Ah, 2005. What a year. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen were attending NYU. Kate Bosworth and Orlando Bloom were dating. Destiny's Child officially disbanded. Every teenager was glued to their TV watching The O.C. Never one to turn down the opportunity to take a walk down memory lane, I thought it would be fun to chronicle what bags were popular this time 15 years ago, and I hit the jackpot with these throwback photos.
One fun fact I discovered: The same year, 5400 miles apart and 12 years before they would meet, future sisters-in-law Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle were both wearing the same bag that had a cult following in the early 2000s (and continues to attract fans to this day). Scroll down to find out all the It bags that reigned supreme in 2005, as worn by Mischa Barton, Lindsay Lohan, Janet Jackson, and more. Plus, shop the current It bags that are similarly popular right now.
1. Fendi Spy Bag
Nowadays, you don't see very many oversize bags on the red carpet, but 2005 was all about the Fendi Spy Bag. Everyone from Lindsay Lohan to Janet Jackson was obsessed with the hobo bag, which came in a range of colors and patterns. I think the 2020 equivalent is the Staud Moon Bag, which has a roughly similar rounded shape and is extremely popular right now.
The 2020 Alternative: Staud Moon Bag
2. Balenciaga Motorcycle Bag
While the Balenciaga Motorcycle Bag technically debuted in 2001, it arguably hit peak popularity around 2004 to 2006. It graced the arms of the day's biggest headline-makers, including the Olsens, the Hiltons, Nicole Richie, and Sienna Miller. Right now, By Far's Rachel Bag is extremely popular with 2020 It girls like Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber.
The 2020 Alternative: By Far Rachel Bag
3. Chloé Paddington Bag
Chloé certainly knows how to make a covetable It bag and has churned out some of the most popular versions of all time. During this time 15 years ago, celebrities loved the Chloé Paddington in particular. In 2020, Swedish label Little Liffner is designing chic brown leather bags that give the Paddington a run for its money.
The 2020 Alternative: Little Liffner Brown Leather Bags
4. Longchamp Le Pliage Nylon Tote
In 2005, future sisters-in-law Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle both wore the same Longchamp Le Pliage Nylon Bag—Middleton to her college graduation and Markle on the red carpet. For 2020, the brand's leather version of the bag feels much fresher than nylon.
The 2020 Alternative: Longchamp Le Pliage Leather Tote
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