Every once in a while, a new bag hits the scene, and somehow, it is just it. The idea of an “It-Bag” is genuinely a pop-culture phenomenon, with the era of the It-bag hitting its peak in the late 2000s and very early 2010s.
Many iconic bags could easily have been classified as It-bags during that time. In other words, a bag that not only found mass popularity but became a recognizable part of pop culture, identifiable not only to those deeply woven in the fashion world but also to those who are not.
One of the world’s most popular handbags in the early aughts was the Balenciaga City Bag. Launched under the creative direction of Nicholas Ghesquiere, the City was integral to Y2K fashion, and its hype was impossible to ignore.
Lived-In and Loved
While the original City has been relaunched, Balenciaga’s newest bag offers that familiar pang, a hint of nostalgia, and nods to a bygone era. Yes, I’m talking about the Balenciaga Rodeo Bag, which was released earlier this year.
Named after LA’s famed Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, the Rodeo features just the right amount of slouch. It is crafted of soft calfskin and has that effortlessly cool, lived-in appeal reminiscent of the early aughts. The Rodeo is quickly gaining a cult following, with certain combinations challenging to track down in stores.
On TikTok, the Rodeo is garnering lots of attention, with users calling it the latest must-have bag. It’s not just TikTok that has the internet in a tizzy. PurseForum members have given the Rodeo its very own thread, discussing colors, sizes, and availability in-store.
It’s been a long time since fashion had a true It-bag. Maybe it’s the nostalgia of days long gone, but this bag and the ever-growing buzz behind it have all the makings of becoming the next big thing. What do you think?
Kinda looks like the Fendi Peekaboo.
its a nice leather big bag;
Yes, but wonderful smooshy leather. This bag is less boxy, more slouch. There are multiple sizes.
I am not impressed.
Why are we talking about balenciaga? Their stores are empty and most of their bags are ending up in the sale!
I’m glad I’m not the only one. Has everyone forgotten that disgusting AD campaign? As a mother to young children, I cannot forgive so easily.
The bag looks good. Maybe half off on the second-hand market in a few months.
Love it! It’s like the Hermes Kelly and Chanel Reissue had a really big baby.
And a Fendi also joined that party, lol
I like it but that’s a very narrow shoulder strap for such a big bag. It would dig in if the bag was full…ugh
Not a fan of all the charms, but I DO like this bag!!
$4200 or $2900, I just cannot. It looks super soft but the price tag is too much.
It sure won’t replace my City & Purses, that’s for sure. I agree with the Fendi Peek A Boo comment too.
And while I myself love a good purse charm–all the heavy stuff this person has added is overkill (a padlock? that alone made my Paddy sooo heavy back in the day).
Supporting Balenciaga after that sickening and unforgivable AD campaign is the biggest ick.
Insert eye roll. 🙄
I don’t understand the purpose of the Hermes like turn lock.
it seems you can switch between lock from 1 or 2 turn lock
I thought it served no purpose until I watched a YouTube video.
Really great looking bag if you ask me. Has a kind of Birkin/Neverfull/Loewe vibe. I was such a fan of Bal, mostly cities, for many, many years – still have a few which the two daughters have “discovered” now. This bag looks like it would be practical, chic, and hold a lot. I tend to carry around way too much stuff. I am glad the new designer is getting away from all the bling-bling, crazy bags from the last few seasons and back to the classics that Nicholas Ghesquiere started back in (2004?) with the fabulous motorcycle bag..
I like the bag and love the smooshy leather. Not a fan of the charms.
You can get the bag with or without the charms. I just got myself the mini with antique silver hardware, without the charms as I’m not a fan of them either. Love the leather.