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A Deep Dive Into the Name Origins of Iconic Handbags

The names of luxury handbags aren't random. Dive in to discover the intriguing origins of some must-know bag names.
  • Princess Diana inspired multiple icons, including the Lady Dior, Gucci Diana, and specific styles from Chanel and Salvatore Ferragamo.
  • Royal and Hollywood muses gave names to the Hermes Kelly (Grace Kelly), Gucci Jackie (Jackie Kennedy), and Louis Vuitton SC (Sofia Coppola).
  • Fashion models are frequently honored, with the Saint Laurent Kaia (Kaia Gerber), Marc Jacobs Stam (Jessica Stam), and Mulberry Cara (Cara Delevingne).
  • The Hermes Birkin originated from a chance plane encounter with Jane Birkin, while the Gucci Bardot honors French icon Brigitte Bardot.
  • The Hermes Constance is believed to be named after designer Catherine Chaillet’s daughter, and the YSL Loulou honors designer Loulou de la Falaise.

Did you know the Saint Laurent Kaia satchel was named after a famous model?

Some of the most iconic bags we know today are named after influential figures. From industry powerhouses to artists, celebrities, and even politicians and models. These individuals have left an indelible mark on the world of fashion – so much so, that it’s crazy to think that if it weren’t for that chance encounter on a plane, we may never know what a Birkin bag is. Read on to uncover some of these icons and explore the origins of some must-know bag names.

Bags Named After Industry Powerhouses

Consider the trailblazers, the ones who lead the way in politics and beyond, shattering barriers and making history with their bold contributions and beliefs.

Princess Diana

Princess Diana influenced several iconic bags, including the Dior Lady Dior, Gucci Diana, Chanel Diana, and the Salvatore Ferragamo Diana bag.

GUCCI Textured Dollar Calfskin Web Small Diana Tote Bag in the colors Oatmeal Vintage Green by FASHIONPHILE
Gucci Diana Tote Bag
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Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel

The Chanel Gabrielle pays homage to the legendary Coco Chanel, while Chanel’s Coco Handle bags also bear her name.

CHANEL Aged Calfskin Quilted Small Gabrielle Hobo in the color Grey by FASHIONPHILE
Chanel Gabrielle Hobo
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Loulou de la Falaise

The Saint Laurent Loulou is named after Loulou de la Falaise, a close friend of the designer.

SAINT LAURENT Suede Toy Loulou Shoulder Bag in the color Chartreuse by FASHIONPHILE
Saint Laurent Loulou Shoulder Bag
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Evelyne Bertrand

The Hermes Evelyne is named after Evelyne Bertrand, a professional horse rider.

HERMES Taurillon Clemence Amazone Evelyne TPM in the color New White by FASHIONPHILE
Hermes Evelyne TPM
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Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco

The Hermes Kelly bag is famously named after this leading lady and royal, Princess Grace Kelly.

HERMES Madame Calfskin Kelly Sellier 25 in the color Bleu du Nord by FASHIONPHILE
Hermes Kelly Sellier
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Sofia Coppola

The Louis Vuitton SC is named after Sofia Coppola, adding a touch of Hollywood glamour to the house.

LOUIS VUITTON Veau Cachemire SC Bag BB in the color Framboise by FASHIONPHILE
Louis Vuitton SC Bag
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Jackie Kennedy

The Gucci Jackie bag is an homage to the iconic Jackie Kennedy.

GUCCI Boarded Dyana Lux Calfskin Mini Jackie 1961 Hobo in the color Black by FASHIONPHILE
Gucci Jackie 1961 Hobo
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Constance

The Hermes Constance, though not explicitly stated, is believed to be named after designer Catherine Chaillet’s daughter, Constance.

HERMES Epsom Constance 18 in the color Rouge Venetian by FASHIONPHILE
Hermes Constance
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Bags Named After Celebrities & Artists

From movie screens to concert venues, the worlds of music and acting are brimming with talented people who have inspired the making of bags through their creativity.

Brigitte Bardot

The Gucci Bardot bag is named after French dancer, model, and actress Brigitte Bardot who became an international iconic in the 1950s and 1960s.

GUCCI Monogram Bardot Shoulder Bag in the color Black by FASHIONPHILE
Gucci Bardot Shoulder Bag
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Sophia Loren

The Salvatore Ferragamo Sophia bag introduced in 2009 was named after Sophia Loren, a long-time friend and muse to the late Salvatore Ferragamo.

SALVATORE FERRAGAMO Calfskin Sofia Shoulder Bag in Multicolor by FASHIONPHILE
Salvatore Ferragamo Sofia Shoulder Bag
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Lana Del Rey

Mulberry’s Del Rey bag is named after Lana Del Rey, an American singer and songwriter.

MULBERRY Pebbled Calfskin Medium Del Rey Satchel in the color Black Forest by FASHIONPHILE
Mulberry Del Rey Satchel
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Bags Named After Fashion Models

Fashion models serve as sources of inspiration for fashion, including the design of designer handbags.

Kaia Gerber

The Saint Laurent Kaia bag was named after Kaia Gerber.

SAINT LAURENT Smooth Calfskin Small Classic Monogram Kaia Satchel in black by FASHIONPHILE
Saint Laurent Kaia Satchel
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Jessica Stam

The Marc Jacobs Stam bag was named after Canadian model Jessia Stam.

MARC JACOBS Calfskin Quilted Leather Stam Bag in the color Coral by FASHIONPHILE
Marc Jacobs Stam Bag
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Kate Moss

The Saint Laurent Kate was named after iconic model Kate Moss.

SAINT LAURENT Grain De Poudre Small Monogram Kate Satchel in the color Dark Beige by FASHIONPHILE
Saint Laurent Kate Satchel
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Jane Birkin

The Hermes Birkin bag was named after legendary model, British and French actress, and singer Jane Birkin.

HERMES Epsom Sunrise Birkin Sellier 35 in the colors Lime Sesame Rose Confetti Terre Battue by FASHIONPHILE
Hermes Sunrise Birkin
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Cara Delevingne

The Mulberry Cara bag was named after British model Cara Delevigne.

MULBERRY Nappa Quilted Medium Cara Delevingne Convertible Bag in the color Taupe by FASHIONPHILE
Mulberry Cara Delevingne Convertible Bag
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Many influential figures have inspired the bags we wear and love today. Which one would you choose?

In the spirit of celebrating icons and bags, here are mother-style icons and the bags they wear. Shop all 100% authentic ultra-luxury at FASHIONPHILE.