The late 1980s economic recession led to significant changes in the 1990s: Germany unified, the Iron Curtain fell, and the euro was introduced. Fashion trends shifted from dominant black to brown and grey tones, embracing the “less is more” mantra. Youth adopted pop and techno styles with flashy backpacks and fanny packs. Bags reflected these trends, becoming colorful and exciting.
As digitalization advanced, social media connected people worldwide, accelerating and diversifying fashion trends. Bags grew larger, with bucket bags, shopping bags, and large shoulder bags becoming essential for fashion-conscious women.
E-commerce revolutionized consumption habits, making everything accessible regardless of location. Trends now change constantly, influenced by fashion bloggers and social media alongside traditional designers. Fashion has become more sexually tolerant and inclusive, with women’s clothing incorporating masculine elements and men’s clothing adopting feminine styles, reflecting personal identity.
Recent bag trends have been vibrant and varied, embracing diverse shapes and sizes. This era emphasizes self-gratification, celebrating diverse styles.
Lady Dior
When it comes to iconic handbags, the Lady Dior is among the most special. A real princess is partly to thank for its success. Dior originally launched the bag under the name Chouchou (=favorite). According to the story, the spouse of the French president was in search of a suitable gift for the Princess of Wales, who was to be in Paris for the opening of an art exhibition. The House of Dior offered her the bag. Princess Diana was very fond of it and used it often. The bag was renamed Lady Dior. Since 2008, movie star Marion Cotillard has been the face of the brand.
Fendi Baguette
The Fendi brand has represented high-quality Italian design for nearly a hundred years. The Fendi Baguette was the It-bag of this time and was responsible for “It-bag fever”, which lasted from the 90s until the late 2000s. It was the first expensive high-end designer bag to be sold in large quantities. Designer Silvia Venturini Fendi named the bag the Baguette in 1997, as it is easy to transport under the arm. Carrie Bradshaw, the main character of the American TV show Sex and the City, loved the bag, which brought it even more buzz. By the time the third season of the series rolled around in 2000, nearly every fan wanted a Baguette of their own.
Le Petit Chiquito – a bag or jewelry?
A hundred years ago, a woman simply needed a small handbag that could fit a handkerchief, a mirror and a powder box. As bags began to be needed for work and travel, their size increased. Everyone knows, after all, that when necessary, one must be able to stuff all worldly possessions into a handbag. The times, values and trends change. In 2018, the fashion world was awestruck by French designer Simon Porte Jacquemus’ tiny Chiquito bag. He turned the tote bag into a small piece of jewelry that can be worn around the neck or at the waist. It is an eye-catching piece that enriches every basic outfit. The bag is unable to fit today’s “essentials”, but as trends now allow for carrying multiple bags at the same time, all items find their place. Not even the essential finds its place but since the trend is also towards double and triple bags, where you simply carry several bags at the same time, everything finds its place.