The Origins Behind The Names Of These Classic Accessories
Six classic pieces inspired by a first lady, a loved one, a friend, and a princess.
By Noelle Loh,
Getting its present-day moniker from ’60s style icon/first lady Jackie Onassis because she carried it so much (it was initially named the Constance), Gucci’s signature hobo bag has had many lives. Its latest: the Jackie Notte, a slightly streamlined version of the Jackie 1961 with a snap hook – not piston-style – clasp that is new creative director Sabato de Sarno’s idea of the perfect nighttime bag.
This roomy tote was designed by Ralph Lauren for the ultimate idol in his eyes: his psychotherapist/author/artist wife, Ricky (who is also his muse). Constructed by hand by artisans in Italy, it comes in two silhouettes: structured, and the more relaxed and lighter Soft Ricky, which gets a youthful makeover in a pretty pink shade dubbed Crystal Rose this season.
Named and modelled after Christian Louboutin’s supermodel pal Kate Moss: simple in appearance yet super sharp and sophisticated with its thin stiletto heels and plunging decollete. Two years ago, the designer introduced the Sporty Kate, the same slick pumps crafted to be even more comfortable.
The late Princess Di deservedly continues to receive tributes. This season, Dior serves up another: this compact and hyper-chic tote inspired by the first bag it named after the princess, the Lady Dior. Dubbed the Lady D-Sire, it’s like a more pragmatic but no less elegant version of the maison’s most famous bag with its slightly relaxed, east-west silhouette and sumptuous finish – choose from grained taurillon leather, or crumpled leather stitched with the brand’s signature Macrocannage motif.
A cult style from the French house of Repetto inspired by jazz shoes and christened after company founder Rose Repetto’s daughter-in-law, Zizi Jeanmarie – a famous dancer and socialite in the ’70s. Its latest update is guaranteed to put the brand back into the fashion spotlight: a square-toed version (it’s usually slightly rounded) with low circular block heels designed in collaboration with It label-of-the-moment Jacquemus.
Princess Diana’s status as a fashion icon is indisputable, going by the number of handbags named after her. Another one of the most popular hails from the house of Tod’s: a roomy, gender-neutral tote with a clean yet supple silhouette that debuted in the ’90s and embodies the princess’ timeless chic. This season, it gets extra-cute with its new mini size in unexpected colours such as this tomato red and neon green.
PHOTOGRAPHY ATHIRAH ANNISSA ART DIRECTION JONATHAN CHIA COORDINATION DANESSA TONG
This article first appeared in the March 2024 Celebrity Edition of FEMALE