The Fendi Baguette helped usher in the decade of the "it handbag" when launched 15 years ago. With its shape — designed to be carried under the arm like the French loaf that shares its name — and eye-catching stream of creative embellishments and fabrications, it fueled an appetite for ornamental designer bags.

More than 700 baguette styles have been produced since Silvia Fendi created the first in 1997.

Now the luxury brand is celebrating the anniversary of the iconic handbag with "Baguette Mania," an exhibition of archival baguettes, at Fendi’s Royal Hawaiian Center store from 2 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, and 1 to 7 p.m. Aug. 16 and 17 at the Ala Moana Center store. At the Waikiki store, fans of the purse will be able to work with a craftsman for a customized made-to-order Selleria baguette.

Also available for sale will be copies of the new "Fendi Baguette Book." Pictured on its pages are vintage, rare, limited-edition and one-of-a-kind artist baguettes, including interpretations from such artists as Jeff Koons and Damien Hirst.

A limited quantity of Silvia Fendi’s six favorite baguettes have also been reissued in conjunction with the anniversary event.