Ralph Lauren has long been synonymous with luxury, elegance, and a distinctive American style. Known for his high-quality fabrics and classic designs, Ralph Lauren has shaped the wardrobes of fashion lovers for over five decades. While his designs, like cable-knit sweaters and military-inspired jackets, have become wardrobe staples, one accessory stands out as a true icon: the Ricky bag.

Launched in 2005, the Ricky bag quickly became a favorite among celebrities and fashion insiders. Named after his wife, Ricky Ann Low-Beer, this bag was designed to combine luxury with practicality. It’s not only a symbol of sophistication but also a practical accessory for the modern woman. Let’s dive into the story behind this timeless piece and the inspiration that made it a must-have.

The Inspiration Behind the Ricky Bag

Ralph Lauren’s personal and professional journey with the Ricky bag began in 1964, when he met the woman who would become his wife, Ricky Ann Low-Beer. Their love story led to marriage later that same year. Ralph Lauren has often spoken about how Ricky’s effortless style, consisting of simple jeans, crisp white shirts, and boxy blazers, captivated him. Her chic yet relaxed fashion sense deeply influenced his design language and became a central theme in many of his collections.

When creating the Ricky bag in 2005, Ralph wanted to craft a statement accessory that would blend men’s style with refined luxury. He sought to capture the essence of Ricky’s style — the ease and confidence she exuded in her fashion choices. This vision came to life with the bag’s design, which featured exposed hand-stitching inspired by 19th-century men’s travel bags, like the Cooper bag. This rugged touch, combined with luxurious leather, helped the Ricky bag gain immense popularity.

Craftsmanship and Quality

What sets the Ricky bag apart from other designer bags is the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into every piece. It takes up to 12 hours to create just one bag, which is made from over 50 individual pieces. Each part is hand-drawn, measured, cut, and assembled by skilled artisans in Italy. From the hardware to the stitching, every detail is handcrafted to ensure the bag’s durability and timeless appeal.

The use of waxed cotton thread for sewing ensures that the bag ages beautifully, without the worry of fraying. Given the level of craftsmanship and quality materials, it’s no surprise that the Ricky bag is a high-end investment. Prices for the bag range from around $2,400 to $22,500, depending on the materials used. For instance, the alligator skin version, which features metal hardware, once sold for approximately 17,145 British pounds in 2013.

Evolving Designs

Since its debut, the Ricky bag has seen several iterations, each maintaining the signature craftsmanship and timeless style. In 2013, Ralph Lauren introduced the Soft Ricky, a version crafted from silky Nappa leather. While the silhouette remained the same, the Soft Ricky offered a softer, more luxurious feel and was available in a variety of vibrant colors, including yellow, blue, and orange. This new iteration also carried a hefty price tag, with the Soft Ricky retailing for around $3,500.

In 2014, Ralph Lauren expanded the Ricky family further with two new versions: the Mini Ricky and the Giant Ricky. The Mini Ricky, designed with a long cross-body chain, was created to compete with the evening clutch trend, offering a compact, stylish alternative. Meanwhile, the Giant Ricky, which measured a staggering 1.8 meters in height and 1.5 meters in width, was a statement piece in itself. This oversized version took nearly a month to craft and was sent on a global tour to fashion capitals like New York, Tokyo, and Paris, generating even more buzz for the iconic bag.

Conclusion

The Ralph Lauren Ricky bag is much more than just an accessory — it’s a symbol of timeless luxury and impeccable craftsmanship. Whether in its original form, the Soft Ricky, or the Mini and Giant versions, the Ricky bag continues to represent the perfect fusion of elegance, practicality, and American style. For those looking for a piece that will never go out of style, the Ricky bag remains one of the most coveted accessories in the fashion world.