6 Times Luxury Bags Played a Pivotal Role in TV Shows

In the world of television, a character’s wardrobe is never a random decision, especially when it comes to accessories. Among the most telling items are luxury bags. These bags are not just accessories but symbols that convey wealth, taste, and aspiration, depending on the wearer and the context. Often, a luxury bag signifies a character’s transition into a new social realm, or sometimes it reinforces their status with understated elegance. A single shot of a carefully chosen designer handbag can add more depth to a character’s story than an entire subplot.

1. Carrie Bradshaw’s Fendi Baguette in ‘Sex and the City’

When the Fendi Baguette debuted in the late ’90s, it became a global sensation, largely due to Carrie Bradshaw. Her iconic line, “It’s a Baguette,” when correcting a mugger, wasn’t just humorous—it was a moment that solidified the bag’s status as a recognizable luxury item. Beyond fashion, the Baguette became a reflection of Carrie’s character: independent, trend-savvy, and aware of the social power of style.

2. Bridget’s Burberry Tote in ‘Succession’

In Season 4 of Succession, Tom Wambsgans mocks Bridget’s oversized Burberry tote, calling it a “ludicrously capacious bag.” This quip became a memorable line and highlighted how fashion can serve as a litmus test for social class. The Burberry tote, once a symbol of early-2000s aspirational style, is seen here as dated and overtly large, signaling Bridget’s inexperience with luxury. In a show obsessed with class distinctions, the bag becomes a symbol of exclusion, mocked not for its practicality, but for its lack of subtlety.

3. Emily Cooper’s Peter & James Atelier Butterfly Bag in ‘Emily in Paris’

In the third season of Emily in Paris, Emily Cooper carries a sculptural Butterfly bag by Peter & James Atelier, a Paris-based brand known for avant-garde designs. With its exaggerated curves and matte finish, the bag stands out against her otherwise eclectic wardrobe. Unlike more traditional luxury brands featured in the series, this bag embodies Emily’s bold fashion choices, opting for statement pieces that start conversations rather than adhering to classic symbols of wealth. For Emily, fashion is all about disruption and visibility.

4. Rory Gilmore’s Hermès Birkin in ‘Gilmore Girls’

When Logan gives Rory a Hermès Birkin in Season 6, the gift becomes a symbol of both luxury and social tension. At the time, the Birkin was a coveted status symbol known for its high price and limited availability. Rory’s initial awkwardness with the bag underscores the social divide between her middle-class background and Logan’s elite world. Her eventual acceptance of it signals her gradual entry into a more privileged sphere, highlighting the tension between her past and the new world she’s entering.

5. Blair Waldorf’s Lady Dior in ‘Gossip Girl’

Blair Waldorf’s wardrobe in Gossip Girl was meticulously curated, and her Lady Dior bag played a key role in shaping her image. The quilted, top-handle design of the Lady Dior perfectly matched Blair’s preference for polished, traditional luxury. Unlike Serena’s more relaxed, bohemian style, Blair’s accessories, anchored in classic fashion houses, reinforced her desire to maintain control and uphold a legacy of status. Off-screen, the Lady Dior’s resurgence among a new generation of viewers helped cement its place in contemporary fashion.

6. Issa Dee’s Telfar Shopping Bag in ‘Insecure’

In Season 4 of Insecure, Issa Dee’s white Telfar Shopping Bag became a cultural statement. The bag, known for its accessibility, gender-neutral design, and its status as a product of a Black-owned brand, was seen as a challenge to traditional luxury. Issa’s choice reflected her personal journey of reinvention and her connection to a larger cultural shift that values authenticity and community over exclusivity. The bag not only reinforced Issa’s character arc but also contributed to the bag’s rising popularity, becoming a symbol of inclusivity and cultural relevance.