Iconic Women, Iconic Bags: The Stories Behind Designer Handbags Named After Famous Women

A designer handbag is more than just an accessory; it’s a symbol of style, status, and often, a tribute to the women who inspired them. Some of the most coveted handbags in the world bear the names of iconic women—celebrities, royals, and fashion muses—whose influence continues to shape the world of luxury fashion. Here’s a look at the legendary women behind some of the most famous designer handbags.

Jane Birkin – The Hermès Birkin

French-British actress and singer Jane Birkin’s effortless style made her a fashion icon, but it was an impromptu encounter with Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas on a flight in the 1980s that led to the creation of the Hermès Birkin bag. Birkin lamented the lack of a spacious yet stylish handbag, inspiring Dumas to design what would become one of the most coveted luxury bags in history. The Birkin remains a timeless status symbol, known for its impeccable craftsmanship and exclusivity.

Grace Kelly – The Hermès Kelly

Originally designed in the 1930s, the Hermès Kelly bag gained worldwide fame when actress-turned-princess Grace Kelly was photographed using it to shield her pregnancy from paparazzi in the 1950s. The bag became so closely associated with her that Hermès officially renamed it the 'Kelly' in her honor. The structured, elegant design continues to be a favorite among royals, celebrities, and collectors alike.

Princess Diana – Lady Dior

One of the most iconic bags of all time, the Lady Dior, was named after Princess Diana. Originally called the ‘Chouchou,’ the bag was gifted to her by France’s First Lady, Bernadette Chirac, in 1995. She adored the bag and carried it so frequently that Dior renamed it in her honor. With its signature cannage quilting and structured top-handle silhouette, the Lady Dior remains a symbol of timeless elegance.

Princess Diana – Gucci Diana

Diana’s love for handbags extended beyond Dior. She was frequently spotted carrying a structured bamboo-handle tote by Gucci in the 1990s. Decades later, Gucci reintroduced the design as the ‘Gucci Diana,’ a tribute to the late Princess of Wales. The updated version features removable neon leather straps, giving a modern twist to a classic design beloved by fashion enthusiasts.

Jackie Kennedy – Gucci Jackie

A true style icon, Jackie Kennedy Onassis had an impeccable eye for accessories. In the 1960s, she was often seen carrying a hobo-style bag by Gucci, which became so synonymous with her that the brand later renamed it the ‘Gucci Jackie.’ Re-imagined over the years with contemporary updates, the Jackie bag remains a staple in Gucci’s lineup, reflecting the timeless elegance of its namesake.

Alexa Chung – Mulberry Alexa

British model and fashion muse Alexa Chung inspired the Mulberry Alexa, a satchel-style handbag that became a defining accessory of the 2010s. Known for her effortlessly cool and slightly undone aesthetic, Chung embodied the spirit of the bag, which features a relaxed shape with traditional Mulberry detailing. The Alexa remains a cult favorite, proving that style icons don’t need a royal title to leave a lasting impression.

Jessica Stam – The Stam Bag

Canadian supermodel Jessica Stam was one of the defining faces of early 2000s fashion, and Marc Jacobs honored her with the ‘Stam’ bag. The quilted, chain-strap bag captured the glamorous yet edgy aesthetic of the era, quickly becoming a must-have piece. Though it was eventually discontinued, the Stam bag remains a nostalgic favorite for those who remember the height of 2000s fashion.

These handbags are more than just accessories—they are lasting tributes to the women who carried them, defined them, and ultimately inspired generations of fashion lovers. Whether it’s a royal like Princess Diana or a modern muse like Alexa Chung, the power of a name in the fashion world is undeniable. Each of these bags carries a story, a legacy, and a timeless appeal that ensures their place in fashion history.

Image Credit
Jane Birkin, www.vogue.com
Grace Kelly, www.handbaghomage.com
Princess Diana, www.cosmosstudyabroad.com, www.bustle.com, www.purseblog.com,  www.vogue.com 
Jackie Kennedy, www.nytimes.com
Alexa Chung, www.harpersbazaar.com
Jessica Stam, www.popsugar.com