Although Balenciaga built its early reputation through couture, the house's handbags became influential in the early 21st century. Under Creative Director Nicolas Ghesquière, Balenciaga launched the Motorcycle Bag — later known as the City Bag — in 2001. With its relaxed, logo-less silhouette, the bag became one of Balenciaga’s most recognisable designs.
Initially produced in a run of just 25, the design gained cult status after being spotted on Kate Moss. Reflecting on the lasting appeal of the City Bag, Ghesquière once said: ‘You could be a Balenciaga girl with that bag.’
During the tenure of Demna, the house introduced the structured Hourglass Bag in 2019 — a design that paid homage to Balenciaga’s architectural approach to fashion. The distinctive silhouette evolved further with the introduction of the Crush Bag in 2022, which featured curved and pointed edges, as well as chain or leather strap options.
From oversized totes to sharply structured silhouettes, Balenciaga’s bags reflect the house’s balance of craftsmanship and experimentation, keeping it at the forefront of modern culture.
A MATTE BLACK CROCODILE CITY BAG WITH GOLD HARDWARE
Balenciaga, 2005
A SHINY FRAMBOISE POROSUS CROCODILE CITY BAG WITH BRASS HARDWARE
BALENCIAGA, 2009
A LAVENDER DISTRESSED LEATHER CITY BAG
LABELED 'BALENCIAGA PARIS', CIRCA 2008
A MATTE NAVY BLUE PYTHON MINI MOTORCYCLE BAG WITH SILVER HARDWARE
BALENCIAGA, 2010S