Evans Minaudiere
1950s American Evening Bags and Minaudières
1950s American Top Handle Bags
People Also Browsed
2010s American Cocktail Rings
Pink Diamond, Platinum
1980s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
1940s American Wedding Dresses
1910s Wedding Dresses
1930s Formal Gowns
1970s Formal Gowns
1950s American Slippers
Antique Early 19th Century North American Art Deco Vanity Items
Gold, Enamel
1950s American Ballerina Dresses
Mid-20th Century North American Art Deco Vanity Items
Mid-20th Century Art Deco Vanity Items
1950s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
1920s American Aesthetic Evening Dresses
1950s French Aesthetic Day Dresses
1950s English Evening Bags and Minaudières
Late 20th Century Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
Recent Sales
Early 20th Century American Evening Bags and Minaudières
1960s American Evening Bags and Minaudières
1950s American Evening Bags and Minaudières
1960s American Evening Bags and Minaudières
1950s American Clutches
1950s American Evening Bags and Minaudières
1940s Evening Bags and Minaudières
1950s American Evening Bags and Minaudières
1950s American Evening Bags and Minaudières
1960s American Evening Bags and Minaudières
Mid-20th Century American Evening Bags and Minaudières
1930s American Evening Bags and Minaudières
Mid-20th Century American Evening Bags and Minaudières
Finding the Right evening-bags-minaudieres for You
Vintage and designer evening bags and minaudières are elegant accessories that can elevate an ensemble and add an air of sophistication.
Evening bags began as coin purses and pouches. They were practical accessories before travel necessitated large cases and handbags eventually emerged and became a fashion statement. Evening bags grew in popularity with both men and women and, by the early 14th century, included details like embroidery and fine materials such as silk. As women began carrying hand fans, calling cards and perfumes, the evening bag became roomier while keeping its compact charm. Some designers added a thin shoulder strap.
Minaudières are ornamental cases designed to hold personal items such as jewelry or cosmetics. A version of a vanity case, the minaudière was pioneered in 1933 by Charles Arpels of Van Cleef & Arpels. Made from metal, it could be engraved, decorated with precious stones or lacquered. The decade saw the popularity of these jewel-like pieces and other evening bags with Hollywood celebrities and others.
Though some of the world’s best-known luxury brands followed suit, minaudières are now made by only a small number of fashion houses such as Judith Leiber, Chanel, Versace and Hermès.
Find a vast array of vintage minaudières and evening bags in a range of designs, colors and styles to complement any outfit on 1stDibs.