WORDS BY JADE BROCK
In an episode of ‘Sex and the City’, at a party Samantha and a Playboy Bunny get into a fight over a purse. “That Bunny has got my bag!” she squawks to Charlotte, eyes ablaze with rage. A strap-grabbing confrontation ensues, followed by a swift enforced exit from the Playboy mansion for the famous foursome. Which accessory was worthy of such a scene? None other than the Fendi Baguette.
Imagined in polka dots by Damien Hirst, scribbled on by Richard Prince and spotted under the arms of models and actresses the world over — it’s even got a coffee table book dedicated to it. The Fendi Baguette is an icon, the original It bag and worthy of a spot in any handbag hall of fame. Read on to get the low-down from Cassie Thorpe (@casscass2102) on the different Baguette sizes, as well as tips on how to style and care for them.
Cassie Thorpe Fendi Baguette Bag Review
Fendi Baguette History
Fendi first launched its now-signature accessory in 1997, designed by the founders’ granddaughter, Silvia Venturini Fendi — but it wasn’t always called the Baguette. The iconic name came after a journalist published an article referring to the bag as a ‘little purse that you wear under your arm, like a French bread’. Handbag aficionados were spotted wearing the purse tucked under the arm, the very same way that the French are usually seen carrying their national favorite long baton-esque loaf. Fendi liked it and the name stuck.
It’s no secret that Carrie Bradshaw catapulted the Fendi Baguette to its icon status. When Carrie takes a wrong turn and subsequently gets mugged in an NYC alleyway, her purple sequin purse catches the robber’s attention. Her response when the mugger demands her bag? ‘It’s not a bag — it’s a Bag-uette!’ Since the ‘SATC’ scene aired, Carrie’s love for the Fendi Baguette sparked a global phenomenon and over 100,000 original Fendi Baguettes were sold in the first year of its release alone.
It bags usually garner a lot of attention, but their staying power can be relatively short-lived. This is certainly not the case for the Fendi Baguette. Since its launch in ‘97, there have been hundreds of variations. Embellished, sequinned, embroidered, exclusive pieces, Limited Editions, ‘DIY Baguette’ kits, customizable versions — you name it, Fendi’s done it.
So why was the Fendi Baguette re-released in 2019? Well, just like any house signature, it needs to be nurtured. The new version of the Fendi Baguette has evolved, so it’s more versatile — it has additional straps so it can be worn cross-body and also become a pouch.
Fendi Baguette Size Comparison
Where and when did you first come across the Fendi Baguette? What makes these bags so special?
“I’d always known about the Fendi Baguette, though I was too young when it was originally launched back in 1997 to really appreciate the bag. Growing up I would see it in old TV shows and felt like it was such a classic piece. When it relaunched in 2019, I totally fell in love with it — not only due to the delicious range of colors Fendi was coming out with, but the different textures and fabrics too. There really is a Baguette for everyone.”
Nano Baguette Size & Styling
What’s the perfect occasion to use the Nano Baguette bag?
“I love a tiny bag so I would wear it for any occasion, but I know most people carry more than just cards and keys so it’s better suited for an evening look when you don’t need much with you. The additional clip at the back of the Nano Baguette means you can casually attach it onto another bag — tapping into the utility bag trend.”
How would you style the Nano Baguette bag? Is it comfortable to carry?
“It’s so light, easy to wear and carry — it’s so care-free! Because of its fabulous Nano size, I personally feel like it can go with everything. As it’s such a small pop of color you can have some fun with it and go for bright hues that you wouldn’t usually choose.”
Mini Baguette Size & Styling
What’s the perfect occasion to use the Mini Baguette bag?
“The chain handles really allow this bag to work seamlessly for a day-to-night moment, but I personally think the Mini Baguette really pops for an evening look. I prefer to wear it as a shoulder bag and think it really shines against a darker outfit — possibly for a dinner or fancy meal.”
How would you style the Mini Baguette bag? Is it comfortable to carry?
“With this particular bag you have the beautiful blush pink and the black detailing so I like to lean in with darker or all-black outfits to give the bag enough attention and not distract from it. You could add a bit more color with a fabulous pair of shoes, but I do love monochrome looks with this Mini Baguette. Even a white cotton shirt dress in the summer with this bag would look stunning!”
Medium Baguette Sizing & Styling
What’s the perfect occasion to use the Medium Baguette bag?
“The Medium Baguette is the perfect everyday bag — the size is perfect for all your everyday essentials. The cross-body strap and removable top handle mean you can wear it in so many different ways and customize the bag to suit your outfit or how you want to carry your Baguette that day.”
How would you style the Medium Baguette bag? Is it comfortable to carry?
“The bag is so light and comfortable to wear either cross-body or using the top handle. My Medium Baguette is a little bright so — much like with the Mini Baguette — I like to wear this with a simple outfit and let the bag do the talking. I like to be careful and not overdo it with too many colors as it can overwhelm the look, so to make things easy I keep it simple or monochrome. Whether that’s a white T-shirt and jeans or a single-color dress, then the attention naturally goes to the bag.”
FARFETCH Pre-Owned Fendi Baguette Bags
FARFETCH sells pre-owned bags and has a large range of pre-owned Fendi bags. What are your tips for sourcing pre-owned Fendi?
“I think the most important factors are really understanding the condition of the bag so you know what to expect, as well as sourcing from reputable pre-loved sellers. For example, this denim vintage Fendi Baguette was sent from AMORE boutique in Japan — a very creditable, well-known boutique for pre-owned pieces, so you know you can trust the quality, authenticity and condition declared.”
What are the main differences between the Fendi pre-owned bag and the more recent styles?
“The main difference between the original Fendi Baguette and the reissued style is the straps. The original Baguette has one handle that you can adjust a little bit using the buckles on either side of the bag, whereas the more recent styles have a detachable top handle as well as a detachable cross-body strap.”
If you’re looking to buy your first Fendi Baguette bag, or add to your collection, FARFETCH Pre-Owned sources one-off vintage pieces from around the globe and independently checks their quality and authenticity before delivering them to your doorstep. Check out our selection of pre-owned Fendi bags and feel safe in the knowledge that your latest investment is not only good for your portfolio, but also for the planet.
Caring for Fendi Baguettes
Do you have any care tips for Fendi bags? How do you protect/clean/store your Fendi bags?
“I'm very careful with my Fendi Medium Baguette, because it’s uncoated fabric — I don’t use the bag if the weather looks like it might rain or if there’s a chance the bag may get dirty, as it’s not easy to clean. I store it at home inside its dust bag on a shelf, away from direct sunlight and I also stuff it to help maintain its shape.”
Fendi Baguette Size Dimensions (LxHxD)
Pico Baguette
6.5 cm x 6.5 cm x 2.5 cm
Nano Baguette
11 cm x 6.5 cm x 2.5 cm
Mini Baguette
19 cm x 11.5 cm x 4 cm
Medium Baguette
27 cm x 15 cm x 6 cm
Large Baguette
33 cm x 18 cm x 5.5 cm
Pico Baguette Mini Pouch | Baguette Floral Embroidery Handbag | Zucchino Baguette Bag | Baguette Monogram-Print Shoulder Bag
Small Baguette Crossbody Bag | Mini Baguette Chain Bag | Mini Pico Baguette Charm Bag | Mini Mamma Baguette Sequined Tote Bag
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