The Balenciaga City is an eternal classic: convenient, lightweight, logo-free. She will always be a classic for the brand.
Bona Fides
The Balenciaga City was designed in 2001 by Nicholas Ghesquiere. Called the motorcycle bag, it was inspired by biker leather, with its distressing, studs and tassels. It is said that investors were not sold on the early prototypes, by Bal gifted bags to models, most notable Kate Moss, and the design took off and sold itself. City bags originally were made of goatskin (chevre) leather, before a change to lambskin (agneau). The early chevre bags have become highly sought after in the secondary market, particularly in harder to find colourways. Different iterations included giant hardware and exotics. The motorcycle bag line expanded to include other shapes, such as the Day, Velo, Town and First.
I have a Balenciaga City Metallic Edge, which refers to the metallic framing of the handles and base decorations. The Metallic Edge line is made of chevre leather and features a crossbody, rather than shoulder strap. Otherwise, the bag is indistinguishable from the ‘regular ‘ City. Dimensions are 38cm/15 in by 26 cm/10.5 in by 15cm/6 in for the medium/regular size. The City is currently available in a small (30 cm) size, and previously has been available in mini sizes. In my opinion, the East West proportions are what makes the bag stand out, and this is lost in the smaller sizes. When worn on the optional strap, the bag folds into a ‘fortune cookie’ shape, which is part of its slouchy and je ne sais quoi charm.
What Fits the Balenciaga City?
What doesn’t?
This is a big bag, and unlike other large bags, is quite lightweight due to its fabric lining and thin leather. The City can easily make a work or everyday bag. The City makes an ideal travel bag and personal item as well. I am able to fit an A5 notebook, continental wallet, various pouches, umbrella, sunglasses and many other everyday and just-in-case items with room to spare. You can easily fit a cardigan or sweater also.
How to style the Balenciaga City?
Embrace the slouch and the grunge vibes. There’s no need to be too precious when carrying the City. Many choose bold colours and their bags act as a pop neutral.
Staying Power
She is under the radar, IYKYK, with no visible labels. She is practical, with multiple carry options and a fully zipped top. She has been around for years and shows no sign of fatigue. Yeah, it’s safe to say she is built for the long haul.
A Splash of Colour: FASHION SHOULD BE FUN! 