When you think of truly iconic bags, the brands that are likely to come to mind first are ones like Chanel, Hermès, and Gucci. Typically, Cristóbal Balenciaga’s namesake fashion house isn’t at the top of the list. But while the classic handbag brands are certainly among our favorites, it’s Balenciaga that’s responsible for most of this year’s buzziest accessories, from the Y2K-favorite Le Cagole to Kim Kardashian’s go-to Hourglass.
To celebrate Balenciaga’s subtle dominance in the bag department, I called on luxury-resale site Rebag to help me take a few of the brand’s best styles, from former creative director Nicolas Ghesquière’s City bag to Demna Gvasalia’s Hourglass, out for a spin IRL. See what Balenciaga’s top bags look like in the wild and shop the brand’s standout styles below.
First introduced in the brand’s Pre-Fall ’21 lookbook, Balenciaga’s Gossip line is among the brand’s more understated styles, especially compared to the tassel-embellished Le Cagole and City bags. This has made it a favorite for Hailey Bieber, who wore the bag to one of Justin Bieber’s concerts back in January. The timeless shoulder bag’s most dominating feature is the double-B logo, which sits atop one large flap closure.
No bag has been embraced by the fashion set—including both celebrities and influencers—in 2022 quite like Balenciaga’s Le Cagole Shoulder Bag. It features all the tassels and metal embellishments of the original City bags, all wrapped up in a tiny, easy-to-throw-on shape. Spotted on Dua Lipa, Rosalía, Bieber, Elsa Hosk, and so many more, the Y2K-inspired purse is truly making the rounds.
A follow-up to Balenciaga’s best-selling Cagole bag, the Lindsay formally debuted with a campaign starring none other than Bella Hadid, who was wearing nothing but leather cut-away pants. The cool girl–approved style takes cues from the ’90s and early aughts, featuring a structured shape, a chain-link shoulder strap, and oversize buckle closures. Chic? Yes. A must-own piece? Also yes.
To be honest, before I saw Balenciaga’s take on the basket bag, I was under the impression that the style was on its way out. After having a serious moment in the late ’10s, woven totes had begun to feel a bit stale. I should have known that all they needed was Gvasalia’s genius touch.
Ever since Balenciaga’s XX Flap Bag was spotted at Revolve Festival on Kendall Jenner (paired with Marine Serre’s logo-covered gloves and a mini sundress), I knew that the ’90s-inspired shoulder bag would be a heavy hitter.
Balenciaga’s Downtown bag perfectly combines the shape of the Hourglass with the unstructured slouchiness of the City, making it perfect for anyone who’s drawn to both but can’t exactly justify buying two Balenciaga bags in the same season. (I feel you.)
If you prefer something more casual and low-key, Balenciaga’s Cabas line is for you. Featuring the brand name in all-capital letters on the front, the canvas bag is perfect for toting around your essentials on a busy day, all the while looking wholly put-together and on-trend.
Next: 8 Newer Designer Bags I’m Starting to See Everywhere