Some books have all the fun! Imagine a pink-covered tome of the hottest and most important bags now and in the past, feted by celebs and influencers, and well, you’ve got the new luxury FASHIONPHILE x Assouline Book of Iconic Bags. Celebrating 25 special handbags and the stories that made them unforgettable.
Take Martha Stewart’s brown Birkin, for example. Martha carried it to the event, seemingly with little inside, making onlookers wonder if it was the same Birkin she carried to her criminal trial in 2004. She repeated that the bag was a gift from an old boyfriend. Who was the generous man?
HERMES Togo Birkin 25 Gold
No listing of legendary handbags would be complete without Carrie’s Sex and the City Fendi baguette and the ultimate holy grail purse – a Hermès Himalaya Niloticus Kelly. Of course, there wouldn’t be a ‘Kelly’ by that name if Princess (and actress) Grace Kelly had not famously carried the purse allegedly to hide her baby bump.
And then there’s Chanel, often the first “must-have” for many handbag collectors. Ultimately, it was Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel’s 2.55, which started it all in 1955, later reimagined by Karl Lagerfeld as the equally iconic Classic Flap.
The Louis Vuitton Speedy follows closely in handbag lore. Perhaps Louis Vuitton’s most iconic silhouette, the Speedy now comes in sizes from micro to maxi. It is available in various fabrications, from signature canvas to supple leather. With Pharrell Williams leading the way with the P9, this 1930 classic has been brought into the modern era. It captures the imagination of a new generation of LV lovers.
LOUIS VUITTON Calfskin Monogram Speedy P9 Bandouliere 25 Blue
LOUIS VUITTON LV X YK Taurillon Brass Metal Dots Capucine MM Black
The book also highlights more contemporary icons in the fashionista FASHIONPHILE lineup, including the Bottega Veneta Jodie, known for its sculptural shape and signature knot handle, and the Loewe Puzzle, celebrated for its geometric construction —proof that innovation in handbags is very much alive today.
BOTTEGA VENETA Nappa Intrecciato Small Jodie Fondant
Shop More Iconic Bags
CHRISTIAN DIOR Calfskin Newspaper Printed Saddle Bag With Strap Black White
CHRISTIAN DIOR Lambskin Cannage Small My ABCDior Lady Dior Black
HERMES Togo Birkin 35 Gris Perle
HERMES Epsom Constance 1-24 Etoupe
LOUIS VUITTON LV X TM Monogram Multicolor Speedy Bandouliere 25 White
LOUIS VUITTON Smooth Grained Calfskin Capucines GM Souple Cognac
CHRISTIAN DIOR Oblique Mini Saddle Bag Blue
CHRISTIAN DIOR Metallic Calfskin Bead Embroidery Mini Lady Dior Gold
Updated: October 2nd, 2025
Comments