Handbags have always been more than just practical accessories—they’re style statements and status symbols. In 2014, a wave of standout handbag moments hit the streets and red carpets, from hand-painted Hermès Birkins to ultra-mini Chanel clutches.
Whether you’re revisiting iconic fashion moments or discovering them for the first time, this roundup showcases the boldest and most buzzworthy celebrity handbag trends that made 2014 a standout year in accessory history.
1. Custom-Designed Birkins: Handbag Meets Canvas
Defacing a Birkin? Many of us might gasp at the idea, but numerous famous faces have decided to channel their artistic abilities into their handbags.
While some fashion critics decried the trend — and who can blame them, given the price tags on these luxury bags — many well-off ladies defaced their Birkins in the name of self-expression.
Kim Kardashian headlined the trend, showcasing a white Hermès bag hand-painted by her daughter, North.
Kim Kardashian steps out in Los Angeles on November 10, 2014, wearing a chic gray coat and nude heels, carrying a white Hermès bag uniquely hand-painted by her daughter, North (Credit: WENN / KIKA)
Rita Ora also decorated her Birkin with graffiti art.
Rita Ora turns heads in a bold patchwork coat, cuffed jeans, and slip-on sneakers, accessorizing with a graffiti-covered Birkin bag outside The Grove Music Studios in London on August 13, 2014
2. Celebs Fall for Louis Vuitton’s Soft Lockit Revival
Louis Vuitton had seemingly taken the backseat for a long time, but last year, the brand took back the reins with its “Soft Lockit” bag.
The sophisticated-looking purse was a big hit among many celebrities, including Jessica Alba, Carey Mulligan, and Charlize Theron.
Dianna Agron and Carey Mulligan stroll through West Hollywood on April 26, 2014, looking effortlessly chic in stylish monochrome outfits and designer handbags
Jessica Alba effortlessly styles her blush pink Louis Vuitton “Soft Lockit” bag with two casual daytime looks, proving its versatility on the streets of Los Angeles
3. Rihanna’s Ultra-Mini Chanel: The Chicest Tiny Statement
We’re big fans of Chanel bags, especially when they’re limited edition. When Rihanna was spotted at a popular London club, the standout piece of her outfit was the super tiny Chanel purse slung over her shoulder.
Rihanna turns heads outside Tramp club in London on March 26, 2014, rocking a mini Chanel purse, a bold embellished leather jacket, and a dramatic red mesh visor
This very rare Chanel mini-bag carries a price tag of about $2,000. It measures only 3-inches by 2.75-inches by one -inch, making it the smallest version of the classic Chanel flap bag.
Rihanna exudes edgy elegance with a red netted visor, gold layered necklaces, and a super tiny Chanel purse slung crossbody over her embellished leather jacket
4. Kim Kardashian’s Rare White Croc Birkin Stuns
By now, we’ve established that Kim Kardashian doesn’t seem to have a Birkin shortage in her bag closet. The reality star showed off her famous curves in an all-white figure-hugging ensemble at the beginning of the year.
Kim Kardashian stuns in an all-white ensemble with nude pumps and a rare white crocodile Hermès Birkin while arriving at an office in Century City, California, on January 10, 2014
Another thing she showed off? A drool-worthy mini croc-embossed Birkin, which is incredibly rare.
Crocodile Birkins, especially in the mini size, are extremely rare due to limited production and the difficulty of sourcing high-quality crocodile skins. They are often reserved for VIP clients with significant purchase history at Hermès
A closer look at Kim Kardashian’s ultra-rare mini Hermès Birkin, crafted from white crocodile leather with a subtle ombré finish—one of the most coveted luxury bags in the world
5. Gucci’s Summer-Ready Diamante Bags Make a Splash
We celebrated in the summer of 2014 with the Gucci “Diamante” bags, which came in gorgeous, warm-weather-appropriate colors. Who can resist bucket bags adorned with the iconic Gucci diamond pattern?
Featuring an embossed Diamante pattern, these bucket bags offer a mix of luxury and sophistication that’s very rare in summer purses. The Diamante pattern is an iconic Gucci style that dates back to the 1930s and has been reincorporated into several of their leather goods.
Gucci’s Diamante bucket bags pop in bold, warm-weather-ready hues—teal, fuchsia, white, and sunshine yellow—perfect for elevating your summer wardrobe
We have always loved the silhouette of a laid-back bucket crossbody, and this textured leather rendition is just making us more obsessed! These pretty pieces gave bagaholics more reasons to splurge on their summer bags.
6. Beyoncé’s $60 Topshop Backpack: Casual Chic Goals
As it turns out, Queen Bey can relate to us non-celebrities. The singer dressed down for a romantic dinner date with husband Jay-Z at an upscale restaurant in London, opting for a simple Topshop midi dress paired with a distressed denim backpack from the same label.
Beyoncé keeps it casually chic in a fitted mauve dress, nude pumps, and a distressed denim backpack while stepping out for dinner with Jay-Z at Cecconi’s in London on March 7, 2014
This backpack retailed for $60, and we imagine it sold out quickly after Beyoncé was spotted wearing it.
A closer look at Beyoncé’s distressed denim backpack—a laid-back yet edgy accessory that perfectly balances her polished mauve dress and nude heels.
7. Amal Clooney’s Bridal Weekend Stella Moment
Amal Clooney’s star-studded Venetian wedding was memorable in and of itself. As if bagging one of the most eligible bachelors of Hollywood — George Clooney — wasn’t enough, the gorgeous lawyer also looked stunning in her white Stella McCartney pantsuit ensemble.
Amal Alamuddin exudes timeless elegance in a white Stella McCartney ensemble and wide-brimmed hat during her civil union with George Clooney in Venice, Italy, on September 29, 2014
She styled her chic jumpsuit with a big floppy sunhat and a lovely Stella McCartney Beckett clutch that matched her cream-colored pantsuit.
Amal Alamuddin stuns in a sleek ivory two-piece suit, cinched with a navy band and paired with a structured Stella McCartney clutch during her wedding weekend in Venice
2014 Handbag Fashion Highlights
2014 was a remarkable year for handbag fashion, with celebrities showcasing a range of iconic designs that left a lasting impression. Here are some standout moments:
Dolce & Gabbana’s Greco-Roman Inspired Bags at Milan Fashion Week
- Event: Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2014
- Collection: Dolce & Gabbana drew inspiration from Sicilian and ancient Greek cultures, presenting bags adorned with gold coins, almond tree flowers, and snakeskin designs.
- Details: The collection featured woven bags, knit bags, leather bags, wooden clutches, and embroidered purses, all showcasing the brand’s luxurious aesthetic.
- Read more: The Best Bags from Dolce & Gabbana’s Milan Fashion Week 2014
Alexa Chung’s Whimsical Charlotte Olympia “Take Me Away” Clutch
- Event: 2014 British Fashion Awards
- Outfit: Alexa Chung showcased her ladylike style in a shimmering Emilia Wickstead collared dress, featuring a front slit and structured silhouette.
- Clutch: She added a touch of whimsy with the Charlotte Olympia “Take Me Away” clutch, designed to resemble a Chinese takeout box, complete with satin embroidery and a unique handle.
- Read more: Alexa Chung Totes Charlotte Olympia’s Chinese “Take Me Away” Bag
Gwyneth Paltrow’s Edgy Travel Style with Chanel Graffiti Tote
- Event: Arrival at JFK Airport, New York City
- Outfit: Gwyneth Paltrow opted for a casual yet stylish ensemble, featuring floral Givenchy lace slip-on sneakers, cropped navy pants, a black leather jacket, and oversized sunglasses.
- Bag: She carried the $3,800 Chanel Graffiti tote from the brand’s Spring/Summer 2014 collection, known for its distressed canvas, rope detailing, and spray-painted design.
- Read more: Gwyneth Paltrow’s $3,800 Chanel Graffiti Tote: Street Style or Style Slip?
Vanessa Hudgens’ Go-To Cuore & Pelle Caterina Purse
- Event: Various casual outings in Los Angeles, including airport appearances and coffee runs in 2014
- Outfit: Vanessa showcased her boho-chic style with ensembles like a Pam & Gela romper paired with AllSaints Pierced boots, and Wildfox boyfriend jeans complemented by See by Chloé espadrille wedges.
- Bag: She consistently carried the Cuore & Pelle Caterina purse, a structured two-tone leather tote featuring gold-tone hardware, highlighting its versatility and timeless appeal.
- Read more: Why Vanessa Hudgens Keeps Repeating This Designer Bag
Jessica Alba Glows in Gold With a Matching DVF Sutra Clutch
- Event: 2014 Met Gala
- Outfit: Jessica Alba wore a custom lace gown by Diane von Furstenberg.
- Clutch: She carried a metallic gold DVF “Sutra” clutch to match the gown.
- See more: The Best Clutch Bags from the 2014 Met Gala
Celebrity Totes That Ruled NYFW 2014
- Event: New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2014
- Highlights: Celebrities like Katie Holmes, Karlie Kloss, Olivia Palermo, and Anna Kendrick were spotted carrying chic designer bags, including the Céline Trapeze, Michael Kors python tote, Givenchy Antigona, and Alexander McQueen Heroine.
- Style Notes: These bags complemented their stylish outfits, making bold statements on the streets of New York.
- See more: Katie Holmes to Karlie Kloss: The Designer Bags That Ruled NYFW
Telfar’s TC Logo Shopping Bag: The Cult Classic Debut
- Introduction: 2014
- Design: Telfar Clemens introduced the unisex shopping bag featuring an embossed TC logo, available in three sizes and made from vegan leather.
- Popularity: The bag gained a cult following for its inclusivity and accessibility, often referred to as the “Bushwick Birkin.”
- Learn more: Telfar’s TC Logo Shopping Bag: The Cult Classic Everyone Wants
These highlights from 2014 showcase the diverse range of handbag styles that captivated fashion enthusiasts and celebrities alike.