Celebrity It‑Bag Revivals: Why Vintage Bags Are Hot in 2025
This summer, iconic handbags from past decades are reclaiming center stage. As seen on stars like Rihanna, Bella Hadid, and Dakota Johnson, we're witnessing a vibrant revival of vintage designer It‑bags. These re-emerging classics are defining fashion right now—here’s why.
Nostalgia Meets Style: Stars Set the Remakes in Motion
First, a wave of early‑2000s luxury bags is returning with a flair. Tyla recently carried a Louis Vuitton × Stephen Sprouse Speedy bag—neon graffiti meets Y2K cool. Her pairing of the bold classic with tank and cargo pants reinforced its modern relevance. At the same time, Jennifer Lawrence and Dakota Johnson have both been seen again with the slouchy Chloé Paddington. Meanwhile, Bella Hadid stays loyal to her Balenciaga City bag. Vogue even crowned this the Summer of Celebrity It‑Bag Revivals.
Which Bags Are Making Their Comeback?
Fendi Spy Bag: A top-handle classic from 2005, revived by fans like Rihanna and Aubrey Plaza for its stealth charm and pop detail.
Balenciaga City (aka Motorcycle or Le City): The slouchy, hardware-clad favorite that Kate Moss originally popularized—yet it's only gaining steam now.
Gucci Jackie 1961: A crescent-shaped nod to Jackie Kennedy continues to be featured in modern styling—timeless and elegant.
Dior Saddle Bag: First drafted in the late '90s, this signature curvy bag returned in 2018—and continues to benefit from classic-cool allure.
Chloé Paddington: A boho-70s slouch satchel that’s staging a comeback thanks to Chloé’s recent reinterpretations under Chemena Kamali.
Prada Re‑Edition Nylon 2000: The utilitarian nylon micro‑satchel is retro-chic again on the arms of style savants like Bella Hadid.
Other rising vintage stars include the Mulberry Bayswater tote, YSL's Mombasa, and the Salvatore Ferragamo Iconic Top Handle.
Why the Throwbacks Resonate in 2025
Then, the reason is clear: authenticity and nostalgia. Old bags carry stories—like the Spy Bag’s espionage detail, or the Saddle Bag’s pop legacy from Sex and the City. Celebs are fueling that aura by rewearing and remixing vintage finds.
Moreover, luxury resale and archival platforms are booming as young shoppers hunt for unique classics at resale sites. Vintage bags offer quality, storytelling, and sustainability—aligned with contemporary fashion values.
Celebrity Revivals in Action
Rihanna: Flashing the Fendi Spy or Dior Columbus, she continues to elevate early-2000s bags into mainstream buzz.
Bella Hadid: Loyal to the Balenciaga City and often spotted with Instagram‑worthy pre‑2005 pieces.
Dakota Johnson: A repeated presence with the Jackie bag and Chloé Paddington, mixed with modern silhouette twists.
Jennifer Lawrence: Seen with vintage Fendi Spy, City Bag, or Jackie, pairing them with clean, minimal outfits.
Even Nicole Richie—vintage-lover and ambassador for resale platform Fashionphile—highlights pre‑owned Spy and Balenciaga pieces as part of her aesthetic and sustainable ethos.
What Revived It-Bags Share in Common
Distinctive silhouette: Recognizable shapes that hold nostalgia and strong visual identity.
Celebrity DNA: The Spy, Baguette, Jackie, and Saddle are linked to icons like Carrie Bradshaw, Kate Moss, and Jackie Kennedy.
Secondhand credibility: These models tend to perform well on platforms like Depop and Vestiaire thanks to quality and cult following.
Fashion storytelling: They feel like heirlooms or conversation starters—not just functional accessories.
Quick Comparison Table
Vintage It-Bag Reason for Revival Celebrity Fans
Fendi Spy Bag Spy‑inspired mini with secret charm Rihanna, Aubrey Plaza
Balenciaga City Slouchy hardware bag + lived-in style Bella Hadid, Dua Lipa
Gucci Jackie 1961 Crescent curve, historical prestige Dakota Johnson, Yara Shahidi
Dior Saddle Bag Signature silhouette, nostalgic energy Jennifer Lawrence, Rihanna
Chloé Paddington Boho‑chic icon and 2000s heritage Rachel Sennott, Daisy Edgar‑Jones
Prada Re‑Edition 2000 Nostalgic nylon day bag, modern reboot Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid
What This Revival Signals for Fashion
Because archival bags highlight sustainability and individuality, they align with Gen Z's fashion ethos. They also defy rapid seasonal churn and promote mindful buying.
On another level, revival of these handbags is an exercise in style intelligence—it rewards people who held onto classics rather than chasing micro-trends.
Want to Join the Revival?
Check resale platforms early—original Jackie or Spy bags can be priced affordably before bidding wars begin.
Consider warm metallics or pastel retro finishes that echo 2000s moodboards.
Mix vintage with modern garments to avoid costume-like tension.
Treat bag charms and small details as playful accessories to refresh old handbags.
Final Thoughts
In short, the summer 2025 revival of iconic celebrity It-bags speaks to fashion’s cyclical nature and deeper longing for connection. These classics carry meaning and craftsmanship beyond transient trends. With stars embracing them again, the message is clear: what’s vintage can feel incredibly modern.
