(Image credit: kate books and tea)
Contents
- Fendi Spy Bag — Peak 2000s Chaos
- Balenciaga City Bag — The Cool Girl Bag
- Prada Quarzo Spazzolato Bag — Glossy Precision
- Fendi Knit Ruffle Bag — Soft 2000s Playfulness
- Vivienne Westwood Squiggle Bag — Controlled Rebellion
- Chanel Soft Quilted Distressed Leather Tote — Lived-In Luxury
- Chanel Quilted Flap Bag — Classic With a Twist
- Fendi Pequin Magic Handle Bag — Texture First
- Gucci Horsebit Embossed Bag — Structured Confidence
- Final Thoughts (but not really)
I rewatched The Devil Wears Prada because the new movie is coming out, and instead of focusing on the outfits (which, obviously, are still insane), I found myself paying attention to the bags. Not all of them — just the ones that actually stuck. The ones that felt like they had a point.
With the sequel talk picking up again, it felt like the right time to go back and pull out my favorites from the original.
This isn’t a full list. It’s just the bags I noticed… and the ones I’d actually want.
Fendi Spy Bag — Peak 2000s Chaos
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This one feels very of its time, and I mean that in the best way.
The Fendi Spy Bag shows up in that slouchy, slightly overstuffed way that defined mid-2000s luxury. It’s not trying to be neat. It’s a little excessive, a little impractical… which is exactly why I like it.
It feels like something Emily Charlton would carry while running on zero sleep and iced coffee.
Would I carry it now? Maybe not daily. But as a statement? 100%.
Balenciaga City Bag — The Cool Girl Bag
(Image credit: Instagram)
This one still hits.
The Balenciaga City Bag has that worn-in, slightly undone look that makes it feel effortless. It’s not structured, it’s not trying too hard, and that’s exactly why it works.
It feels like the opposite of the Birkin. Less about status, more about attitude.
If I had to pick one bag from the movie to actually carry now, it’s probably this one.
Prada Quarzo Spazzolato Bag (2005) — Glossy Precision
(Image credit: Instagram)
The Prada Quarzo Spazzolato Bag feels sharp and minimal in a very intentional way.
The glossy finish gives it presence, but the shape keeps everything clean. It’s very “I don’t need to do much” without losing impact.
Prada always stands out to me in this era — it has that precision that still feels relevant now. I like how effortless it feels when it’s part of a look.
Fendi Knit Ruffle Bag — Soft 2000s Playfulness
(Image credit: Instagram)
The Fendi Knit Ruffle Bag feels playful in a very effortless way. The shape is slightly unusual, but it still works within that early-2000s luxury mood.
It’s very “I’m not trying to be perfect” without feeling off. I wouldn’t wear it every day, but I like it when a look needs something a bit unexpected.
Vivienne Westwood Squiggle Bag — Controlled Rebellion
(Image credit: Instagram)
It has that slightly loud, unapologetic energy — very Vivienne Westwood in the way it refuses to sit quietly in the background. The print and silhouette stand out immediately, but somehow still feel at home in the world of the film.
Vivienne Westwood has always been a favorite of mine, so seeing it appear felt like one of those small, satisfying details you don’t forget. It doesn’t try to blend in — it just shows up and leaves an impression.
Chanel Soft Quilted Distressed Leather Tote (2006) — Lived-In Luxury
(Image credit: Instagram)
It’s oversized and soft, but it still holds just enough structure so it doesn’t slip into looking messy. That balance is really what makes it work.
To me, it feels genuinely practical — not just in theory or styling notes, but in actual everyday use.
I like that it doesn’t demand attention or planning. It just settles into the day and works with whatever’s happening.
Chanel Quilted Flap Bag — Classic With a Twist
(Image credit: Instagram)
There are a few Chanel moments in the film, and they all do the same thing: they ground everything. The quilted flap isn’t loud, it doesn’t fight for attention, but it always works. Even now, nothing about it feels dated.
It’s probably the most “real life” bag out of all of them. Like, if you pulled it out today, no one would question it. Very Andrea Sachs once she starts figuring things out.
Fendi Pequin Magic Handle Bag — Texture First
(Image credit: Instagram)
This bag is driven by texture and shape. The velour and striped detail give it a strong mid-2000s identity.
It’s very “the material is the whole point” without needing anything extra. I wouldn’t use it often, but I like how much character it adds just by existing.
Gucci Horsebit Embossed Bag — Structured Confidence
(Image credit: Instagram)
It’s polished, but still wearable, and it fits easily into that controlled world of the film. It’s very “everything is in place” without saying it directly.
It’s the kind of piece that brings that Miranda Priestly kind of presence — composed, sharp, and effortlessly put together.
Final Thoughts (but not really)
There are more bags in the film, but these are the ones that actually stayed with me. Some feel timeless, some feel very of their time, but all of them say something about the characters carrying them.
…I’m excited to see which bags will be in the new movie. Part 2 is coming after I watch it — I’ll be back with my favorites from the next one.
In the meantime, if any of these bags caught your eye, you can search for pre-owned Fendi, Balenciaga, Chanel, and Gucci bags on ZenLuxe — sourced from trusted resale shops across Japan, with Entrupy authentication and 30-day returns.