Cherry Bucket Bag
2010s Italian Bucket Bags and Drawstring Bags
Early 2000s French Tote Bags
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
Early 2000s French Top Handle Bags
Early 2000s French Shoulder Bags
Early 2000s Tote Bags
Early 2000s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
Early 2000s Top Handle Bags
21st Century and Contemporary French Structured Shoulder Bags
Early 2000s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
21st Century and Contemporary French Structured Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Bucket Bags and Drawstring Bags
Early 2000s Spanish Top Handle Bags
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
Early 2000s French Structured Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
21st Century and Contemporary French Structured Shoulder Bags
Recent Sales
Early 2000s French Bucket Bags and Drawstring Bags
2010s Italian Bucket Bags and Drawstring Bags
21st Century and Contemporary French Bucket Bags and Drawstring Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Evening Bags and Minaudières
1980s French Handbags and Purses
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary French Tote Bags
21st Century and Contemporary French Bucket Bags and Drawstring Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Bucket Bags and Drawstring Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Bucket Bags and Drawstring Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Bucket Bags and Drawstring Bags
21st Century and Contemporary French Bucket Bags and Drawstring Bags
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Bucket Bags and Drawstring Bags
Finding the Right shoulder-bags for You
Ever since we’ve needed an accessory to carry our personal items when we’re on the go, shoulder bags have proven indispensable. Today, vintage and designer shoulder bags are such a treasured part of fashion history that they even get their own museum exhibitions.
Prior to bags becoming an essential piece of any ensemble for any gender, women wore pockets strung on ribbons as garments that were separate from their gowns, accessible by openings in the fabric. Small handbags and handheld purses were developed before the accessory gained importance as functional and fashionable. Most had more in common with wallets than anything else.
While the bags of the 16th century warranted ornament, such as exteriors embroidered with silver-gilt thread and beads, it wasn’t until the late 18th century and early 19th century that the design and craft of bags had really broadened. Handheld purses were finished with details that were meant to garner attention, and bags were fitted with shoulder straps. A stylish shoulder bag meant that women could tote jewelry, cash and perhaps a decorative snuff box full of tobacco to an evening ball across town.
The early 1900s saw the introduction of gold and silver minaudières. The patenting of these compact bejeweled clutches has been attributed to revered French jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels, and today they remain a fashion favorite. One of Judith Leiber’s innovative minaudières even earned a role in the movie Sex and the City.
A luxury shoulder bag is a work of art with a long, fascinating origin story, and entire brands and fashion lines have emerged around creating the perfect versions of shoulder bags and top-handle bags. For example, the iconic Hermès Kelly bag, which was popularized by actress Grace Kelly, is a widely coveted, collected and often faked entry from the handbag hall of fame. And while vintage Gucci tote bags have their own dedicated fan base, collectors and lovers of luxury are likely familiar with the Dionysus, a pared-down Gucci shoulder bag that manages to make a substantial statement anyway.
Embrace a classic look with a vintage shoulder bag designed by Chanel, Givenchy or Fendi — find yours on 1stDibs today.
Read More
How to Spot a Fake Louis Vuitton
What are the telltale signs that you're holding a real Louis Vuitton and not a knockoff? We spoke with expert Diane D’Amato to find out. Of course, you don't have to worry about fakes on 1stDibs, where every seller is highly vetted.
Inside Louis Vuitton’s Most Popular Handbag Collaborations
The venerable brand has earned accolades (and gained new fans) for partnerships that meld fashion with art.
14 Iconic Luxury Handbags and the Stories behind Them
When the name of a bag is as well-known as its brand, you know it's a classic.