Undoubtedly, anyone claiming to be a part of the fashion set has likely watched one particular film: The Devil Wears Prada. We all have our favorite scenes from the flick, but for the sake of this story, only one is top of mind. About 38 minutes into the movie, Andy Sachs meets her boyfriend Nate and friends Lily and Doug at a bar bearing gifts. As she doles them out, she lifts a Marc Jacobs Mercer Blake bag above her head, to which Lily replies, "Gimme, gimme, gimme." The film may have been fictional, but it encapsulated the fervor surrounding the brand at that time.
After all, back in 2006, everyone was hard-pressed to get their hands on a Marc Jacobs handbag—most were sold out everywhere and could only be spotted on the glitterati of the mid-aughts. And while we've moved on from that period, Marc Jacobs's purses remain ever relevant. For years, we've seen various pieces from the label reach cult status. In honor of that, we've done a deep dive into the brand's history to identify the 18 best Marc Jacobs bags. From archival versions to newly released pieces, these styles are sure to make you say "gimme" out loud too.
About Marc Jacobs
Unless you're a fashion archivist or historian, you might not be familiar with Marc Jacobs's impact on the fashion industry. So let us be clear. He's a maverick who changed how the world views American fashion. The New York City–born designer started his career by studying at Parsons School of Design. He then launched his namesake label in 1986 and won his first CFDA award after that. He went on to do a short stint as the creative director at Perry Ellis. (He was fired for his iconic grunge collection.) And then, he landed one of his most influential roles in '97: creative director at Louis Vuitton.
Over his 16 years at Louis Vuitton, he took the label from its humble roots as a French trunk brand and catapulted it into fame. He's credited with making some of the French house's most famous collaborations come to life (including a collection with esteemed artist Yayoi Kusama) and producing some of the most elaborate runway shows. But it wasn't just his work at Louis Vuitton that made waves. He launched his second line, Marc by Marc Jacobs, in 2001, and with it, he went on to release some of the most beloved handbags among the celeb and fashion set.
#1. The Jessica Stam Bag
Every fashion house has a bag that is its claim to fame. For Marc Jacobs, it's the Jessica Stam bag. Released in 2005, this handbag became the defining It bag of the aughts and was carried by everyone from Paris Hilton to Lindsay Lohan. It's no surprise, then, that we saw Jacobs re-release the style in 2023 in homage to the brand's continued popularity among the style set.
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#2. The Re-Edition Natasha Bag
In summer 2022, Jacobs pulled from the brand's archives and released re-editions of four of the most popular bags from the Q collection. One of them is the Natasha bag, which is a smaller style that can be worn as a crossbody or wristlet. Although the style is smaller compared to other handbags from the brand, it still features those quintessential elements (like the hardware and leather) that made Marc Jacobs's bags famous during the mid-aughts.
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#3. The Box Bag
Although we came to associate Marc Jacobs with the oversize handbags that were popular in the aughts, the brand has continued to evolve. The most apparent shift in the brand's design vision is reflected in the release of the Box Bag in 2017. The bag is 7.75 inches by six inches and is typically made from pebbled leather. It features a detachable strap, flat top handle, and two separate storage compartments. It may not be like other styles from the brand, but that's what makes it so special.
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#4. The Snapshot Bag
Let's set the record straight. The Marc Jacobs Snapshot Bag may have been released in 2016, but it's still as stylish as ever. One could argue that this style is by far one of the best bags in the house's history, not just based on continual sales but also on design. Not only can it be easily worn from day to night, but there are so many versions of this bag you can shop. There are, of course, the classic saffiano leather versions we've all come to recognize with an adjustable and removable strap. And then, there are more trend-forward takes that feature textured materials like shearling and crocodile leather or chain and studded straps. Basically, this Marc Jacobs purse is the ideal purchase because it transcends seasonality through its innate versatility.
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#5. The J Marc Shoulder Bag
Since its release in 2022, the J Marc Shoulder Bag has become a staple among the fashion set because of its melding of functionality and fashion. The classic baguette silhouette makes it timeless. The bag's chain strap (which is inspired by the brand's original Stam bag) is detachable, and it comes with a fabric or leather alternative so that the bag can be styled as a shoulder, crossbody, or clutch bag. But it's not just the silhouette that makes this bag stand out. Rather, it's the variety of styles you can buy. There's everything from solid-hue versions in navy, vibrant green, and cream to trend-forward fabrications like rhinestone mesh and monogram leather. In conclusion, the possibilities with this shoulder bag are endless, making it one of the best bags you can buy right now.
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#6. The Tote Bag
It's no secret that tote bags have been having a moment. We've seen this style take over the runways and the streets. And while numerous brands have had their own popular versions of this silhouette, our personal favorite is Marc Jacobs's tote bag. Released back in 2019, the bag has become the brand's best seller. In part, the virality surrounding this style is due to Jacobs's continued reenvisioning of the classic silhouette through bold monogram prints, luxe leathers, vibrant hues, and furry details. But it also has to do with the fact that its shape is truly a fail-proof investment. Whether you opt for any of the four sizes (micro, small, medium, and large), you know that it is a bag you want to carry long past its peak popularity.
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Shop More Noteworthy Marc Jacobs Bags
There's nothing we love more than a '90s-inspired bag silhouette.
Oh, she's posh.
The handle and strap are removable so that you can style this bucket bag based on your preferences.
Consider this shoulder bag the Snapshot Bag's more sophisticated cousin.
This bag has ample space for all your essentials.
The great thing about this bag is that it can be styled in multiple ways.
Pragmatists, this bag is made for you.
We're betting this will be the next big It bag.
A crescent shoulder bag? Say no more.
This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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