Added 10 days ago

Condition

Good

Color

Beige

Material

—

Category

Handbags

The City bag started out as a runway experiment from Nicolas Ghesquière in 2001, notably free of branding and much softer in shape than what the industry was gravitating toward at the time, which favoured structured silhouettes and heavy logo hardware. Even Balenciaga's own executives hesitated before committing to production, and the earliest run was limited to just 25 pieces, given to editors, models, and close friends of the house. Everything changed once Kate Moss asked for one, and the bag went on to become a defining accessory of the decade, appearing constantly across street style and red carpet photography throughout the early 2000s. The "Giant" hardware edition, launched in 2007 with its exaggerated studs and braided detailing, remains one of the most collectible versions of the design, representing the City at its most striking. Its cultural staying power was reaffirmed in 2024, when Balenciaga brought back the original silhouette under the name "Le City" — proof that the vintage originals are still the definitive version to seek out. Condition: Good, showing wear consistent with genuine, everyday use. The body of the bag is in generally good shape, though the reverse shows some very light surface marking and scratching on the leather from wear over time. Corners have developed some mild darkening and dirt buildup consistent with age. The base shows some general wear from regular use, with no structural issues or notable flaws. The braided handles show the most visible darkening at the top, marking the area of heaviest use on the bag. The oversized silver-tone hardware — studs, zip pulls, and buckles included — remains in generally good condition throughout. The black fabric interior shows light wear but stays in good overall order. Includes the original leather mirror cardholder and a detachable shoulder strap, plus an EBV London dust bag.