#MFW: The Baguette Under Maria Grazia Chiuri Looks a Little Different: Is This Classic IT Bag About to Be Trendy Again?

One of fashion’s hottest topics lately has been Maria Grazia Chiuri’s Fall/Winter 2026 collection, her first for FENDI. Centered on the idea of “setting aside the self to create beauty for all,” the show invites us to rethink the connection between clothing, the body, and female power. Yet as the models filed down the runway, it wasn’t only the poetic, powerful clothing that caught our attention: we couldn’t take our eyes off the Baguette bags on their shoulders. Hailed as the original IT Bag, this classic has been given a highly subversive update this season. Why has the Baguette remained so popular for so many years, and which two new versions are worth watching this season? Read on to find out.

• More to read: Maria Grazia Chiuri makes her FENDI debut, gently bringing elegance from the runway back to us!

Why has the Baguette become a timeless classic?

Before introducing this season’s new designs, we have to mention the Baguette’s legendary origins. In 1997, Silvia Venturini Fendi created the Baguette. Its name comes from the French loaf of bread, and it was designed so women could casually tuck it under their arms, much like French women carrying a baguette. At a time when large, practical bags were the trend, its compact rectangular silhouette and signature FF clasp instantly took the world by storm.

Of course, what truly cemented its iconic status was Carrie Bradshaw’s classic line in the hit series “Sex and the City” when she is confronted by a mugger: “It’s not a bag, it’s a Baguette!” The line not only established its fashion status, it also ushered in the golden era of underarm bags and IT Bags. The Baguette’s greatest appeal lies in its versatility. Like a canvas, it takes on a completely different personality each season through different materials, embroidery, and colors. At Maria Grazia Chiuri’s debut show, the Baguette once again proved its endless possibilities.

The Timeworn Crinkled Leather Baguette

Fashion has embraced a relaxed, lived-in look in recent years, with designs that show hints of wear, like those from Miu Miu and Balenciaga, becoming hugely popular. FENDI has its own compelling answer this season: this Baguette in crinkled, glossy black leather gives off an effortlessly rebellious feel.

This design perfectly echoes the brand’s emphasis this season on emotionally enduring design and the idea of a repository of memories. Its natural creases and sheen make the bag feel as though it has been with you for a long time, filled with personal memories and warmth. No longer a delicate piece that needs to be handled with care, it’s a stylish companion ready to go everywhere with you. Pair it simply with a sharp black blazer or casual wide-leg pants for a polished yet carefree look.

The Typography Baguette, a Tribute to a Classic

If you like utilitarian or gender-neutral styles, this army-green canvas Baguette is sure to catch your eye. This season, FENDI explores the relationship between language, objects, and the body, entering into a dialogue with the ideas of female artist Mirella Bentivoglio. This bag is the clearest example of artistic ideas made into a tangible accessory.

Bold, staggered “FENDI 1925 – 26424” lettering is printed across the bag, turning ordinary army-green canvas into a visual poem. The rugged material is perfectly balanced by the matte-silver FF logo buckle, making it highly distinctive and more like a wearable work of art. It perfectly captures the collection’s unconstrained nomadic spirit, making it ideal for women who favor gender-neutral dressing and seek a distinctive sense of style.

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