Bag of the Week is a new series highlighting the latest and currently most hyped luxury bag. This week, we spotlight the Balenciaga Le City Paparazzi.
The Balenciaga City Bag, an icon of the 2000s, has been reimagined as the Le City Bag. In Balenciaga’s latest campaign, paparazzi shots from the early 2000s have undergone a photoshop makeover, integrating today’s Le City Bag through digital artistry.
Übermodels Alek Wek, Alessandra Ambrosio, Amber Valletta, Claudia Schiffer, Malgosia Bela, Natasha Poly and Tyra Banks appear alongside the emblematic fashion icon Paris Hilton — Of course, we cannot forget the iconic actress, Lucy Liu, who dominated the 2000s with films such as Kill Bill: Volume I and Charlie’s Angels (there’s even a Chinese rap song named after her).
The ‘Balenciaga’ watermark, inspired by stock photo websites like Backgrid and Getty Images, underscores the concept of paparazzi imagery, reimagining how style icons have incorporated the Le City Bag into their everyday looks over the years.
Behind the success of the Le City Bag lies a modest beginning, with only 25 units initially produced. Originally dubbed “The Motorcycle,” the bag was introduced on the runway by former designer Nicolas Ghesquière in 2001. At the time, stakeholders were skeptical about its potential profitability, particularly due to its slouchy silhouette and tough rivets — especially in an era dominated by feminine styles like the Louis Vuitton Speedy and the Fendi Baguette.
However, it was Kate Moss, one of the first to own the bag, whose frequent paparazzi sightings with the City Bag ultimately propelled it to commercial success. From casual Starbucks runs and Coachella to red carpet events, the City Bag became scrumptious arm candy for A-list celebrities such as Nicole Richie, Sienna Miller, the Olsen twins, the Kardashians, and, how could we miss, Paris Hilton, throughout those early years.
Even today, the Balenciaga City Bag remains a coveted icon among young fashion lovers. On resale platforms like Vestiaire Collective, EBay, and The RealReal, its enduring appeal is evident, with a spectrum of vibrant hues available for the taking. Meanwhile, on TikTok, the mere sight of a City Bag in a thrift store sparks euphoric shrieks, with lucky finders declaring their fashion jackpot.
The bag’s signature features, such as the leather-strung zipper pulls and rugged hardware, have since influenced the aesthetic of other Balenciaga collections, including Le Cagole and Neo Classic. Nevertheless, Le City was designed to closely mirror the original circa-2001 reference.
READ MORE
RAYA 2025 COLLECTIONS BY LOCAL FASHION DESIGNERS TO SHOP
Fashion City Guide: ANAABU Embraces Heritage Through Fashion and Its Retail Spaces