Still Loitering: Balenciaga Bags
The handbag hierarchy is a tricky, difficult, and fickle ladder to climb. Only a tiny handful of bags have managed to grab the highest rungs and achieve classic status, and it certainly took time. (For example, the Hermes Birkin was created in the early 80's while Chanel’s 2.55 first launched in February of 1955.) Magazines constantly conjure up lists of "new classics," but we often find their selections premature and standards a bit generous. After all, how many of these so-called it bags have really demonstrated a lasting demand and maintained a certain level of coolness? We'll answer for you: very few. One that weathered an early obsessive frenzy and is Still Loitering on famous arms is Balenciaga’s classic motorcycle-inspired bag.
Designed by Nicolas Ghesquiere and originally launched in 2001, the satchel swept the world and is still ragingly ubiquitous nearly a decade later. If this doesn’t really impress you, we’d like to offer a comparison. The other hot bag of 2001 was the Sprouse-graffiti Louis Vuitton Speedy, a collector's item to be sure, but not a bag that enjoys the same daily driver status. While we suffered from Balenciaga bag fatigue in late 2005, when you couldn’t walk through a Bolthouse club without spotting at least 20 bags (some fake) in 10 seconds, recently we started feeling them again. After a quick tour through some photo archives, we realized that they never went away, hence today’s story.
Kate Moss, as always, was one of the first to tote a Lariat, but we’re going to give her a rest for once and start with Nicky Hilton. Seen here outside Jerry’s Deli in 2004, Hilton picked a metallic Balenciaga for a double date with her sister. Sienna Miller cradled one in the crook of her elbow circa summer 2006. She’s seen here, in full cashmere hippie mode, leaving her London production of "As You Like It." Lindsay Lohan’s another Balenciaga devotee; she chose a white one for the 2006 opening of the store Sienna on Melrose. Last year Michelle Tractenberg carried a soft gray Balenciaga to Brett Ratner's birthday party at the Prime Grill in LA, while Mary Kate Olsen carried an oversized version into the new year.
Image of Sienna and Nicky, Bauer Griffin. Image of Lindsay, Getty Images. Photo of Michelle, Pacific Coast News.
Designed by Nicolas Ghesquiere and originally launched in 2001, the satchel swept the world and is still ragingly ubiquitous nearly a decade later. If this doesn’t really impress you, we’d like to offer a comparison. The other hot bag of 2001 was the Sprouse-graffiti Louis Vuitton Speedy, a collector's item to be sure, but not a bag that enjoys the same daily driver status. While we suffered from Balenciaga bag fatigue in late 2005, when you couldn’t walk through a Bolthouse club without spotting at least 20 bags (some fake) in 10 seconds, recently we started feeling them again. After a quick tour through some photo archives, we realized that they never went away, hence today’s story.
Kate Moss, as always, was one of the first to tote a Lariat, but we’re going to give her a rest for once and start with Nicky Hilton. Seen here outside Jerry’s Deli in 2004, Hilton picked a metallic Balenciaga for a double date with her sister. Sienna Miller cradled one in the crook of her elbow circa summer 2006. She’s seen here, in full cashmere hippie mode, leaving her London production of "As You Like It." Lindsay Lohan’s another Balenciaga devotee; she chose a white one for the 2006 opening of the store Sienna on Melrose. Last year Michelle Tractenberg carried a soft gray Balenciaga to Brett Ratner's birthday party at the Prime Grill in LA, while Mary Kate Olsen carried an oversized version into the new year.
Image of Sienna and Nicky, Bauer Griffin. Image of Lindsay, Getty Images. Photo of Michelle, Pacific Coast News.
The Balenciaga Motorcycle bag is my dream bag! It's my absolute favorite bag ever! I remember when they first started popping up on the arms of celebrities such as Nicole Richie. That was a while back. Every celebrity had one. Now years have passed and there are still around. In my eyes, this bag is already a classic. The fact that I've wanted one for years let's me know it'd be worth my money to get one. I won't get sick of it. Anyway my point is, Cristobal Balenciaga is truly a saint in my eyes, and it's all because of this bag. I love that it comes in soooooo many colors, too!
Posted by: carmen | 2008-10-29 01:19:52
P.S. Allie Try to be a little less fake. Kay? Thanks.
Posted by: RileyK | 2008-05-19 18:02:08
I always have and always will love these bags. Yes, they were trendy-too trendy- at one point, but the shape and style are great, they fit everything, and not to mention the plethora of colors. Love, Love, Love.
Posted by: RileyK | 2008-05-19 17:59:39
excuse me "vegan vogue", didnt realize i was messing with the master and what the hell is so great about tracee ellis ross??? get up to times hon!
Posted by: a.b.g.h | 2008-01-24 15:59:13
Booooooooring! I'm so tired of the motorcycle bag!
Posted by: mari | 2008-01-23 20:05:02
Tracee Ellis Ross wore Free City long before tabloids even cared to photograph Nicky Hilton.
Posted by: Vegan Vogue | 2008-01-23 00:09:27
no one should buy this bag. it is all over the knock off world.
Posted by: lolaloves | 2008-01-22 15:23:42
I love these bags, i used to have a really mini mini one and now i just recently invested in the new one with the gold studs in pink its amazing, but very heavy....so be thoughtful before you splurge. Also its so funny that NIcky was wearing free city years before it became popular, guess we no who to give the credit to BECAUSE FREE CITY IS THE BEST THING THAT EVER HAPPENED TO US! seriously people you wnat a piece of this clothing, its the most comfortable thing you will ever put on, thanks to ms.hilton clearly!
Posted by: A.B.G.H | 2008-01-22 11:52:05
I am still in love with my Balenciaga and I plan on getting another one. I just love the way they look and the way they feel!
Posted by: Meemo | 2008-01-22 10:52:06
NICOLE RICHIE: Your YELLOW FIRST IS FAKE. We all know it. The rest are real and great though, I just don't know why you wear the fake yellow one?? Sorry it's always bothered me, maybe you/your friends read?? Need answers!!! love, your fellow B Bags wearer and loverrr
Posted by: kellywinona | 2008-01-21 19:52:41
Oh, and I agree with all who say the bigger one is better, though they can look saggy when not stuffed to the hilt!
Posted by: NYClothesHorse | 2008-01-21 19:20:36
Regardless of whether or not these bags are "in," I still love mine--both of them! Bought one small and one medium years ago, and I've used them to death. They're still beautiful despite being dragged to work, through airports, and kicked around on the floor, which is why they will become a classic in no time. Light as a feather, great look, and roomy to boot. Form and function! Can't say that about too many trends.
Posted by: NYClothesHorse | 2008-01-21 19:15:14
Thanks-you've inspired me to dig mine out of the closet!
Posted by: Anne | 2008-01-21 11:17:24
Hmmm. I don't know. This bag seems so overused and abused. I prefer the Chanel 2.55. I have yet to own one, but I'm working on it. :) Now that bag is a classic.
Posted by: patty | 2008-01-21 07:37:10
I have a one in tan and i couldn't live without it. It looks great and its practical. I LOVE it x
Posted by: georgie | 2008-01-21 03:55:58
I'm over it. I'm surprised that WWWD actually did a segment on Balenciaga considering I see no one wearing these bags anymore in public or in Hollywood except the Olsen twins. The newer designs with bright gold studs are really tacky. Funny how they featured MK to represent 2008. They may be functional but give it another year and it will phase out.
Posted by: observer | 2008-01-20 02:04:23
you can go to realdealcollections.com, annsfabulousfinds.com, diabro.net, and there are some others. you can also go onto the purseblog.com and the fourm esp. for balenciaga for more info.
Posted by: MALLORY | 2008-01-19 22:23:13
Does anyone know a credible website where I can get one of these balenciaga bags???? NEED A REPLY URGENTLY!
Posted by: Eva | 2008-01-19 20:52:57
ahhhh i have always wanted a balenciaga...esp a gray one like michelle's. one day...
Posted by: rr | 2008-01-19 18:40:06
i have been wanting one of these bags for years..even before nicole richie was carrying them around everywhere...decided against buying one since they were becoming too 'trendy' and almost to the point of tackiness (sad). i still wonder if i should buy one - i love the new styles with the larger hardware. although investing in chanel bag is never a loss..hmmm.
Posted by: j | 2008-01-19 14:43:00
dear allie, when you ever get tired of your many balenciaga bags, don't hesitate to send one to a financially challenged reader like me! ;)
Posted by: Caitlin | 2008-01-19 13:58:18
sienna's hair looks great that length! hopefully she grows it out!
Posted by: kate | 2008-01-19 13:36:57
I have every kid of baleciago bag in every color and I think that the bigger one is better cause it has more room and it looks more fashionable. If ur going to buy buy both but if u cant buy both than buy the big one. Btw these I personally like better than Hermes birkin bags I have a lot but these are more fun and less work to carry around. But they are all different types of bags but I love them all. P.S. If ur going to buy bracelets Hermes has rly cute ones I own sooooooo many and I wear a different one every day I love them
Posted by: allie | 2008-01-19 08:53:35
i think MK and lindsay wear the bags best , i like the bigger ones more , cause its hot , iih i love fashion (: <3333 .
Posted by: Matildaaa. | 2008-01-19 07:25:24
MK wears this the best for sure, I'm so sick of posey girls doing the It-bag-in-the-crook-of-the-elbow thing. Wear a bag over the shoulder, casually, it's so much cooler, less try-hard and it looks better. Plus MK's is the best size and colour, and worn with the best outfit. I hate the metallic of Nicky's, the tacky look of Lindsay's, and the size of Sienna's. Michelle's is gorgeous too, but not worn right, and still not as hot as MK's. I want that bag.
Posted by: j. | 2008-01-19 07:05:34
mk's balenciaga looks perfect.actually i love her whole ensemble, even the metal-finger ring thingy. a year of bloghopping and I actually like her style now.
Posted by: alis | 2008-01-19 04:55:47
i disagree, i like the smaller ones much better.. the bigger ones look too sloppy in my opinion. The one michelle is carrying looks the perfect size. Mary-kate or ashley have one in turquoise i think, i'd like one like that.
Posted by: charlotte | 2008-01-19 03:49:52
of course they're still loitering...they're hot!! michelle trachenburg always looks so pasty to me, like she's sick. visit my blog myohmygirl.blogspot.com
Posted by: myohmy | 2008-01-19 00:17:41
Agree with you girls who prefer the bigger one's better. I've planned on getting one for years but never had the chance to buy it.. Marc Jacob's bag stoled my heart. I'm soo in love with the Stam bag.
Posted by: EP | 2008-01-18 22:06:18
love it love it love it. I also agree, the bigger the better....and blohan is def better brunette or red.
Posted by: kate | 2008-01-18 20:33:27
like the balenciaga bag but never got around to buying one..for me it's always and forever CHANEL! just got 2 of them today for the spring..bone and a pale yellow...yay for spring =)
Posted by: jada | 2008-01-18 20:14:30
i definitely prefer the larger ones to the smaller, chincy looking ones. Also, in my opinion, these bags look best when they are put through their paces. just like the louis vuitton speedy bags, beat up and old is better.
Posted by: lauren | 2008-01-18 19:21:54
I once saw a layout of Nicole Richie with her collection of Balenciaga motorcycle bags...I mean, every day a different color... And it definitely depreciated for me...seeing her praised for carrying them around like Starbucks coffee or something. Mary-Kate Olsen, on the other hand, carried them at the height of the crazy and after...in the fugue of other crazes (which she also indulged in), she carried them and she's still doing so... because, she says, they're not only stylish but sturdy. I love her sensibility.
Posted by: Vegan Vogue | 2008-01-18 17:22:51
mk's bag is a 2004 maroon city that she wore in very well. Balenciaga has such amazing colors for their purses that are so different every season.
Posted by: meghann | 2008-01-18 17:00:43
i used to kill for one of these babies..bigger ones are def better..ugh i sense a nikki hilton obsession=(
Posted by: kati | 2008-01-18 16:32:26
I'm so glad you did this post, but I still want to know exactly what style and color bag MK's got. I absolutely love it, and I can't seem to pin down exactly which style and shade it is. Please help!
Posted by: Sydney | 2008-01-18 13:46:17
I love this bag but I like the larger one better
Posted by: michelle | 2008-01-18 12:53:27
Agree with sum of the comments below ablot lindsey....She really did look fab then!!(shes in desprate need of a makeover now)
Posted by: StyleJunkie21 | 2008-01-18 12:19:45
I, too, can't believe how pretty Lohan once looked. I hate the blonde barbie hair she's been sporting so, so much.
Posted by: Caitlin | 2008-01-18 11:27:41
Does MK have on a fake finger a-la Margot Tennenbaum in that photo? I still like the outfit, though.
Posted by: boomsbaker | 2008-01-18 10:51:09
I think this bag has lasted because it's roomy enough to throw all of your day to day stuff in without looking stuffed, and it's un-fussy but still chic enough to tote when you're dressed up.
Posted by: s | 2008-01-18 10:14:07
i don't really like these bags, and what do they mean by motorcyle inspired?
Posted by: stephy | 2008-01-18 08:16:12
i still dont like them, they just are awkward. i love mk though. pensareancora.blogspot.com
Posted by: caroline | 2008-01-18 07:15:30
There was a time when I would have died for this bag - I guess I'm still feeling the "fatigue" from 2005. I mean, I'd still love to have one, but not as badly as I did before. I like Lindsay's, Michelle's, and MK's bags. I guess I prefer the larger size.
Posted by: eye | 2008-01-18 04:44:57
please don't ever again feel the need to replace moss for any hilton.
Posted by: meow | 2008-01-18 04:38:35
please don't ever again feel the need to replace moss for any hilton.
Posted by: meow | 2008-01-18 04:38:26
that was when when lindsay lohan looked actually attractive and pulled together--i wonder if she could ever look good like that again...i mean blond hair doesn't look as good on her as her gorgeous red hair and she needs to get rid of that tan that looks soo fake!
Posted by: y | 2008-01-18 02:14:09
i love this bag, i have a couple of them myself and have been carrying them for a couple of years and I think I still will be for more years to come! I also like the newer updated version, with no strings and just bigger gold studs-tres chic!
Posted by: sage | 2008-01-18 02:11:17
mary kate's whole ensemble is perfect. LOVE that bag. the rest of the looks are a bit whatever...
Posted by: sofi | 2008-01-18 01:50:31
i definalty like the bigger ones better than the smaller ones.
Posted by: jordi | 2008-01-18 00:50:14