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The release of the first half of Season 4 of Emily in Paris has reignited our collective fascination with the world of Parisian style. As we watch Emily Cooper navigate the vibrant streets of Paris, we are not only drawn to her picturesque and dramatic adventures but also to the chic and daring fashion that graces the screen.
The show, known for its bold and sometimes controversial style choices, places a significant emphasis on fashion as a form of self-expression and cultural identity. From high-end couture to effortless street style, Emily in Paris showcases the quintessential elements that define French fashion.
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Among the most enviable aspects of Emily’s wardrobe are the iconic handbags she carries, each one a symbol of luxury and sophistication. The most classic French designer handbags, however, are more than just trendy accessories — they are pieces of history, representing the pinnacle of French craftsmanship and design.
Inspired by the show’s celebration of fashion, we’re exploring some of the most significant pieces of French fashion history, beginning with the country’s most iconic luxury handbags.
The Hermès Birkin Bag
The Hermès Birkin Bag is perhaps the most coveted handbag in the world, symbolizing status, exclusivity, and timeless elegance. However, its origins were surpsingly not just about fashion – it was also about practicality.
In 1984, Hermès’ then-CEO Jean-Louis Dumas was seated next to British actress Jane Birkin on a flight from Paris to London. As Birkin struggled to fit her belongings securely into her bag after they had all fallen out on the floor, she lamented the lack of a stylish, functional handbag for busy women. Dumas was immediately inspired by Birkin, a young mother at the time, and together they sketched a bag on that short flight that combined practicality with luxury — thus, the Birkin was born.
Each Birkin bag (which can range from $8,000 to more than $150,000) is meticulously handcrafted by artisans in Paris, with each bag being constructed entirely by one artisan from start to finish. The waitlist to get your hands on one can stretch from months to years, adding to its mystique and desirability.
The Hermès Kelly Bag
Before the Birkin, there was the Kelly. Originally designed in the 1930s as the “Sac à Dépêches,” the bag gained its iconic status after being famously carried by Grace Kelly in 1956. The Hollywood star, who had become Princess of Monaco, used the bag to shield her pregnant belly from the paparazzi, and it was forever immortalized as the “Kelly Bag.”
Like the Birkin, the Kelly is known for its craftsmanship and exclusivity, with a structured, elegant design that requires years of training before the artisan can be granted with the right to create the handbag. Its association with royalty and old Hollywood glamor makes it a timeless piece in any collection.
The Chanel 2.55
The Chanel 2.55 Flap Bag is more than just a handbag — it’s a piece of women’s fashion history. Created by Coco Chanel in February 1955 (hence the name 2.55), this bag was revolutionary for its time. Chanel designed it with practicality in mind, incorporating a shoulder strap so women could free their hands — unheard of in women’s fashion at the time.
The 2.55 features the iconic quilted leather and “Mademoiselle” lock, making it instantly recognizable. It’s a bag that has transcended trends and remains a cornerstone of the Chanel brand, embodying both innovation and classic style.
The Dior Lady Dior Bag
The Lady Dior Bag owes much of its fame to Princess Diana, who was gifted the bag by the First Lady of France in 1995. Diana loved the bag so much that she carried it on many public occasions, leading to it being renamed in her honor.
The Lady Dior is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, featuring Dior’s signature “Cannage” stitching and a structured silhouette. Its association with Princess Diana has made it a symbol of elegance and grace, cherished by fashion enthusiasts.
The Goyard Saint Louis Tote
The Goyard Saint Louis Tote is a favorite among those who appreciate luxury with a low profile. Goyard, one of the oldest Parisian trunk makers, has been creating bespoke luggage and bags since 1853. The Saint Louis Tote, introduced in the late 20th century, is known for its lightweight design and signature Chevron pattern.
Unlike many other luxury brands, Goyard maintains an air of mystery by eschewing advertising and online sales. The Saint Louis Tote, with its blend of heritage and modernity, has become a quiet symbol of refined taste.
The Saint Laurent Sac du Jour
Introduced in 2013, the Saint Laurent Sac du Jour Bag quickly became a favorite for its minimalist design and structured shape. Created by Hedi Slimane during his tenure as the brand’s creative director, the Sac du Jour, meaning “Bag of the Day,” is a nod to classic leather goods while embracing a modern aesthetic.
Its clean lines and understated branding make it a versatile piece, perfect for the contemporary woman who values both style and functionality.
From the legendary Hermes Birkin and Kelly bags to the timeless Chanel 2.55, each piece tells a story of innovation, artistry, and cultural significance. Just as Emily in Paris blends the modern with the classic, these handbags have shaped and been shaped by the evolving world of fashion. They celebrate the rich heritage of French luxury, showcasing why they remain as relevant and revered today as they were when they first captured the world’s attention.