Glam Slam: Balenciaga Bag Turns 10!

Happy birthday to Balenciaga’s iconic motorcycle bag!

Designer Nicolas Ghesquiere’s first bag for Balenciaga, appropriate named the “First” bag, as well as a larger size called the “City” were introduced ten years ago.

That’s an eternity in the fickle fashion world, which is a lot like many marriages in Hollywood… the initial infatuation doesn’t last, maybe because there is always a younger, shinier model around the corner.

When the tough chic bag came out… with its studs and buckles and tassels, it instantly became the “it” bag. How many times have we seen Kate Moss looking so glamorous with hers? Other famous fans… Sienna Miller, Sarah Jessica Parker, Nicole Richie, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kim Kardashian, Mary-Kate Olsen and Vanessa Hudgens to name just a few.

I love that bag too and in fact I have recently questioned why I STILL have such a weakness for that bag. I mean, it’s been ten years, aren’t we always on the look out for the next new thing? Yet, I still find myself looking at new colors each season that tempt me to add to my collection. Collection? Yes, collection: a small one, including the original style bag with the long strap. When the bag first came out and was impossible to find, I bought two in Ireland. Gotta get it while the gettin’s good, right? And when the euro exchange rate was good, I bought my red “City” bag in Rome. Much better souvenirs than any tee shirt or mug.

My boss was recently on a shopping trip with his wife at Barneys New York. He emailed me asking, “What idiot would spend so much money on a Balenciaga bag?” Um. Guilty as charged. I’ve saved up a few paychecks to go to my purse fund!

My boss may wonder what the appeal is… let an “idiot” like myself count the ways. There’s the distressed goat leather that just gets better with age. The cosmetics mirror that comes with each bag is a chic and practical feature. The fact that the bags are so durable and roomy and expandable, it’s like Mary Poppins’ carpet bag… there’s no end to what can fit in there! (I’ve even thrown baby bottles, diapers, blankets and toys in my larger bags) The limited-edition colors that are introduced each season are another enticement. I remember sitting at a cafe in Florence watching a gorgeous girl, who had to be a model, drinking espresso, while reading Vogue Italia with her seafoam green Balenciaga bag sitting on the table. That gave me the inspiration to go for more bold colors… not the safe neutral colors I originally bought.

The bag may have seemed trendy when it debuted, but over the years it has proved its staying power and become a classic. I have had mine for years and I know I will be using them for years to come and then passing them down to my daughter, who will hopefully do the same.