The Fendi Baguette: The Bag That Defined the 2000s (And Why It Still Matters in 2025)
Sarah Jessica Parker brings back the Fendi Baguette for And Just Like That, the Sex and the City spinoff.
Few handbags can claim to have changed the course of fashion history, but the Fendi Baguette did exactly that. Launched in 1997 by Silvia Venturini Fendi, The Fendi Baguette quickly became the “It-bag” in the early 2000s – carried under the arm like a loaf of bread, just as its name suggests. The Baguette wasn’t just popular; it became a character on television.
When Carrie Bradshaw famously declared, “It’s not a bag, it’s a Baguette” on Sex and the City, the accessory’s status skyrocketed. Overnight, it transformed from a luxury piece into a cultural symbol – every stylish woman wanted one. Celebrities like Paris Hilton, Jennifer Lopez, and Sarah Jessica Parker made it synonymous with the playful, flashy Y2K era, Sequins, bold logos – the Baguette thrived on personality.
The Baguette was intentionally small and chic, a departure from the big carryalls of the 90s. It was designed to be worn tucked under the arm, balancing minimal practicality with maximum statement. This compact bag can only hold essentials like a phone, keys, a cardholder, and lipstick. It’s made from various materials, including embroidered silk, beaded sequins, and crocodile leather. Its signature feature is a short strap and a rectangular silhouette that sits neatly under the shoulder. It’s not the bag you buy for utility — it’s the bag you buy for attitude.
Here’s where the Fendi Baguette gets really interesting: unlike some 2000s It-bags that fizzled out, the Baguette has enjoyed multiple revivals.
2000s Peak: Waiting lists and limited editions.
2019 Relaunch: Fendi re-issued the Baguette with a massive campaign starring Sarah Jessica Parker.
2025 Resale Market: On sites like Rebag, Fashionphile, The RealReal and Vestiaire Collective, Baguettes (especially limited editions) can range from $900 to $5,000+, depending on rarity and condition.
This makes the Baguette more than just a pretty piece — it’s a handbag with true investment potential.
For anyone questioning whether luxury purchases are “worth it,” the Fendi Baguette is a case study in longevity. It’s held cultural relevance for almost 30 years, has maintained high resale value, and remains in active production.
Instead of buying five trendy fast-fashion bags, investing in a Baguette means:
A piece that lasts stylistically.
Higher resale potential.
A smarter, more sustainable approach to luxury fashion.
The Fendi Baguette proves that the right bag isn’t just an accessory — it’s a piece of fashion history that continues to evolve with us. Whether you thrift one, buy vintage, or invest in a brand-new version, you’re not just buying into a legacy. You’re not just buying a purse. You’re buying a Baguette.
