The designer handbags making a comeback, from Saint Laurent to Chloé

As nostalgia brings early 2000s fashion back into the spotlight, the Baguette has found a new generation of admirers. The revival continues with the new Baguette® 26424 by Maria Grazia Chiuri, which reimagines the iconic silhouette with a contemporary touch. Featuring adjustable straps for versatile styling, the updated design stays true to the playful spirit that made the Baguette a fashion favourite.

When Bella Hadid appeared in Saint Laurent’s Spring 2026 campaign carrying the Mombasa, it felt like a fashion flashback we didn’t know we needed. A bag that once defined the early 2000s was suddenly back in the spotlight.

First introduced in 2002 during Tom Ford’s iconic era at Yves Saint Laurent, the Mombasa quickly became known for its sculptural horn-shaped handle and effortless bohemian charm. It captured the mood of the time, blending glamour with a sense of individuality that made it stand out from other handbags of the era.

Now brought back under Anthony Vaccarello’s creative direction, the Mombasa returns with the same distinctive silhouette that made it a favourite, while feeling fresh for a new generation. As fashion continues to look back to move forward, its revival proves that the most memorable bags are often the ones with a story to tell.

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Spotted on the arms of celebrities like Kate Moss and Sienna Miller, Chloé’s Paddington became one of the defining handbags of the mid-2000s. With its oversized padlock, slouchy silhouette and effortlessly cool attitude, the bag perfectly captured the bohemian spirit that shaped the era’s fashion.

Introduced in 2005 during Phoebe Philo’s era at Chloé, the Paddington quickly became a must-have among fashion insiders. Its relaxed yet luxurious appeal made it one of the most sought-after It bags of its time, with many fashion lovers still searching for the original vintage version years after it disappeared from boutiques.

Now, as fashion continues to revisit the pieces we once loved, Chloé has brought the Paddington back under Chemena Kamali’s creative direction, giving a new generation the chance to experience the iconic bag. While the signature padlock and effortless charm remain, the re-edition has been made lighter and easier to carry, bringing a fresh update to the beloved silhouette while keeping the nostalgic appeal that made it so special.

Before effortless street style became the aesthetic we know today, Balenciaga’s Le City bag was the ultimate model-off-duty accessory. Spotted on style icons like Lindsay Lohan and the Olsen twins, the slouchy, studded handbag captured the cool, undone glamour of the early 2000s.

Introduced in 2001 during Nicolas Ghesquière’s era at Balenciaga, the Le City quickly became a favourite among fashion lovers. With its relaxed shape, distressed leather and signature hardware, the bag had a certain lived-in charm that made it feel personal, almost as if it carried a story of its own.

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After years of being hunted down through vintage stores and resale platforms, Balenciaga brought the iconic silhouette back, giving a new generation the chance to own a piece of fashion history. Staying true to the details that made it so recognisable, the re-edition brings back the same effortless attitude that made the Le City a cult favourite.

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