Panera spoofs Fendi's Baguette Bag with its own $40 lime green purse designed to fit a SANDWICH

Rarely do high fashion and function combine – but food chain Panera has managed to do just that with its latest, rather unique release: a food-focused spoof on the iconic Fendi Baguette Bag. 

The food chain set aside sandwiches and soups briefly in order to turn its focus to fashion and create a Panera-esque take on the high-end purse that has been a staple within the industry for years. 

However, while Fendi’s much-loved fashion offering is rich in quality and pizzazz, Panera’s new purse has one thing it doesn’t: the ability to fit an entire 12″ sandwich. 

That’s right, Panera has at last created the ultimate foodie fashion piece that nobody asked for: a $39.50 lime green Fendi-style purse designed especially to house one of its baguettes. 

Of course, there are several key differences between Fendi’s high-fashion offering and Panera’s spoof take – namely the key contrast in materials used. 

Panera has released its own spoof take on the iconic Fendi Baguette Bag, a lime-green purse designed to fit an entire 12″ sandwich 

Only 500 of the bags were released for sale this morning – and they sold out in minutes 

While Fendi Baguettes – which have been featured on the arm of dozens of A-listers, as well as serving as a fashion staple for Sarah Jessica Parker’s Sex and the City character Carrie – are made of almost entirely leather and cotton, Panera opted for a more cost-efficient option: Pebbled polyurethane with a polyester lining. 

Still, if one is getting set to stuff a sandwich in there, the easier the bag is to clean, the better.  

‘Introducing the BAGuette from Panera, the ultimate accessory designed for both the fashion aficionado and the foodie, crafted with a generous extra touch to sit at the intersection of style and function,’ the brand said of the quirky hold-all. 

‘As the experts in all things bread, Panera decided to step up to the plate to create a BAGuette bag designed in a way that it really should be: stylish on the outside and perfect to pair with our Toasted Baguettes!

‘The purse is donned in the beloved Panera green, designed for those looking for a pop of color and a unique touch of style in their wardrobe. The stylish structured accessory features an embossed pattern and flag magnetic closure with a custom metal “P” buckle and gold hardware. At 12” long, the BAGuette is the perfect size to carry one of our new Toasted Baguette sandwiches.’ 

And while many may question what use such a purse could serve in every day life – save for providing users with a rather chic alternative to a traditional lunchbox – it seems plenty of people leapt on the opportunity to add such a niche accessory to their closets. 

Having released just 500 of the designs this morning, Panera’s aptly-named BAGuette – which comes complete with a sandwich – sold out within minutes of launch. 

Indeed, such was the demand for the sandwich-shaped tote that several savvy eBay sellers have even listed the BAGuette on the re-sale website for up to $175 – more than four times the original price. 

Following the debut of the BAGuette, social media was full of praise for the quirky marketing gimmick, with one person joking: ‘Incredibly well executed. 2023 is the year of baguette’

Spot the difference? Panera’s BAGuette is made of pebbled polyurethane with a polyester lining, while Fendi’s much more expensive purses are typically made from leather

After the bag sold out online, savvy eBay sellers began listing them for up to $175 each – more than four times the original price 

Following the debut of the BAGuette, social media was full of praise for Panera’s quirky marketing gimmick, with one person joking: ‘Incredibly well executed @panerabread. 2023 is the year of baguette.’ 

Another person chimed in: ‘Just what the world needed: A purse that looks like bread.’ 

A third added: ‘Panera literally made a baguette bag. This is camp af lol.’ 

One person who admitted to snagging one of the highly sought-after BAGuette bags joked with a friend: ‘When we show up to Nobu w the matching Panera baguette bags and coordinated outfits… COLLAPSE.’

According to Drayton Martin, VP of Brand Building at the food chain, Panera’s decision to design a handbag in celebration of one of its latest menu items was intended to show customers how ‘special’ the Panera experience is. 

‘Our new Toasted Baguettes mark the first time that Panera has crafted a delicious sandwich in celebration of our iconic baguette – and this is certainly the first time we have created a purse,’ he said in a statement. 

‘Both of these creations are amazing celebrations of not only our expertise in all things bread, but also the generous touches that make each Panera experience special.’

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