Influenced by the rise of the secondhand market and a growing taste for archive pieces, fashion is bringing iconic bags from the 2000s and 2010s back to life. As major fashion houses reissue their signature designs, the original versions are being snapped up for a small fortune, or nearly so. Still available on vintage platforms, these once forgotten bags are making a stylish comeback in our wardrobes. Here is a look at five models worth rediscovering.
Dior Gaucho: Galliano’s take on western chic
Created by John Galliano for the Spring Summer 2006 collection, the Gaucho perfectly embodies the British designer’s love for maximalism. From the campaign featuring Kate Moss to its aged leather, oversized buckle, and key and medallion bearing Christian Dior’s likeness, this bag is a statement piece.
A more bohemian little brother to the Saddle Bag, Galliano’s best seller, the Gaucho, has never been reissued, a detail that only fuels collectors’ desire. Its “cowboy couture” aesthetic captivated Sienna Miller in the 2010s, and more recently, Bella Hadid brought it back into the spotlight after the Saint Laurent Spring Summer 26 show. Instantly recognizable, this bag can still be found second hand for between 500 and 700 euros, depending on its condition.
The Céline Phantom: Phoebe Philo’s cult tote bag
Launched by Phoebe Philo for the Autumn Winter 2011 collection, the Phantom is instantly recognizable thanks to its front zip that gives it a subtle smiley-like look. Spacious, soft, and free of any visible logo, it quickly became the chic catch-all for busy women and the trendiest personalities.
It is also one of the most emblematic bags of the Philo era at Céline, now considered legendary for its minimalist approach. Good news for collectors: it was reissued in 2026 by Michael Rider, the brand’s current artistic director, in updated versions (black, brown, electric blue, crocodile effect, and more). Still, the original models designed by Phoebe Philo remain the most sought after and can still be found second hand at attractive prices, but not for much longer.
The Yves Saint Laurent Muse Two: quietly desirable
Less publicized than the other bags on this list, Muse Two is nonetheless an accessory with strong appeal. Released in 2008 under Stefano Pilati, it embodies understated elegance with its soft silhouette, large flap, and lack of flashy logos.
In 2011, a very limited edition was even produced in collaboration with a women’s association in Burkina Faso, only 60 pieces in total. Still somewhat under the radar, this bag remains affordable on platforms like Vinted or Vestiaire Collective, where it can be found starting at around 500 euros.
Its signature flap and clean lines are even said to have inspired another Kering brand, Balenciaga for its recent Rodéo model.
The Bowling Bag by Prada or Moschino
Born at Prada in 2000, the bowling bag saw an initial wave of success before other houses like Dior and Louis Vuitton released their own versions. With its rounded curves, high handles, and often perforated leather, it stood out from the era’s rhinestones and bright colors.
For several seasons now, the trend has made a strong comeback: Prada reissued the bag in 2020, then again in an XXL version for Autumn Winter 2025, spotted on Bad Bunny at the Met Gala in a full Prada look. The good news is that vintage models can still be found for well under 400 euros, especially from Prada or Moschino, which offer more affordable variations.
The Balenciaga Envelope Clutch: the spirit of the City Bag without the price tag
Launched in 2000 by Nicolas Ghesquière, the artistic director of Balenciaga in the time, the City Bag quickly became it-bag. Soft, detailed with zips and instantly recognizable studs, it perfectly embodies the spirit of the 2000s.
Since then, its comeback has been nothing short of spectacular, with prices soaring on the secondhand market and reissues led by Demna. While the City Bag now commands sky high prices, the clutch offers a more accessible alternative that stays true to the original. It features the same signature details, a more compact format, and best of all, a far gentler price, starting around 200 euros on the secondhand market.
And if the standout looks from the recent Fashion Week are any indication, clutches and envelope bags are making a major comeback. In other words, now is the perfect time to get your hands on one.
