The Muses Behind Legendary Bags

By Anna Kate Mereness

Edited by Taylor Morgan

Hermes "Birkin" - Jane Birkin 

This 1970s media icon will forever be one of the most recognizable and vital forces of fashion history. Jane Birkin was a model, actress and singer who was a pillar of pop culture throughout multiple decades. Birkin was known as a sex icon and a muse of timelessness. The icon always stayed true to herself and her own uniqueness. As urban legend states, Jane Birkin sat next to Louis Dumas, the then CEO and artistic director of Hermes, on an airplane. Her bag spilled and her belongings were dumped all over the seat. Birkin went on to make a joke to her co-passenger that she needed Hermes to create a Kelly bag big enough for on-the-go mothers. It is rumored that Dumas sketched what would go on to be arguably the most iconic bag of all time on an airplane sick bag. The bag was modeled after the Hermes Kelly bag, and thus the Hermes Birkin was born. Birkin was known to showcase her activism and exuberant personality by decorating her bag. Her original Birkin bag sold for $10.1 million at a Sotheby’s auction. 

MCKAY LENKER / @mckaylenker on Pinterest

Hermes "Kelly" - Grace Kelly 

The American actress turned Monegasque royalty, was known for her glamour and opulence. Grace Kelly, a timeless beauty, was a phenomenon in mass culture. Kelly’s romantic fairytale built her into a style icon, so when Kelly was commonly seen wearing the Sac à Dépêches Hermes on various special occasions, the bag quickly became the envy of all. Though the Sac à Dépêches was undoubtedly a popular bag, Grace Kelly made the world fall in love with it. The public was enthralled with Grace Kelly’s life, and constantly seeing her carry the bag made their desire grow. Though the fashion house did not officially rename the bag until 1977, there is no doubt that Kelly is the phenomenon that popularized it. The Hermes Kelly went on to be one of the most iconic bags of all time. 

LAMIS ALI / @lamisali4 on Pinterest

Dior "Lady Dior" - Princess Diana 

This princess is arguably one of the most beloved people in modern history. Princess Diana needs no introduction. She was a fashion icon and a style visionary. Originally, the first lady of France gifted Princess Diana a Chouchou bag, which she fell in love with. It quickly became a staple piece and a signature of Lady Diana Spencer. She was commonly photographed wearing the bag, and incorporated the bag into some of her most iconic looks. Due to her infatuation with the bag, the fashion house later renamed the Chouchou the Lady Dior bag in 1996. 

AMBER FINNEY / @amberfinney2714 on Pinterest

Gucci "Jackie" - Jackie Kennedy 

The effortlessly chic first lady sported this Gucci bag so often that the house renamed it after her in 1961. Jackie Kennedy Onassis was known for her classic style. She commonly wore several staples, including sunglasses, a head scarf and what would later become the Gucci Jackie bag. Originally named the Constance, the unbranded bag was the perfect addition to Jackie O’s elegant and sophisticated wardrobe. The bag has hardly changed since its creation, which is a testament to Kennedy Onassis's taste and timelessness. 

GENERIC_ORNAMENT / @Generic_Ornament on Pinterest