25 Years Later, And Balenciaga’s Le City Bag Is Still That Girl
What started as a staple among Y2K It-girls has since grown up. The iconic Balenciaga bag now marks its milestone anniversary with artist Damien Hirst, long-time admirer Nicole Richie and a celebration worthy of its cult status.
Cast your mind back to the golden age of celebrity street style: oversized sunglasses, skinny scarves, low-rise jeans and, more often than not, a Balenciaga Le City hanging off someone’s arm. While many fashion trends come and go, some simply refuse to leave the cultural zeitgeist. Balenciaga’s Le City bag firmly belongs in the latter category.
First introduced in 2001, the bag swiftly became a cult favourite, with Kate Moss and Nicole Richie among its most recognisable devotees. Its slouchy silhouette, lived-in leather and unmistakable moto-inspired details made it the ultimate off-duty accessory. Now, 25 years later, Balenciaga is celebrating its birthday with a series of exclusive launches, a global campaign and an artistic collaboration.
To mark the occasion, Balenciaga has teamed up with British artist Damien Hirst for a limited-edition collection of Le City bags. Known for his signature colourful spot paintings, Hirst is bringing his distinctive visual language to the iconic silhouette, with the partnership featuring a range of graphic motifs across the Le City Mini, Small, Medium and Large, alongside wallets, pouches, card holders and micro bag charms.
Naturally, there’s also a new name for the collaboration: Damienciaga. Each piece combines Hirst’s artistic motifs with Balenciaga’s signature craftsmanship, giving the well-loved classic a fresh lease of life.
How the Le City went from an Anti-It bag to the official It-Bag
Before it became the iconic favourite we know today, the Le City had a rather unconventional beginning. Originally designed by Nicolas Ghesquiere in 2001, the bag took inspiration from the classic biker jacket, translating its rebellious attitude into soft leather, metal studs, buckles and distinctive zip pulls. Unlike the logo-heavy It-bags dominating the era, it was deliberately understated, earning itself the nickname of the Anti-It Bag.
One of its earliest champions was Kate Moss, who reportedly took an interest in the original prototype. Her enthusiasm helped convince the house to put the design into production, kickstarting its journey towards cult status. The rest, as they say, is fashion history.
Nicole Richie is finally getting her Le City flowers
Nicole Richie and her Le City bag: truly a fashion love affair for the ages.
Few people have championed the Le City quite like Nicole Richie. Throughout the 2000s, she was practically inseparable from the bag, carrying it in just about every colour and size imaginable. Alongside fellow Y2K style icons like the Olsen twins, Gisele Bundchen and Paris Hilton, Richie helped cement its status as an off-duty celebrity staple. So, it’s only fitting that she’s finally getting her moment in front of the camera for Balenciaga.
Nicole Richie (left), Hugo Ekitike (Right)
As part of the anniversary celebrations, Balenciaga has launched a two-chapter global campaign featuring some of the house’s most recognisable Le City fans. Chapter One brings together Richie, Balenciaga ambassador Isabelle Huppert, footballer Hugo Ekitike and Cecilia Boey, each photographed with their beloved bags across major cities around the world. And while the campaign is a first for Richie with the house, her relationship with the Le City has been a long time coming.
Le City House exhibition opens with archival displays and bespoke services
A 25th birthday calls for a little reminiscing, and Balenciaga is doing just that with Le City House. First opening at the brand’s historic Paris address at 10 Avenue George V from November 10 to 19, 2026, the experience takes a trip through the bag’s history. Conceived as a living archive, it brings together rare archival pieces and collectors’ memorabilia.
Beyond looking back, Le City House also shines a light on the personalisation and care services available for the iconic accessory, including hand-painted monogramming, custom mirror etching and even handle re-lacing. After its Paris debut, the experience is set to make its way to New York, Tokyo, Shanghai, Beijing and other Balenciaga locations around the world.
From top left to bottom right: Hudson Williams, Bella Hadid, Gabriette, Juyeon, Rachel Sennott, Sarah Pidgeon
A quarter-century on, the Le City remains proof that good design doesn’t come with an expiry date. It’s had its Y2K heyday, weathered countless trend cycles and found a new generation of fashion fans along the way. And if the last 25 years is anything to go by, we don’t see this one retiring anytime soon.
The Balenciaga x Damien Hirst collection and other Le City styles are available at balenciaga.com and selected Balenciaga boutiques worldwide.