By Lucrezia Spina. Cover image by Anja Stroka for I’M Firenze Digest.
We all know that when it comes to icon bags, there are two ways: classic or distinctive; there is no middle ground. They have the power to transform your look, adding a unique touch of style. In fact, they can even brighten up your day! As in every other field, everyone has their own preferences – some love Scandinavian style, others prefer vintage, minimalist, or sporty looks, and these preferences are clearly reflected in their choice of bags.
Very often, the type of bag we choose depends on the occasion we need it for, whether it’s a formal event, school or leisure.
We have handpicked a selection of uniquely unordinary shaped bags from luxury giants to niche companies, some of which have already become it-bags and won our hearts!
Dior’s Saddle is first of our iconic bags selection
This saddle-shaped it-bag, originally designed by John Galliano in Dior’s spring/summer 2000, has made a comeback in recent years thanks to Maria Grazia Chiuri, marking the official return of the iconic saddle bag once again.
Kiko Kostadinov’s Trivia bag
Kiko Kostadinov revamped work uniforms with a modern and trendy twist. His innovative style gained influence in the fashion industry thanks to collaborations with Asics, Camper and Stüssy. The asymmetric architecture-inspired Trivia bag is our new fashion obsession!
Coperni’s Heart Tote bag
Love is in the air: the eye-catching bag made in Italy is the perfect it-bag if you want to mix functionality with style.
Maison Margiela’s MM6 Japanese bag
Inspired by the Japanese art of origami, this bag is perfect if you want to change style while keeping the same item: a perfect combination of comfort and luxury!
YSL Take away bag
How do you mix fashion and food? Yves Saint Laurent takes the risk by launching this funny monogram takeaway food box it-bag in leather, embossed with both the YSL initials and logo. Would you ever wear it?
Gabriela Hearst’s Nina and Diana bag
Many style icons, from celebrities to members of the British royal family, have quickly become enamoured with these special round-shaped bags. But what makes the Nina model even more exclusive and unique is the fact that the label produces it in limited quantities and is available by special order only.
Fun fact: the bag is named after Nina Simone, the famous musician and rights activist.
Interestingly, the Diana bag is also named after a celebrity – the singer and actress Diana Ross. It resembles an accordion, and it comes in different sizes and colours. it’s absolutely stunning!
JW Anderson’s Frog clutch
Created in 2008 by British designer Jonathan Anderson, the brand has always challenged the conventions of traditional fashion with clothes that look more like works of art than anything else.
This 3D-printed frog bag says it all. Enjoy!
Diesel’s Play bag
If you love video-games, then this it-bag is perfect for you! Gaming controllers inspired the design, but the functional shape allows you to wear the bag over the shoulder.
What could be better than being stylish while having fun?
Bottega Veneta’s Jodie bag
The bag was launched in 2020 and has received great praise from fashion enthusiasts. With a minimal but classy style, this it-bag showcases the Italian brand’s exceptional craftsmanship. Less is more!
Loewe’s Elephant Messenger bag
Let us reiterate the concept: being stylish while having fun. Loewe has surprised us all with this elephant-shaped iconic bag!
Moschino’s Biker bag
Are you in love with the biker style? You can now complete your outfit with Moschino’s it-bag that has the unique shape of a biker leather jacket, collar included!
Louis Vuitton’s Paint Can bag
It resembles a real paint can and is available in six of Virgil Abloh’s signature colours. This bag epitomises how fashion can create “alternative realities”, as stated by the label on IG. This is what we call creativity!
Prada’s Triangle bag
When geometry inspires you, make an it-bag! That’s what Prada did with the Triangle bag, which resembles this emblematic shape, and it’s easy to wear. The triangle is also represented in Prada’s logo, symbolising elegance and simplicity over excess and complexity.
Acne Studios’ Distortion bag
Not only Prada but also Acne Studios plays with shapes and lines. Want to impress the audience? Pick the distortion bag with a crooked shape and a distorted silhouette!
Chanel Star hand-bag
Do you feel like a star? Then this bag is just right for you!
They come in different sizes and colours and are part of the cruise 2023/2024 collection. You can see them in all the shop windows of major cities. If you happened to pass by Via Montenapoleone in Milan, you might have already spotted them!
Peekaboo Mini by Fendi
Do you remember the game that inspired the name of this fabulous it-bag? It’s a game you play with very young children where you hide your face, usually with your hands, and then you quickly reveal yourself while saying ‘peek-a-boo’. This was the concept behind the creation of the bag, which looks open but actually conceals what’s inside. Pretty clever, don’t you think?
Horsebit bag by Gucci
This it-bag transforms the classic 1955 Horsebit model by adding asymmetrical lines and coming out in collaboration with iconic musical artist Billie Eilish. Less extravagant than others, this model is versatile and understated!
