The last couple of years has seen the revival of many early 2000's trends, but there’s one it-bag in particular our handbag expert Marianne Theodorsen is hoping will make a comeback.
With the fashion aesthetics of the early 2000s being back in full bloom, my Instagram feed these days is packed with images celebrating the era of (let's be honest here) more or less questionable fashion choices. Back then, pairing your asymmetrical dress with bootcut jeans and pointy knee-high boots was the epitome of fashion. Likewise, Juicy Couture tracksuits were sported by every celebrity, and let's not forget those barely-there mini-skirts that were considered a wardrobe staple.
It was all about that pop-star glam. Reflecting on the trends today, there is absolutely nothing wrong with a great tracksuit, and I'm not shy of a tremendous mini-mini skirt either ( I think Miu Miu's take on them for spring 2022 was nothing short of superb). But there are a lot of styles I'm not exactly dying to see come back any time soon. Yes, stringy scarves and unflattering mini vests over sweaters, I'm looking at you.
The style was sported by Emily Blunt in the Devil Wears Prada. Photo: 20th Century Fox
It's safe to say that the fashion was kind of all over the place, and not every trend was something to write home about. But the bags of the time? Oh wow, the bags were good.
There's no doubt the 2000s really was the golden age of the It-bag. The Dior Saddle, Chloé Paddington, Fendi Baguette, Balenciaga Motorcycle bag - the great bags just kept popping up like pearls on a string, and we desperately wanted them all.
After being more or less absent for a long time, many of these iconic styles are now seeing the light of day again, with brands relaunching them in updated versions. Simultaneously, the bag lovers pull the styles out from the back ends of our closets. However, there is one bag I haven't seen much of, and I'm still waiting to make a glorious re-entry. The bag that kicked off my obsession for bags in general: The Fendi Spy Bag.
Related: The history of the tote bag
Fendi spring/summer 2005.
Fendi autumn/winter 2005.
Fendi spring/summer 2005.
First introduced in 2005, this masterpiece took its name from a small hidden compartment in the lid. It featured beautifully braided handles and a slouchy shape that was, and still is, kind of hard to pinpoint. Somewhere in between satchel and hobo - this fashion-forward hybrid bag was quickly spotted on all the it-girls of the time. With limited editions and painfully long waitlists, it was the bag to have. It was an instant obsession on my part.
And you can blame The Olsens. Or Mary-Kate, that is. She donned her brand new hologram Spy bag at an event in 2005, and upon seeing the images on some random fashion Tumblr the very next day, my brain froze and my heart stopped beating.
I'm not sure what it was about the bag, but I just couldn't get my mind off it. It wasn't long before I purchased one online with my limited 'bag-hunting' skills, thinking I had made the deal of the decade. Looking back, I'm pretty sure it was a fake. It was a dark navy blue, and I wore it every single day like the fabulous trophy it was.
The Olsen twins were avid fans of the style. Photo: Getty
Seeing all the other it bags of this era get their revival, I think it's about time the Spy Bag gets one too. So unlike any other bag out there, a perfect mix of quirky and fun yet classic - did I mention the perfect slouchy shape?
Maybe it's the nostalgia that makes me feel like this, but I would love to see a new take on this iconic bag. Maybe a mini version in neon for spring, or perhaps an all-over sequined one (like that famous purple Fendi baguette) for the party wardrobe?
In conclusion, here's to me hoping I'll see the Spy Bag on a runway in the (very) near future. Fendi, are you reading this?