The Fendi Baguette and Carrie Bradshaw: why this pairing still rules
One scene, one sentence, and a small shoulder bag entered pop culture for good. When Carrie Bradshaw faced a mugger in “Sex and the City” and said “It is not a bag, it is a Baguette”, the Fendi Baguette became less of an accessory and more of a headline. That moment aired in 2000, at the height of the series, and it still drives searches and shopping decisions today.
Here is the context that matters now. The Baguette was designed by Silvia Venturini Fendi in 1997 and quickly grew into a collectible with hundreds of iterations. The brand marked its 25th anniversary in September 2022 with a New York show and capsule collaborations involving Marc Jacobs, Tiffany and Co., Porter and Sarah Jessica Parker. In short, the bag Carrie loved never left the conversation.
Why Carrie Bradshaw made the Fendi Baguette unforgettable
Fashion on screen can create instant memory. “Sex and the City” ran from 1998 to 2004 on HBO, and Carrie Bradshaw used the Baguette like a daily companion: sequins at night, soft leather by day, tucked high under the arm. The purple sequined version from that mugging scene became the visual shorthand for the whole story.
The storytelling did the heavy lifting. A compact shape that sits close to the body fit the late nineties city pace. The line delivered attitude without shouting, which made the bag feel personal, not corporate. Viewers saw a life lived with it, not just a product placement.
Then came longevity. According to Fendi archives communicated through brand retrospectives, more than 1,000 Baguette variations have been produced since 1997. That sheer variety kept the model fresh in the resale market and in new-season drops without diluting what made it recognizable in the first place.
From 1997 launch to 25 years : key dates and real numbers
Timeline first. The Baguette debuted in 1997, created by Silvia Venturini Fendi as a compact baguette shaped shoulder bag. “Sex and the City” introduced it to mass audiences from 1998, with the famous line airing in Season 3 in 2000. In September 2022, Fendi staged a Baguette 25 celebration in New York that featured Kim Jones on the runway with collaborations by Marc Jacobs, Tiffany and Co., Porter and Sarah Jessica Parker.
Data shows the appetite was measurable. Lyst reported a triple digit spike in searches for the Baguette after its 2019 revival, with the bag entering its global hottest products rankings that year. The model reappeared across street style galleries during the 2022 anniversary cycle, pushing secondhand demand through platforms like Vestiaire Collective and The RealReal, as noted in their seasonal reports.
Pricing today sits in a clear range. Fendi lists core leather Baguette styles in the mid to high three thousand dollars, with embellished or special edition pieces crossing five thousand dollars on the brand site. Vintage sequined versions often command strong resale premiums when in excellent condition, especially those echoing screen seen colors.
How to wear and buy a Fendi Baguette today
The main idea is simple. A Baguette works when it feels lived with. That is why it pairs as easily with denim and loafers as with slip dresses, just like Carrie did across episodes.
Common mistakes happen on sizing and authenticity. The model exists in multiple dimensions, and the drop length changes how it sits under a coat. Counterfeits target the most famous colors. Buyers need a quick checklist that holds up in real life.
- Check the interior leather tag and serial number format that matches the production year shared by Fendi resources or trusted authenticators.
- Study stitching consistency around the FF buckle and flap edge, since originals keep tight, even spacing.
- Compare the weight of the metal buckle and clasp to verified models. Genuine hardware feels dense, not tinny.
- Confirm fabric weave on Zucca or FF jacquard patterns where the monogram aligns at seams.
- Pick a size that matches how you move. Under arm carry sits closer with the classic strap, while detachable longer straps allow crossbody.
The last piece : why the Baguette still works in 2025
Trends cycle fast, but utility and storytelling stick. The Baguette offers a compact, secure shape for city routines while delivering a recognizable silhouette. That mix rewards both first time buyers and collectors who rotate different materials across seasons.
There is also the anniversary effect. The 2022 capsules reintroduced the model to a new audience without sidelining earlier editions. Collaborations with Tiffany and Co. or Marc Jacobs added specific materials and finishes that collectors can trace to a date and a show, which sustains long term interest and clear valuation on the secondary market.
What was missing for years was clarity on wear. Now the brand offers detachable straps and mini accessories that clip to the bag, which lets the same Baguette shift from daytime commute to dinner. That addresses the practical question many had while admiring Carrie Bradshaw on screen. And yes, that famous line definetly helped the memory last.