You call yourself a fashion expert but do not have a crossbody bag in your wardrobe? Seriously? That is almost inexcusable! Joking aside, if you told us that at Secondement, we might struggle to believe you. The crossbody handbag is a key piece in any bag collection. Since it appeared during the twentieth century, designers have continually reinvented the format and showcased it in new ways, helping it move effortlessly from decade to decade. The result? The crossbody bag remains firmly on trend. Here is why this style has been so successful and why it has such a distinctive appeal.
A little history
When it comes to innovations that changed women’s everyday lives, Chanel and Hermès are in a league of their own - and that is especially true of the shoulder bag. Hermès was one of the first to experiment with the idea, launching a design in 1935 with a longer strap, known as the “strap bag.” It was visionary, perhaps simply too modern for its time, and the luxury handbag did not immediately convince customers. But the story was far from over.
Hermès launches the “strap bag,” too avant-garde for its era.
Coco Chanel revolutionizes fashion with the 2.55, inspired by military shoulder bags.
Grace Kelly popularizes the Hermès Kelly, later renamed in her honor.
Meanwhile, Coco Chanel enters the story with her desire to change the way women dress. Why be burdened by a clutch carried in the hand or a small handbag balanced on the forearm when a practical, elegant alternative can be created? Inspired by men’s military satchels, Chanel imagined a women’s fashion accessory as functional as a messenger bag. The result was the Chanel 2.55, a chain-strap bag designed to be worn on the shoulder.
💡 Did you know? Once again, fashion reflects far more than an aesthetic whim. By allowing greater freedom of movement, the crossbody bag genuinely became a symbol of women’s liberation. Looking elegant is wonderful; being comfortable at the same time is even better. No more handbags slipping out of your hand or turning your arm into a coat rack.
You can thank designers for inventing the crossbody bag: it lets you carry your belongings while holding a cappuccino in one hand and taking a selfie with the other. Hermès had not said its final word, either. Its famous strap bag reappeared one year after the Chanel 2.55 - and what a comeback it made. Grace of Monaco carried it during a public appearance and used it to conceal the early signs of pregnancy. Hermès renamed the bag the “Kelly,” and the model finally achieved the success it deserved. Equipped with both a top handle and a shoulder strap, it remains one of the world’s most famous women’s bags.
The most iconic crossbody bags
If Chanel helped pioneer shoulder and crossbody bags with the 2.55 and later its reinvented Timeless, the other great luxury leather-goods houses quickly followed.
What do we particularly love about a crossbody bag? It comes in every possible shape and size, and it can complete almost any outfit.
The Gucci Marmont
The Gucci Marmont is proof of the format’s appeal and remains one of today’s most fashionable crossbody bags. Worn across the body over a loose white shirt, its chain adds an effortless chic note to the outfit.
The Chloé Drew
For another true it-bag, consider the Chloé Drew. From its distinctive oval shape and rectangular clasp to the rings on the top, every detail of this clutch-style crossbody is instantly recognizable.
The Louis Vuitton Alma
A sign of the crossbody bag’s current popularity is that several houses have launched updated versions of classic top-handle bags. Louis Vuitton, for example, has offered the Alma and Speedy with a detachable shoulder strap since 2011.
Another standout shoulder bag is Givenchy’s Antigona. With its two top handles and detachable strap, this leather bag combines a tote-inspired shape with restrained styling. Since its launch in 2011, its clean lines have attracted countless celebrities, from Nicole Richie to Hailey Bieber.
Discover these designs and many more in Secondement’s selection of pre-owned crossbody bags.
Crossbody bags on the runway
Boring, the crossbody bag? Never. Thanks to its strap, this format can be worn in countless ways. Recently, it has often been styled high on the body with a shortened strap. One look at recent haute couture runway styling makes it clear that the crossbody bag is a timeless design with a long future ahead. Think vintage satchel at Chloé or Prada during Fall 2020 Fashion Week, or beaded bucket bags at Chanel for Spring 2021: our fashion dreams are full of statement bags.
While waiting to invest in one of the latest luxury bags seen on the runway, take a look at Secondement’s pre-owned bag boutique.
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