Barbara Bolan On Sale
1980s Italian Handbags and Purses
People Also Browsed
Vintage 1910s English Edwardian Boxes and Cases
Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel
1920s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
Early 20th Century European Duffel Bags and Carry-On Bags
Early 20th Century American Vanity Items
Other
Early 20th Century French Suitcases and Trunks
Early 20th Century British Boxes and Cases
1930s Shoes
Vintage 1910s Art Deco Boxes and Cases
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1880s Italian Clutches
Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Boxes and Cases
Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique 19th Century Boxes and Cases
Early 20th Century Italian Tote Bags
Finding the Right Handbags and Purses 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.