Mulberry Clutch
2010s Clutches
Early 2000s Unknown Evening Bags and Minaudières
Antique Early 1900s Japanese Meiji Paintings and Screens
Gold Leaf
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Wood
Antique 19th Century Japanese Paintings and Screens
Silver Leaf
Vintage 1960s Wrist Watches
14k Gold
20th Century American Wrist Watches
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
2010s American Modern Benches
Fabric, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
1970s Italian Belts
Antique Early 19th Century Japanese Edo Paintings and Screens
Gold Leaf
21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags
Vintage 1960s Wrist Watches
14k Gold
Vintage 1950s American Retro Wrist Watches
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1970s French Art Deco Wrist Watches
14k Gold, Gold Plate, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
Antique 19th Century Chinese Qing Paintings
Paper
Antique 19th Century Japanese Edo Paintings and Screens
Brass, Gold Leaf
Recent Sales
Mid-19th Century Edo Figurative Prints
Handmade Paper, Mulberry Paper, Washi Paper, Pigment, Woodcut
2010s Italian Clutches
2010s Chinese Clutches
2010s Turkish Clutches
2010s Turkish Clutches
2010s Italian Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary British Clutches
2010s Italian Clutches
2010s Turkish Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary British Clutches
2010s Turkish Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary British Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Shoulder Bags
1880s Other Art Style Figurative Prints
Mulberry Paper, Woodcut
21st Century and Contemporary Structured Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Tote Bags
Finding the Right handbags-purses-bags for You
An integral part of fashion, handbags and purses have been indispensable accessories ever since we began to carry around personal items. Level of craftsmanship, style and shape matters — from coin purses in ancient Greece to early 20th-century opera bags and onward, handbags have evolved considerably over the years to meet our needs and desires, whether or not you happen to be prioritizing functionality over a flashy exterior.
Once, a single “It” handbag ruled each fashion season. No more. Today, lovers of vintage handbags are savvier and have a wider range of shopping options. Nevertheless, classics created by the likes of Louis Vuitton, Dior and Balenciaga still rule.
“It is not a fashion bag — it is a statement bag,” says Mightychic's Debra Kent of Hermès's widely beloved accessories. “When you carry an iconic Hermès bag — Birkin, Kelly, Constance — no one knows how long you have been into this culture or if you are a newbie. Your status is validated immediately.”
First released in 1997, Fendi's Baguette rose to fame along with Carrie Bradshaw, the Sex and the City character portrayed by Sarah Jessica Parker. Recently, the design has seen such a resurgence in popularity that Fendi has reissued it.
They are part of design history, so owning a handbag has meaning. As New York–based fashion historian Sarah C. Byrd says, “You have made the choice to invest in this piece because you understand the value of it in the past and in the future to come.”
From a 1980s Chanel black leather quilted mini buckle bag to the rare Hermès Birkin 30cm Himalayan with diamond hardware to a range of 19th-century bags, find a rich variety of vintage and designer handbags and purses spanning numerous brands on 1stDibs — seasonal “It” designation no longer needed.