Undoubtedly, anyone claiming to be a part of the fashion set has likely watched one particular film: The Devil Wears Prada. We all have our favorite scenes from the flick, but for the sake of this story, only one is top of mind. About 38 minutes into the film, Andy Sachs meets her boyfriend (Nate) and friends (Lilly and Doug) at a bar bearing gifts. As she dulls them out, she lifts a Marc Jacobs Mercer Blake bag above her head, to which Lilly replies, “gimme gimme gimme.” The film may have been fictional, but it encapsulated the fervor surrounding the brand at that time. After all, back in 2006, everyone was hard-pressed to get their hands on a Marc Jacobs handbag—most were sold out everywhere and could only be spotted on the glitterati of the mid-aughts. And while we’ve undoubtedly moved on from that period, Marc Jacobs’s purses remain ever-relevant. For years, we’ve seen various pieces from the label reach cult status. And so, in honor of that, we’ve done a deep dive into the brand’s history to identify the 18 best Marc Jacobs bags. From archival versions to newly-released purses, these styles are sure to make you say “gimme” out loud too.
Unless you’re a fashion archivist or historian, you might not be familiar with Marc Jacobs’s impact on the fashion industry. So, let us be clear: he’s a maverick who changed how the world views American fashion. The New York City-born designer started his career by studying at Parsons School of Design. He then launched his namesake label in ’86 and won his first CFDA award after that. He went on to do a short stint as the creative director at Perry Ellis (he was fired for his iconic grunge collection). And then, he landed one of his most influential roles in ’97: creative director at Louis Vuitton. Over his 17 years at Louis Vuitton, he took the label from its humble roots as a French trunk brand and catapulted it into fame. He’s credited with making some of the French houses’s most famous collaborations come to life (including with esteemed artists like Yayoi Kusama) and producing some of the most elaborate runway shows. But it wasn’t just his work at Louis Vuitton that made waves. He launched his second line, Marc by Marc Jacobs, in 2001, and with it, went on to release some of the most beloved handbag brands among the celeb and fashion set.
You can’t round up the best Marc Jacobs bags without mentioning the bags that put him on the map. So, we’ve broken down the five best archival Marc Jacobs bags you can still shop for…
Every fashion house has a bag that is its claim-to-fame; for Marc Jacobs, it’s the Jessica Stam bag. Released in 2005, this handbag became the defining it-bag of the aughts and was carried by everyone from Paris Hilton to Lindsay Lohan. While Jacobs has yet to re-release this bag, you can still shop the style on numerous second-hand sites.
If you want to buy the exact bag in The Devil Wears Prada, look no further. While Jacobs has yet to re-release this bag, you can also shop it through luxury resale sites.
You don’t have to shop secondhand, though, to be able to get your hands on some of Marc Jacobs’s most popular bags. In the late summer of 2022, Jacobs pulled from the brand’s archives and released re-editions of four of the most popular bags from the Q collection. One of them is the Lil Ukita which can be styled as a handbag or crossbody.
In addition to the Lil Ukita, the Karlie bag was also re-released. It features the iconic hardware nameplate that this series became known for, along with an adjustable chain and leather strap.
The Hillier Hobo bag is the largest and priciest of the re-edition bags. But don’t let that scare you. This bag’s practical features (i.e., the durable pebbled leather, oversized silhouette, and multiple straps) justify the price tag.
Lastly, the Natasha bag was also a part of the recent M-archives drop. Unlike the other styles, this one is more of a going-out bag, as it’s a bit smaller and can be worn as a crossbody or wristlet. But it still features those quintessential elements (like the hardware and leather) that made Marc Jacobs’s bags famous during the mid-aughts. And while these styles have stood the test of time, four newer bags have gained notoriety among the fashion set.
Keep scrolling to see the recently released Marc Jacob bags that are best-sellers …
Many might not know that back in 2015, Jacobs folded the Marc By Marc Jacobs line. And a mere two years later, he relaunched a more affordable line. With the pivot came a new approach to bags that most accurately be seen with the release of the mini-box bag. At first, it didn’t have the fanfare that past styles did, but over time has grown into a staple among the fashion set.
That popularity has to do with how contemporary this bag is compared to other styles. The bag is 7.75 inches by 6 inches and is typically made from pebbled leather. It features a detachable strap, flat top handle, and two separate storage compartments. It’s not necessarily like the oversized handbags that made Marc Jacobs’s accessories popular in the aughts, but that’s what makes it so special.
Icy blue pastels will be big this spring.
We’re suckers for a grained finish bag.
Is it a lunch box, or a tote? How about both?
This vibrant yellow version feels like an homage to New York City’s taxi cabs.
Let’s set the record straight; the Marc Jacobs Snapshot Bag may have been released in 2016, but it’s still as stylish as ever. One could argue that this style is by far one of the best bags in the history of the house, not just based on continual sales but design. Unlike other bags, this crossbody transcends seasonality through versatility.
There are, of course, the classic saffiano leather versions we’ve all come to recognize that are available in various hues and come with an adjustable and removable strap. And then, there are more trend-forward takes that feature textured materials like shearling and crocodile leather or chain and studded straps. While there are many versions of this bag you can shop, what truly makes this purse the ideal purchase is the fact it can be worn from day-to-night with ease.
You’ll wear this for years to come.
Is it just us, or is this bag the embodiment of “pop-punk”?
The chunky chain strap is so chic.
With faux-fur accessories still trending, this shearling bag is the perfect purchase.
Since its release in 2022, the J Marc Shoulder Bag has become a staple among the fashion set because of its melding of functionality and fashion. The classic baguette silhouette makes it timeless. While the chain strap (which is inspired by the brand’s original Stam bag) is detachable and comes with a fabric or leather alternative so that the bag can be styled as a shoulder, crossbody, or clutch bag.
But it’s not just the silhouette that makes this bag stand out, but rather the versatility of styles you can buy. There’s everything from solid hue versions (i.e., navy, vibrant green, and cream) and more trend-forward fabrications like rhinestone mesh and monogram leather. In conclusion, the possibilities with this shoulder bag are endless, making it one of the best bags you can buy right now.
What makes this monogrammed bag unique is the fact it’s iconography is debossed on leather.
A puffy quilted bag will always be a great long-term investment.
Disco balls can’t compete.
How fun is this color, though?
It’s no secret that tote bags have been having a moment; we’ve seen this style take over the runways and the streets. And while numerous brands have had their own popular versions of this silhouette, our personal favorite is Marc Jacobs’s tote bag. Released back in 2019, the bag has become the brand’s best-seller.
In part, the virality surrounding this style is due to Jacobs’s continued re-envisioning of the classic silhouette through bold monogram prints, luxe leathers, vibrant hues, and furry details. But it also has to do with the fact that its shape is truly a fail-proof investment. Whether you opt for any of the four sizes (micro, small, medium, and large), you know that it is a bag you want to carry long past its peak popularity.
Made from jacquard, this is a great everyday tote bag.
The denim paired with the monogram print feels very Y2K-inspired.
Yes, your work laptop will fit.
A micro tote version? Say no more.
Nothing we love more than a ’90s-inspired bag silhouette.
We’re betting this will be the next big it-bag.
Minimalists, this hobo bag is made for you.
Love the J Marc Shoulder Bag but need more space? This larger satchel iteration is right up your alley.
Oh, she’s posh.
The handle and strap are removable so that you can style this bucket bag based on your preferences.
With three compartments, this bag has ample space.
The great thing about this bag is that it can be styled in three ways; you can wear the beige canvas tote inside the leather satchel, or you can wear either separately.
