette, Ottolinger’s purple offering is a contemporary piece for futuristic dressers. Crafted from sculptural recycled polyurethane, the shoulder bag is a favourite of the front row.
Buy now £511.00, SSENSE
The Kooples Black Joe Glazed Leather Baguette Bag
Cowgirl charm oozes from The Kooples’ Joe baguette bag. Featuring Western detailing, the sleek ebony piece is a sturdy yet sophisticated offering in smooth glazed leather.
Buy now £325.00, The Kooples
Massimo Dutti Rectangular Nappa Leather Crossbody Bag
Infuse any all-black outfit with a pinch of olive pigment. An undeniably elegant piece crafted from sheepskin leather, this spacious, everyday bag is both affordable and covetable.
Buy now £89.95, Massimo Dutti
Sandro Baguette Bag
Crimson is the colour of the season - a fact Sandro has caught onto quickly. The brand’s buttery leather shoulder bag with a signature clasp and a metal buckle handle is a foolproof pick for minimalist dressers.
Buy now £399.00, Sandro
Coperni Black Zip Baguette Bag
A more far-fetched twist on the classic baguette, Coperni’s offering of the same name adopts a spacious, boxy style for carrying all the basics. The zip detailing is a selling point for the It-girl piece, which is made from luxurious faux leather with a neat faux suede lining.
Buy now £430.00, SSENSE
Coach Studio Baguette Bag
Coach’s comeback is a force to be reckoned with. The brand successfully infiltrated the modern fashion scene, with a helping hand from its highly popular baguettes. Inside its leather shell, you’ll find an array of credit card slots, a fabric lining and multifunction pockets. Fashion and function rolled into one.
Buy now £350.00, Coach
Saint Laurent Tanky Baguette Leather Shoulder Bag
The evening bag to end all evening bags. Saint Laurent’s divine patent piece will never fall out of favour. A streamlined silhouette with silver hardware and a front foil-stamped logo culminates in a dressy design for after-dark soirees.
Buy now £1480.00, Matches
Whistles Sofia Fold-over Baguette Shoulder Bag
Stand out with some silver arm candy. Whistle’s Sofia baguette is a contemporary accessory that draws upon space-age style. Wear yours religiously throughout the winter months.
Buy now £129.00, Whistles
H&M Shoulder Bag
As much as it pains us to admit, it’s never worth worrying about paying your rent in the name of a designer bag. H&M’s patent shoulder bag has all the foundations of a high-end version. A sleek structure, the buckle fastening and a curved silhouette. Chef’s kiss.
Buy now £19.99, H&M
Mango Short-handle Shoulder Bag
A lean green baguette machine, Mango’s short-handle shoulder bag will add a vibrant pop of colour to any winter ensemble.
Buy now £29.99, Mango
