It Girls Keep Overlooking Newer Models for This 20-Year-Old Designer Bag, and Now I See Why

Most Gen Z shoppers, myself included, are trained to spot the difference between viral hype and a piece that genuinely earns its longevity. The Balenciaga City bag—yes, the famous Y2K moto bag that once lived on the arms of every paparazzi-followed celebrity in the 2000s—falls squarely into the second category. Gen Z has been busy chasing minimalist quiet luxury totes, but after a short-lived love affair with the Balenciaga City bag thanks to Fashionphile, I get why this bag refuses to stay in the past.

It's maximalist without being gaudy. It's detailed without trying too hard. It signals fashion knowledge without the need to posture. In a world obsessed with quiet luxury, the Balenciaga City bag is a loud, lived-in purse in the most tasteful way. Unlike so many archival comebacks, this one doesn't rely on celebrity nostalgia alone. According to the 2025 Fashionphile Ultra-Luxury Resale Report, the rise of the Balenciaga City bag isn't just in my head: It saw a 231.5% increase in follows year over year.

What I expected to be a simple nostalgia test run turned into something closer to a personality change. The City bag doesn't just accessorize an outfit. It animates it. Suddenly, every 'fit felt a little more undone, a little more effortless, a little more "I have better things to worry about than matching my bag." It's a slouchy, rebellious pulse in a sea of structured, serious handbags, and honestly, it feels refreshing.

Balenciaga City Bag History

Originally designed by Nicolas Ghesquière in 2001, the City bag was famously rejected by Balenciaga's executives for being "too soft, too lightweight, too unstructured" before becoming an accidental icon. Editors loved it, and early aughts celebs like Kate Moss and Lindsay Lohan made it a thing overnight. Suddenly, everyone needed a bag with a slightly chaotic silhouette covered in tassels and studs.

Twenty-something years later, Gen Zers who once worshipped minimalism are now rediscovering the appeal of bags with actual personality. On TikTok, #BalenciagaCityBag has surged, and resale searches have skyrocketed. The vibe is very much "I don't need a logo the size of a billboard. I need slouch, texture, and a little bit of hot mess energy."

The Stats

Brand: Balenciaga

Model: Agneau Giant 12 Gold Hardware City

Material: Distressed lambskin leather

Color: Navy

Hardware: Plated rose gold

Details: Dust bag, rolled-leather top handles with whipstitch detailing, removable shoulder strap, front zippered pocket with removable mirror

Measurements: 15 inches x 9.25 inches x 5.5 inches

Balenciaga City Bag Review

The Balenciaga City bag is defined by its moto-inspired hardware, framed exterior seams, braided top handles, and weightless and ultra-supple lambskin. It comes with a detachable shoulder strap, but after testing the bag for a week, I can confidently say the true magic is in carrying it by hand or over the elbow, letting it collapse into its signature slouch.

Today, Balenciaga offers the City bag in several variations—Neo Classic, Classic City, and reissues of the original distressed leather. Mine was the Medium Classic in navy, which felt like the perfect balance between roomy and manageable.

Retail pricing for Balenciaga City bags varies depending on size and style, but you're looking at roughly $2700 to $3000 for current versions. That said, the most interesting activity is happening in the resale market, and the early 2000s models are coveted more than newer pieces. Some colors (pink, blue, yellow, and neon 2010-era limited releases) can run above retail by a significant amount despite showing signs of wear.

Final Thoughts

The Balenciaga City bag isn't quiet, and that's exactly why it feels so right in 2025. It's a reminder that fashion should be fun, expressive, and a little chaotic. In a market obsessed with "clean girl energy," the City provides an antidote—an invitation to embrace texture, personality, and that It-girl nonchalance we all secretly want.

Pros:

• Surprisingly spacious and fits all of your daily essentials without feeling bulky
• Iconic, recognizable design that doesn't rely on loud branding or logomania.
• Ultra-soft, molds-to-your-body leather that creates that signature slouch from day one.

Cons:

• Lambskin can be delicate. Scratches and wear show quickly, especially on vintage pieces.
• Shorter handle drop means it can be sometimes uncomfortable to wear as a traditional shoulder bag.
• Resale hunting can be chaotic, as rare colors sell incredibly fast and at higher prices.

Shop the Balenciaga City Bag