Dear Reader,
It should come as no shock, but I have an obsession. Yes, I know what you’re thinking: “Caleb Snell, obsessed? Neverrrr!” But it’s true, I am completely and utterly obsessed with the Ralph Lauren Ricky Bag. If you’ve visited my Instagram or if you’ve seen any of my recent YouTube videos, then you already know this confession isn’t exactly breaking news. But if you’re new here, let me start from the beginning and share why the Ralph Lauren Ricky has quickly become my favorite bag of all time.
The Beginning
To truly understand my obsession—and why the Ricky Bag holds its place as the most iconic American-designed handbag—we have to begin with Ralph Lauren’s greatest muse: his wife, Ricky Lauren. Ralph has long drawn inspiration from Ricky when designing his collections. Her timeless American style, paired with a playful take on menswear and equestrian chic, makes her the perfect namesake for this iconic bag.
Named after a true style icon, the Ricky Bag takes further inspiration from the 19th-century Cooper saddle carrier—so called for the English craftsman who first created it. The Ricky is instantly recognizable for its statuesque silhouette, the leather belts that secure the flap, the key pouch that holds the tiny keys, and—of course—the most iconic detail of all: the lock.
This signature lock, a hallmark of the Ricky, is stamped with “Ralph Lauren” beneath it, whether rendered in gleaming gold, polished silver, or even wrapped in leather on the Soft Ricky versions. The lock itself is etched with “RL ’67,” a subtle nod to the brand’s founding year.
But beyond the iconic lock lies the true soul of the Ricky Bag: its craftsmanship. Each one begins its journey in Italy, meticulously handcrafted by two artisans—ensuring that every Ricky is as unique as the person who carries it.
The process of creating a single Ricky bag can take up to 12 hours. It starts with selecting the finest materials, then hand-cutting nearly 50 individual pieces of leather. Each bag is constructed using two to three layers of hand-stitched leather for structure and durability. Before it’s finished with the signature key clochette, nine pieces of hardware are carefully affixed, completing this work of art.
The Ralph Lauren Ricky is, without question, a luxury experience from start to finish. And I’m proud to say that I have a small—but very cherished—collection of Ricky bags. Today, I’m excited to share more about them with you.
My First Ricky:
I started with what’s arguably the most classic Ricky of them all: the Soft Ricky 33 in RL Gold. It’s the perfect entry point if you’re just beginning your Ricky journey—and it’s still available through Ralph Lauren and retailers like Neiman Marcus.
Currently retailing for $3,600, the RL Gold Soft Ricky is noticeably lighter than the traditional Ricky 33, making it more practical for everyday wear. I purchased mine pre-owned because I fell in love with the original models that featured a stunning purple leather lining. And let me tell you—given how often I’ve carried this bag, I’ve more than gotten my money’s worth in cost per wear.
There is a reason this bag is a perennial classic for the brand, the color is so good. RL Gold is one of Ralph Lauren’s signature colors—a warm, buttery tan that sits somewhere between caramel and honey. It has a rich, neutral tone that pairs effortlessly with everything, from classic denim to crisp whites and even bold jewel tones. There’s a subtle sophistication to it: it’s not flashy or metallic, but it still carries that luxe, timeless feel you’d expect from Ralph Lauren.
In the context of the Soft Ricky, RL Gold gives the bag an elevated, everyday versatility—it’s refined yet relaxed, elegant but approachable. It’s the kind of color that wears beautifully over time, developing character while staying effortlessly chic. Which is why I couldn’t imagine having a Ricky collection, and not having this ICONIC color.
Runway Ricky:
This bag is the ultimate showstopper—without question, the crown jewel of my Ricky collection.
Autumn/Winter 2013 stands out as one of Ralph Lauren’s most memorable collections of the past two decades. And while there have been many fabulous collections over the years, AW2013 was, for me, pure top tier. It was a rich, opulent mix of exotics, velvets, crystals, and deeply textured materials. The collection paid homage to both naval influences and Russian imperial style, culminating in a jaw-dropping crystal-encrusted gown that closed the show.
I’m incredibly proud to own a piece of that stunning collection—captured in the form of my favorite bag. I was lucky enough to purchase it from a friend (and fellow Hermès fanatic) during a member’s meetup in Chicago in 2024. After realizing the Ricky wasn’t quite her style, she reached out to me earlier that year—and naturally, I couldn’t say no.
As you can see, this bag is a true showstopper—it turns heads and commands attention wherever it goes. I carried it to the opening of the Bottega Veneta boutique in Chicago, and the team there couldn’t stop complimenting it. Then, just around the corner at the Louis Vuitton flagship, the reactions were even more dramatic—they were practically tripping over each other to get a closer look.
And who could possibly blame them? AW2013 was all about the luxe accents, and this bag is practially dripping in gold adornment on the black box calf leather.
And that’s the true testament to the Ralph Lauren Ricky. It manages to be eye-catching, beautifully made, but at an achievable price point and remains one of the best-kept secrets in anyone’s bag collection.
The Cargo Ricky:
What can I say about my biggest obsession (so far)? If you’ve been following along during the Cargo Ricky era, then you’ll remember I teased this bag across several YouTube videos and Instagram posts. Well—I finally bit the bullet and ordered mine from Neiman Marcus back in February, and let me tell you, I couldn’t be happier.
Officially, it’s called the Canvas Ricky and was introduced by Ralph Lauren for Pre-Spring 2025. But I lovingly refer to it as the Cargo Ricky because, well, it gives major cargo bag energy—and if you know, you know (I won’t name names, but let’s just say 🍊).
Surprisingly, even though it’s made of canvas, this Ricky might just be the heaviest in my collection of all my Ricky bags. With that being said, this bag is totally worth the workout, and it perfectly encapsulates the Ralph Lauren rugged aesthetic.
Luxe Calfskin Ricky:
What can I say about the softest, most decadent burgundy leather? The Luxe Calfskin Ricky, introduced for Autumn 2017, originally retailed for $2,950. I was lucky enough to find mine pre-owned at a great price—but honestly, I would’ve happily paid full retail for this beauty new in store.
The leather is divine—truly out of this world. For my fellow Hermès collectors, the closest comparison I can offer is Swift: soft, supple, and buttery smooth. The rich burgundy hue feels luxurious and indulgent, especially when paired with gleaming gold hardware. It’s a combination that’s both timeless and statement-making.
More Ricky Bags?
Will I be adding more Ricky bags to my collection in the future? Absolutely. There are at least ten pre-owned special editions and exotic versions I’ve got my eye on—but I’m keeping those to myself. No need to create more competition in an already competitive market! That said, I’m also open to purchasing new pieces in-store, especially if Ralph Lauren continues to release designs as beautiful and timeless as the ones we’ve seen so far. If you’ve been on the fence about the Ricky, consider this your sign—it’s not just a handbag, it’s an icon. Trust me: you need a Ricky in your life. And if you already have the Ricky- let me hear about it in the comment section below!
Until next time, stay safe, have fun, and I’ll see you in the next one!
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