A good bag will always be a good bag, as these Y2K pieces prove.
Related: Sharpay Evans? Nope. Kim Chiu Was The Real Queen Of Y2K Style
I’m sure you recognize that cute, smiling rainbow sunflower that has surged back into popularity after NewJeans used it as their album cover for Supernatural and its B-side Right Now, released in June 2024. This cheerful, iconic bloom has once again danced its way into the spotlight, but this isn’t the first Takashi Murakami delightful creation that has made waves– you might’ve also seen it adorned in the forearm of the iconic blonde mean girl, Regina George.
And best believe, that bag has proven to be the it-girl stamper that it really was because Louis Vuitton and Murakami’s iconic collaboration for this early 2000’s staple piece has been confirmed to be making a comeback after almost 21 years. With the upcoming vintage piece in brown and pink available on the first day of 2025, it’s the perfect time to reminisce about some of the most iconic Y2K bags that deserve a grand return.
After all, fashion is cyclical, and trends and designs eventually find their way back to the fashion consciousness. With famous fashion collaborations making a grand return, it’s clear these aren’t just bags; they’re stories—of design, of eras gone by, and of the people who wore them with aplomb.
Style isn’t about following trends; it’s about celebrating pieces that make us feel something profound. These beloved pieces listed below, as proven by the thrift girlies who hunt for vintage finds in the countless flea markets, are more than ready and anticipated for their encore.
COACH’S CARLY LARGE TOTE
The mid-2000s were when practicality met elegance, and the Coach Carly Large Tote embodied that beautiful collision. Crafted from Coach’s signature jacquard fabric adorned with their iconic “C” pattern, the tote featured rich leather trim, polished brass hardware, and a spacious interior that could effortlessly accommodate everything from your diary to that novel you’ve been meaning to finish.
Designed under the creative direction of Reed Krakoff, who revitalized the brand with a modern yet timeless aesthetic, the Carly was every woman’s versatile companion coming in with a version with big, metallic-like satin circles and also a creative patchwork design. With that the Carly series has seamlessly transitioned from boardroom meetings to fabulous brunches with friends.
Today, a Coach Carly Tote can be found ranging from ₱8,000 to ₱17,000—a modest investment for a bag that carried not only our belongings but also probably, our mom’s memories.
BURBERRY’S LONDON RARE NOVA COTTON CANDY TOTE
Who says British tradition can’t tease with a bit of whimsy? The Burberry London Pink Nova Check Tote took the brand’s timeless plaid and dipped it in shades of blush and cotton candy. Priced between ₱22,000 and ₱45,000, this tote was a youthful refresh of Burberry’s storied legacy under Christopher Bailey’s innovative eye.
Coming in with other pastel colors like periwinkle blue, this handbag is crafted from premium canvas and accented with leather trims, making it practical for its durability and yet still delightfully sophisticated. The Pink Nova Check added a playful pop to any ensemble, making it the perfect accessory for those unafraid to mix classic elegance with good ‘ol girliepop energy.
CHRISTIAN DIOR’S MONOGRAM TROTTER CHERRIES IVORY PINK AND ROMANTIQUE TROTTER SERIES
When Dior decided to sprinkle a dash of playfulness into its elegance, we got the enchanting Monogram Trotter Cherries Ivory Pink Satchel. Imagine the classic Dior monogram canvas kissed by adorable cherry motifs—a truly sweet blend of sophistication and flirtatious charm, as proven by Paris Hilton.
Crafted during John Galliano’s audacious era, this satchel was more than just a bag; it was a bold statement. The delicate ivory pink backdrop made those cherries pop, capturing hearts and turning heads wherever it went.
Today, this collector’s piece ranges from ₱56,000 to ₱140,000 and with this pricing comes also their Romantique Handbag series, which featured their memorable heart trinket.
CELINE’S BOOGIE BAG
Priced between ₱22,000 and ₱50,000, the Céline Boogie Bag is a delightful nod to structured design with a dash of sass. Launched in the early 2000s under Michael Kors’ creative vision, this bag embodied understated luxury before minimalism became Céline’s hallmark.
Crafted from high-quality leather in bold colors and intriguing textures, it featured sturdy top handles and practical exterior pockets.
For the divas who values substance as much as style, the Boogie Bag was a dream—effortlessly accommodating daily essentials while exuding casual chic. It whispered sophistication without demanding attention, making it a timeless piece that still feels remarkably fresh today.
JUICY COUTURE’S DAYDREAMER AND FLUFFY BLING RING
Juicy Couture rings our nostalgia bell when we remember the velour tracksuits they are oh-so well-known for. The brand was a formidable player in popularizing casual loungewear into a fashionable statement, which dubbed the 2000’s have-a-tracksuit culture. But their influence extends beyond the fluffy cool velvet and onto handbags.
Put that velour shine onto bags, and you get the Daydreamer bag and the Fluffy Bling Ring bag that came in various popping colors that are sure to elevate any outfit. Ranging with a price between 25,000 to 40,000 today, it’s true that this line is a definite ode to the Y2K era, embodying the glamorous chill girl aesthetic to a t!
So if you see someone sporting any J&C items in general, then you know they’re a true Y2K advocate because despite their surge of influence, they’re now quite the chest piece to find.
CHLOE PADDINGTON MEDIUM SATCHEL
No trip down memory lane is complete without the Chloé Paddington Medium Satchel. Introduced in 2005 by the brilliant accessories team led by Phoebe Philo, this bag wasn’t just a must-have; it was an obsession. Crafted from sumptuous, distressed leather and adorned with an oversized padlock and key, the Paddington embodied that boho-luxe vibe we couldn’t get enough of.
Available in earthy tones like rich tan and deep chocolate, its slouchy silhouette and hefty hardware struck the perfect balance between edgy and elegant. The Paddington wasn’t just a bag; it was a cultural moment, a must-have that had fashion aficionados waiting months to acquire. Reconnecting with this icon might set you back ₱28,000 to ₱84,000, but can you really put a price on rekindling a love affair with one of fashion’s most unforgettable muses?
Continue Reading: 10 Totes And Tiny Bags to Add to Your Versatile Collection
