The Boston bag: Why everyone is obsessed with this 'It' bag and where to get them

The highly raved Boston Bag has made a name for itself. It first built its reputation back in the 1890s among Bostonites who praise the bag for its roomy interiors and utilitarian appeal. Soon after, the trend took on to other big cities like New York before claiming international appeal in the fashion industry.

The Washington Post said this of the Boston in a report in 1920: “Some use it for shopping – some for overnight trips, and there are a hundred and one other uses where a light, high-grade, well-appearing handbag is called into service. The Boston Bag has created such a demand for itself that we are sometimes taxed to keep the stock fully complete.”

Through the years, the bag was often spotted on the arms of the most photographed women. Audrey Hepburn was frequently seen with her Louis Vuitton Speedy Boston bag in the mid ’60s, while fashion stars from Paris Hilton to Beyonce made the bag a part of their wardrobe in the early 2000s.

Flash forward to 2021 and brands are fuelling the revival of this good old American fave with a few updates. Cue the miniature versions seen at Celine and Michael Kors and the plush treatments like the tufted canvas design that Louis Vuitton released for its tie-up with Urs Fischer. After all these years, one thing remains constant: the Boston’s reliability and practicality.

Below, we highlight some of the designs you should consider.

Mini leather Boston bag, $2,450, Celine

Credit: Celine

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By The Way mini calkfskin Boston bag, $2,350, Fendi

Credit: Fendi

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Louis Vuitton x Urs Fischer Speedy 25 Bandouliere tufted canvas Boston bag, $3,600, Louis Vuitton

Credit: Louis Vuitton

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Charm Vivier mini velvet Boston bag, price unavailable, Roger Vivier

Credit: Roger Vivier

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Saffiano leather Boston bag, $3,000, Prada

Credit: Prada

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Ophidia GG small canvas Boston bag, price unavailable, Gucci

Credit: Gucci

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Leather Boston bag, $1,240, MCM

Credit: MCM

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Bedford Legacy mini canvas Boston bag, $319, Michael Kors

Credit: Michael Kors

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This article was first published in Female.