How the Fendi Baguette Became a Cult Classic | Christie's

Why It Matters

The sale underscores the Baguette’s enduring cultural cachet and collectible value, spotlighting continued strong demand in the luxury resale and auction markets. Christie's showcase and high‑profile provenance signal ongoing investor and collector interest in iconic designer pieces.

Summary

The Fendi Baguette, designed by Silvia Fendi in 1997 and inspired by how Parisians carry bread, became a fashion phenomenon after a 2000 Sex and the City cameo that dubbed it the original “it” bag. Fendi produced over 1,000 variations of the compact handbag, ranging from everyday Zucca canvas to elaborately beaded versions with semi‑precious hardware. Christie's is marking the model’s 30th anniversary with its first dedicated curation, including two pieces from Elizabeth Taylor’s collection. The exhibition runs at Rockefeller Center June 5–10, with an online sale closing June 11.

Original Description

The world’s first ‘It’ bag, the Fendi Baguette has seen over 1,000 iterations since its 1997 debut.

🥖 Compact and rectangular, the bag was inspired by the eponymous French bread and the custom of carrying it tucked under one arm. Over nearly 30 years, the Baguette has developed a cult following and appeared on the arm of on-screen icons like Carrie Bradshaw and superstars like Elizabeth Taylor.

In this video, Christie's Head of Handbags Max Brownawell takes us through a quick history and curation of vintage Baguettes — including two from Elizabeth Taylor's personal collection — now on view at our Rockefeller Center galleries.

📅 Handbags Online: The New York Edit | Through 11 June, 10AM EST

📍 On view through 10 June at 20 Rockefeller Plaza. Admission is free and open to the public.