Known for gracing the arms of style icons like the Olsen twins, Nicole Richie, and Lindsay Lohan, Balenciaga’s City bag burst onto the fashion scene 23 years ago, swiftly earning the coveted title of It-bag and epitomizing the effortless, grunge-inspired trends of the early aughts. Now, the City bag makes a triumphant return with a refreshed look and feel that solidifies its iconic status for years to come.
Introduced in 2001 under the creative direction of Nicolas Ghesquière, the City bag, formerly known as the Motorcycle City Bag, was reportedly produced in a limited run of only 25 models. Among these, supermodel Kate Moss famously requested one, igniting the widespread obsession with Balenciaga’s iconic City bag.
In reimagining the Le City bag for a new era, Balenciaga delved into its archival styles to create a modern iteration that pays homage to its original construction. Balenciaga utilized a 25-panel construction method reminiscent of vintage designs, carefully assembling these panels by hand to create both the exterior and interior layers of the bag. Defining design features include small metal buckles, thimble-like studs, a leather-strung zipper, a supple leather body which boasts a rich patina over time. These elements originally inspired Demna’s subsequent Le Cagole design, the creative director’s personal ode to the City. However, the new iteration of the Le City bag is mostly inspired by the City bag circa 2001, updated with sustainable production in mind.
Photographed by Mario Sorrenti, the new campaign debuts the new Le City bag in intimate black and white portraits of icons including Moss, Danish model and CR cover star Mona Tougaard, Chinese actress and singer Yang Chaoyue, and Korean singer Juyeon. In the campaign, you’re shown each model expressing their talent against a grey background in stunning images and videos.
KATE MOSS
Mario Sorrenti/Balenciaga
MONA TOUGAARD
Mario Sorrenti/Balenciaga
JUYEON
Mario Sorrenti/Balenciaga
YANG CHAOYUE
Mario Sorrenti/Balenciaga
With an added adjustable shoulder strap for the perfect everyday bag, the Le City additionally offers a wide range of unique colors, including black, yellow, green, light purple, metallic steel grey, metallic silver, white blue, and beige hues. More than two decades since its debut, Balenciaga’s Le City bag solidifies its status as a timeless heirloom It-bag, embodying the Maison’s commitment to propelling its legacy into the future.
Balenciaga’s Le City handbag is now available in boutiques and on balenciaga.com.
