Vintage Balenciaga Leather Envelope Clutch
About the Item
- Designer:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:Seller: CSCDBAL11stDibs: LU33611279122
Balenciaga
Starting as a modest boutique, Balenciaga evolved to transform the landscape of women’s fashion with shapes and contours during the middle of the 20th century that were nothing less than groundbreaking. Today, the brand is as venturesome as ever and is well known for its shoes, handbags, sneakers, streetwear and other clothing and accessories.
Though he was born in the quiet fishing village of Getaria in Spain’s Basque region, Cristóbal Balenciaga (1895–1972) was destined to reshape modern fashion. As a child, he worked alongside his seamstress mother. Showing immense talent, he earned commissions as a teenager from local patron Marquesa de Casa Torres, who paid for his tailoring education in Madrid. In 1917, he established his first haute couture house — named Eisa, for his mother — in the trendy resort town San Sebastián. He soon followed it with boutiques in Madrid and Barcelona, drawing such clientele as the Spanish royal family.
When the Spanish Civil War put a hold on his prospects in Spain, the designer moved to Paris, opening a house on Avenue Georges V in 1937. There, Balenciaga rubbed elbows with fashion greats like Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli and quickly won over clients like Gloria Guinness, Pauline de Rothschild and Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor.
As a couturier, Balenciaga drew from his Spanish heritage for ideas, riffing on everything from matador costumes and flamenco dresses to the paintings of Diego Velázquez, whose portraits of Spanish princesses famously inspired Balenciaga’s Infanta gown.
An expert tailor, he experimented with sculptural silhouettes that didn’t follow the body. Some of his notable designs include the 1953 balloon jacket, and from 1957, the cocoon coat, the baby-doll dress and the sack dress, which he popularized with his good friend designer Hubert de Givenchy. All of these could be considered not just the masterpieces of haute couture, but also objets d’art in their own right, leading to Balenciaga’s nickname, “The Master.”
Balenciaga continued designing until 1968, when he retired after three decades of influential work and his fashion house went dormant. The rights to Balenciaga were acquired by Jacques Bogart S.A. in 1986. Under designer Michel Goma, who focused on ready-to-wear, the brand experienced a resurgence, with his first collection introduced in 1987.
The brand returned to high fashion with the arrival of designer Josephus Thimister in 1992. It has since been led by a series of creative directors who have paid homage to Balenciaga’s iconic designs, including Nicolas Ghesquière, Alexander Wang and, most recently, Demna Gvasalia. In 2011, a museum celebrating Balenciaga’s legacy opened in his hometown in Spain, commemorating where it all began.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Balenciaga crossbody bags, tote bags, day dresses, shirts and more.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: London, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Vintage Lana Marks Clutch BagBy Lana MarksLocated in London, GBFinished to glimmering perfection, this vintage Lana Marks handbag is truly enchanting in its sleek, burnished gold crocodile-effect leather. Its snap-lock fastening opens to reveal ...Category
Late 20th Century Clutches
- Chanel Pink Quilted ClutchBy ChanelLocated in London, GB* Light pink * Leather * Signature interlocking CC turn-lock pendant * Diamond quilting * Top zip fastening * One main compartment * Excellent Condition: This previously owned item i...Category
2010s Clutches
- Shiny Clutch FendiBy FendiLocated in London, GB* Shiny gold-tone leather * Metallic finish * Gathered detailing * FF logo plaque * Top zip fastening * Internal patch pocket * Internal logo plaque * Full lining * Gold-tone hardwar...Category
Early 2000s Clutches
- Bottega Veneta Knot ClutchBy Bottega VenetaLocated in London, GB* Iconic knot clutch * Knot detailing * Clasp fastening * Main compartment * Excellent Condition: No significant signs of wear. Comes with CITES certification and original dust bag ...Category
2010s Clutches
- YSL Kate Tassle ClutchBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in London, GB* Blush pink * Exotic leather * Signature YSL logo plaque * Large tassel detail * Fold over top * Concealed magnetic fastening * Main compartment, internal card slot & internal logo ...Category
2010s Clutches
- Céline Python Evening ClutchBy CelineLocated in London, GBThis black python skin evening clutch from Céline features an all around zip fastening, a snap button closure, internal zipped pockets and an embossed internal logo stamp. Colour...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches
- Barry Kieselstein Cord Beige Gold Lizard Egyptian Goddess ClutchLocated in Philadelphia, PABarry Kieselstein Cord Beige Gold Lizard Clutch in excellent condition. Beige and metallic gold lizard leather exterior trimmed with matte gold hardware. Unique Egyptian goddess...Category
1990s Clutches
- Chanel 2004 Beige Mini Flap Beige Cream Python Mini Clutch Top Handle Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLSpring 2004 {VINTAGE 18 Years} -Beige python leather -Ruthenium hardware -Classic interwoven triple chain -CC classic lock closure at frontal flap -White satin lining -Small interio...Category
Early 2000s French Clutches
- Chanel Bag with Top Handle Classic Flap Vintage Logo Nameplate Tweed ClutchBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel confetti tweed flap with large CC logo and name plate chain 1996 {VINTAGE 26 Years} Silver hardware Interior center zipper pocket Additional ce...Category
1990s French Clutches
- Chanel Bag Top Handle Vintage Rare Triple CC Turnlock Convertible Flap ClutchBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLYear: 1994 {VINTAGE 28 Years} Gold hardware Quilted lambskin leather Three CC turn lock adornments Microfiber beige inside Main interior zippered pocket Main interior slip pocket ...Category
1990s French Clutches
- Coblentz 1960s Original Fold Over Embroidered ClutchBy CoblentzLocated in Scottsdale, AZThis 1960's Coblentz clutch is so timeless and elegant! Get your hands on this beautiful fold over style clutch that is soo reminiscent of the playful sophistication of the 1960s! Woven off-white clutch features a beautiful palette of pastel pink, green and blue flowers embroidered contrasted by yellow gold tone hardware. The gold tone clasp is the perfecting finishing touch and really elevates this clutch. Style this with a Miu Miu dress...Category
1960s Clutches
- Chanel Beige Satin Applique Frame BagBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Beige Satin Applique Clutch is in excellent condition. Very unique ornamentation combines beautifully with edgy silver accents. B...Category
Early 2000s Italian Clutches