Skip to main content

1989 Chanel Mini Bag

Chanel 1989 Mini Vintage Lambskin Crossbody Classic Flap Bag
Chanel 1989 Mini Vintage Lambskin Crossbody Classic Flap Bag

Chanel 1989 Mini Vintage Lambskin Crossbody Classic Flap Bag

By Chanel

Located in Miami, FL

Chanel Mini Vintage Lambskin Crossbody Classic Flap Bag 1989 {VINTAGE 34 Years} Gold hardware Black lambskin diamond stitch Red lambskin interior lining Classic interwoven long cha...

Category

1980s French Structured Shoulder Bags

Chanel Vintage 1989 Classic Mini Flap Black Alligator 24K Gold Plated Bag
Chanel Vintage 1989 Classic Mini Flap Black Alligator 24K Gold Plated Bag

Chanel Vintage 1989 Classic Mini Flap Black Alligator 24K Gold Plated Bag

By Chanel

Located in Jersey City, NJ

Introducing vintage Chanel classic mini flap from 1989. Crafted from luxurious black alligator leather and adorned with exquisite 24K Métal Doré Plaqué hardware ( Classic Gold Heavy ...

Category

1980s French Shoulder Bags

Rare Chanel 1989 Vintage Blue Lizard Square Mini Evening Bag 24k GHW  68656
Rare Chanel 1989 Vintage Blue Lizard Square Mini Evening Bag 24k GHW  68656

Rare Chanel 1989 Vintage Blue Lizard Square Mini Evening Bag 24k GHW 68656

By Chanel

Located in Costa Mesa, CA

Store item: 68656 In blue lizard and 24k gold plated hardware. This item is in excellent condition with very few signs of normal use. Corners are clean with no rubbing or scuffi...

Category

1990s Evening Bags and Minaudières

Chanel Lizard Mini Flap Bag w Gold Hardware
Chanel Lizard Mini Flap Bag w Gold Hardware

Chanel Lizard Mini Flap Bag w Gold Hardware

By Chanel

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Chanel Mini Flap Bag crafted from lizard leather, featuring a fine, naturally scaled texture with a structured finish. The exterior is detailed with the signature interlocking CC tur...

Category

1980s Structured Shoulder Bags

Chanel Black 80's Mini Lambskin Crossbody Bag
Chanel Black 80's Mini Lambskin Crossbody Bag

Chanel Black 80's Mini Lambskin Crossbody Bag

By Chanel

Located in Miami, FL

Chanel Mini Vintage Lambskin Crossbody Classic Flap Bag 1989 {VINTAGE 35 Years} Gold hardware Black lambskin diamond stitch Red lambskin interior lining Classic interwoven long cha...

Category

1980s French Structured Shoulder Bags

Chanel Baby Soft Pink Mini Drawstring Quilted Tote Bag
Chanel Baby Soft Pink Mini Drawstring Quilted Tote Bag

Chanel Baby Soft Pink Mini Drawstring Quilted Tote Bag

By Chanel

Located in Miami, FL

Chanel baby soft pink mini drawstring quilted tote bag 1989 {VINTAGE 35 Years} Two tone pink lambskin on exterior Gold CC printed hardware Lambskin multi strand fringe drawstring cl...

Category

1980s Italian Hobo Bags

Chanel Red Quilted Lambskin Vintage Rectangular Mini Full Flap Bag
Chanel Red Quilted Lambskin Vintage Rectangular Mini Full Flap Bag

Chanel Red Quilted Lambskin Vintage Rectangular Mini Full Flap Bag

By Chanel

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

Chanel Red Quilted Lambskin Vintage Rectangular Mini Full Flap Bag Product Details Xupes Ref: HB4485 Brand: Chanel Model: Rectangular Mini Full Flap Bag Type: Shoulder, Crossbody Se...

Category

1980s French Structured Shoulder Bags

Chanel 1988 Vintage Black Quilted Lambskin Mini Flap Bag with Crystals
Chanel 1988 Vintage Black Quilted Lambskin Mini Flap Bag with Crystals

Chanel 1988 Vintage Black Quilted Lambskin Mini Flap Bag with Crystals

By Chanel

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Crystal Embellished Mini Flap Bag Product Details Xupes Ref: HB4815 Brand: Chanel Model: Mini Flap Bag Type: Shoulder Serial Number: 0538367 A...

Category

1980s French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags

Chanel Beige Quilted Satin Vintage Bijoux Half Moon Mini Flap Bag
Chanel Beige Quilted Satin Vintage Bijoux Half Moon Mini Flap Bag

Chanel Beige Quilted Satin Vintage Bijoux Half Moon Mini Flap Bag

By Chanel

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

Chanel Beige Quilted Satin Vintage Bijoux Half Moon Mini Flap Bag Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1532 Brand: Chanel Model: Half Moon Mini Flap Bag Type: Shoulder Accompanied By: Chane...

Category

1980s French Structured Shoulder Bags

Chanel Mini Classic Flap Micro  Beige Lambskin Leather Cross Body Bag
Chanel Mini Classic Flap Micro  Beige Lambskin Leather Cross Body Bag

Chanel Mini Classic Flap Micro Beige Lambskin Leather Cross Body Bag

By Chanel

Located in Miami, FL

This Celebrity Favorite has Diamond Quilting and a Gold Plated CC Turnlock Closure and hardware. Approximate measurements are 5.5" x 4" x 1.5" with a drop of about 22" on the gold ...

Category

1980s French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags

Chanel Vintage 80's Micro Mini Metallic Gold Quilted Lambskin Flap Bag
Chanel Vintage 80's Micro Mini Metallic Gold Quilted Lambskin Flap Bag

Chanel Vintage 80's Micro Mini Metallic Gold Quilted Lambskin Flap Bag

By Chanel

Located in Miami, FL

Chanel Vintage 80's Micro Mini Metallic Gold Quilted Lambskin Flap Bag Chain-link And Leather Strap CC Turnlock Closure Lambskin Leather Leather Lining Gold Hardware Made in France

Category

1980s French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags

Recent Sales

Chanel Vintage Chevron Quilted Black Leather Mini Flap Bag with GHW (circa 1989)
Chanel Vintage Chevron Quilted Black Leather Mini Flap Bag with GHW (circa 1989)

Chanel Vintage Chevron Quilted Black Leather Mini Flap Bag with GHW (circa 1989)

By Chanel

Located in Montreal, Quebec

Chanel Vintage Chevron Quilted Black Leather Mini Flap Bag (circa 1989) This vintage Mini Flap bag by Chanel is made with black chevron quilted leather.

Category

1980s Italian Shoulder Bags

Rare 1980s Chanel Mini Camera Bag with Tassel
Rare 1980s Chanel Mini Camera Bag with Tassel

Rare 1980s Chanel Mini Camera Bag with Tassel

Unavailable

H 4.73 in W 2.37 in L 5.91 in

Rare 1980s Chanel Mini Camera Bag with Tassel

By Chanel

Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta

Unique mini chanel camera bag piece from the 80s. Very rare. Slight visible marks on the leather surface as seen on the pictures. Item series #0. Comes with its card and dust bag.

Category

1980s Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags

Chanel Black Quilted Satin Mini Flap Bag with Gold Hardware
Chanel Black Quilted Satin Mini Flap Bag with Gold Hardware

Chanel Black Quilted Satin Mini Flap Bag with Gold Hardware

Unavailable

H 4.34 in W 1.97 in L 7.09 in

Chanel Black Quilted Satin Mini Flap Bag with Gold Hardware

By Chanel

Located in Lugano, Ticino

Chanel Black Quilted Satin Mini Flap Bag with Gold Hardware, ( 1986/1988) - 100% authentic Chanel - Black Quilted Satin - Long chain and fabric entwined strap - The interior is line...

Category

1980s French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags

Chanel Satin Quilted Black Square Mini Flap Bag
Chanel Satin Quilted Black Square Mini Flap Bag

Chanel Satin Quilted Black Square Mini Flap Bag

By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel

Located in Montreal, Quebec

This classic Chanel mini square flap bag is constructed of black satin with gold hardware. It features a front flap, a back slip pocket, signature interlocking CC turn-lock closure, ...

Category

1980s French Shoulder Bags

CHANEL Mini Square Small Chain Shoulder Crossbody Bag Black Lamb
CHANEL Mini Square Small Chain Shoulder Crossbody Bag Black Lamb

CHANEL Mini Square Small Chain Shoulder Crossbody Bag Black Lamb

By Chanel

Located in Takamatsu-shi, JP

An authentic CHANEL Mini Square Small Chain Shoulder Bag Crossbody Black Lamb.

Category

1980s French Structured Shoulder Bags

CHANEL Mini Square Small Chain Shoulder Crossbody Bag Black Lamb
CHANEL Mini Square Small Chain Shoulder Crossbody Bag Black Lamb

CHANEL Mini Square Small Chain Shoulder Crossbody Bag Black Lamb

By Chanel

Located in Takamatsu-shi, JP

An authentic CHANEL Mini Square Small Chain Shoulder Bag Crossbody Black Lamb.

Category

1980s French Structured Shoulder Bags

CHANEL Mini Square Small Chain Shoulder Crossbody Bag Black Lamb
CHANEL Mini Square Small Chain Shoulder Crossbody Bag Black Lamb

CHANEL Mini Square Small Chain Shoulder Crossbody Bag Black Lamb

By Chanel

Located in Takamatsu-shi, JP

An authentic CHANEL Mini Square Small Chain Shoulder Bag Crossbody Black Lamb.

Category

1980s French Structured Shoulder Bags

CHANEL Full Flap Mini Small Chain Shoulder Bag Black Coco Quilted
CHANEL Full Flap Mini Small Chain Shoulder Bag Black Coco Quilted

CHANEL Full Flap Mini Small Chain Shoulder Bag Black Coco Quilted

By Chanel

Located in Takamatsu-shi, JP

An authentic CHANEL Full Flap Mini Small Chain Shoulder Bag Black Coco Quilted. The color is Black. The outside material is Leather. The pattern is Solid. This item is Vintage / Clas...

Category

1980s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags

Chanel Tiffany Blue Vintage Quilted Lambskin Leather Classic Mini Flap Bag
Chanel Tiffany Blue Vintage Quilted Lambskin Leather Classic Mini Flap Bag

Chanel Tiffany Blue Vintage Quilted Lambskin Leather Classic Mini Flap Bag

By Chanel

Located in Westmount, Quebec

Brand: Chanel Manufactured: France Color: Tiffany Blue Size: Small Year: 1987 Bag Length: 6.5" Bag Height: 4.75" Bag Depth: 2.75" Strap Drop: 21"

Category

1980s French Shoulder Bags

Vintage Chanel Black Satin Quilted Gold Diamond CC with Tassel Mini Flap Bag
Vintage Chanel Black Satin Quilted Gold Diamond CC with Tassel Mini Flap Bag

Vintage Chanel Black Satin Quilted Gold Diamond CC with Tassel Mini Flap Bag

By Chanel

Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta

Beautiful vintage mini bag in black satin with gold detailing. Overall in good vintage condition still. Series #1. Comes as is with the holo intact. Minor marks on the satin surface.

Category

1980s Shoulder Bags

Vintage CHANEL brown 2.55 style mini shoulder bag with CC and skinny chains.
Vintage CHANEL brown 2.55 style mini shoulder bag with CC and skinny chains.

Vintage CHANEL brown 2.55 style mini shoulder bag with CC and skinny chains.

By Chanel

Located in Kashiwa, Chiba

1980s. Vintage CHANEL brown leather 2.55 style mini shoulder bag with CC and skinny chains. Here is another vintage piece from Chanel from the 80s, brown leather chain shoulder pur...

Category

1980s French Clutches

Chanel Vintage Mini Lizard Logo Bag
Chanel Vintage Mini Lizard Logo Bag

Chanel Vintage Mini Lizard Logo Bag

By Chanel

Located in Paris, FR

Chanel vintage bag in black lizard and golden hardware Sold with card and hologram Size 16x11 cm

Category

1980s French Structured Shoulder Bags

1989 Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Mini Flap Bag
1989 Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Mini Flap Bag

1989 Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Mini Flap Bag

By Chanel

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

CHANEL Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Mini Flap Bag This CHANEL Mini Flap Bag is in Excellent Pre-Owned Condition accompanied by Chanel Dust Bag, Authenticity Card.

Category

1980s Structured Shoulder Bags

1989 Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Mini Flap Bag
1989 Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Mini Flap Bag

1989 Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Mini Flap Bag

By Chanel

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

"CHANEL Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Mini Flap Bag Reference: HB2634 Serial Number: 1643657 Age (Circa): 1989 Accompanied By: Chanel Dust Bag Authenticity Details: Serial Sticker ...

Category

1980s French Structured Shoulder Bags

1989 Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Mini Flap Bag
1989 Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Mini Flap Bag

1989 Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Mini Flap Bag

By Chanel

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

"CHANEL Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Mini Flap Bag Reference: HB2631 Serial Number: 1597747 Age (Circa): 1989 Accompanied By: Authenticity Card Authenticity Details: Serial Stick...

Category

1980s French Structured Shoulder Bags

1989 Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Mini Flap Bag
1989 Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Mini Flap Bag

1989 Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Mini Flap Bag

By Chanel

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

CHANEL Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Mini Flap Bag Xupes Reference: HB2942 Serial Number: 1167782 Age (Circa): 1989 Accompanied By: Chanel Dust Bag, Box Authenticity Details: Seria...

Category

1980s French Structured Shoulder Bags

1989 Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Mini Flap Bag
1989 Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Mini Flap Bag

1989 Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Mini Flap Bag

By Chanel

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

CHANEL Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Mini Flap Bag Xupes Reference: HB2599 Serial Number: 0787572 Age (Circa): 1989 Accompanied By: Chanel Dust Bag, Box Authenticity Details: Seria...

Category

1980s French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags

1989 Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Mini Flap Bag
1989 Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Mini Flap Bag

1989 Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Mini Flap Bag

By Chanel

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

CHANEL Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Mini Flap Bag Xupes Reference: HB3953 Serial Number: 1198622 Age (Circa): 1989 Accompanied By: Chanel Dust Bag, Box Authenticity Details: Seri...

Category

1980s French Structured Shoulder Bags

CHANEL Timeless Mini Rectangular Flap Bag Black Lambskin 1989–1991
CHANEL Timeless Mini Rectangular Flap Bag Black Lambskin 1989–1991

CHANEL Timeless Mini Rectangular Flap Bag Black Lambskin 1989–1991

By Chanel

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

Magnifique sac à main CHANEL modèle Timeless Classique Mini Rectangular Single Flap, réalisé en cuir d’agneau noir matelassé et orné d’une bijouterie dorée plaquée or 24 carats. Ce m...

Category

1980s Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags

1989 Chanel Red Lizard Leather Vintage Timeless Mini Flap Bag
1989 Chanel Red Lizard Leather Vintage Timeless Mini Flap Bag

1989 Chanel Red Lizard Leather Vintage Timeless Mini Flap Bag

By Chanel

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

CHANEL Red Lizard Leather Vintage Timeless Mini Flap Bag Reference: HB2419 Serial Number: 0892769 Age (Circa): 1989 Accompanied By: Chanel Dust Bag, Box Authenticity Details: Serial...

Category

1980s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags

Chanel Turquoise Lambskin Mini Tassel Crossbody Bag with 24KT Hardware, 1989.
Chanel Turquoise Lambskin Mini Tassel Crossbody Bag with 24KT Hardware, 1989.

Chanel Turquoise Lambskin Mini Tassel Crossbody Bag with 24KT Hardware, 1989.

By Chanel

Located in Banner Elk, NC

Chanel Turquoise Lambskin Mini Tassel Chevron Quilted Crossbody Bag with 24KT Hardware, 1989.

Category

1980s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags

1989 Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Mini Flap Bag
1989 Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Mini Flap Bag

1989 Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Mini Flap Bag

By Chanel

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

CHANEL Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Mini Flap Bag Xupes Reference: HB2934 Serial Number: 1361591 Age (Circa): 1989 Accompanied By: Chanel Dust Bag, Box Authenticity Details: Seria...

Category

1990s French Structured Shoulder Bags

1989 Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Mini Flap Bag
1989 Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Mini Flap Bag

1989 Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Mini Flap Bag

By Chanel

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

CHANEL Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Mini Flap Bag Xupes Reference: HB3439 Serial Number: 1465709 Age (Circa): 1989 Authenticity Details: Serial Sticker (Made in France) Gender: La...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Structured Shoulder Bags

1989 Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Mini Flap Bag
1989 Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Mini Flap Bag

1989 Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Mini Flap Bag

By Chanel

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

CHANEL Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Mini Flap Bag Xupes Reference: HB3510 Serial Number: 1952732 Age (Circa): 1989 Accompanied By: Authenticity Card Authenticity Details: Authent...

Category

1990s French Structured Shoulder Bags

Vintage Red Mini Chanel Bag
Vintage Red Mini Chanel Bag

Vintage Red Mini Chanel Bag

Sold

Size: 21 × 16 × 5 cm

Vintage Red Mini Chanel Bag

By Chanel

Located in Paris, FR

Special CHANEL Vintage red mini bag Condition: very good Made in France Material: lambskin leather Interior: smooth leather Color: red, navy blue Dimensions: 21 ×16 × 5 cm Handles (...

Category

1980s French Structured Shoulder Bags

CHANEL Black Leather Mini Drawstring Bag
CHANEL Black Leather Mini Drawstring Bag

CHANEL Black Leather Mini Drawstring Bag

By Chanel

Located in New York, NY

Chanel Black Leather Mini Drawstring Bag Age: 1986-1988 Made In Italy Materials: Lambskin Stamped: CHANEL MADE IN ITALY Hologram Sticker Reads: 0822140 Length: 6" Height: ...

Category

1980s Italian Handbags and Purses

Chanel Black Velvet Mini Shoulder Bag
Chanel Black Velvet Mini Shoulder Bag

Chanel Black Velvet Mini Shoulder Bag

By Chanel

Located in London, GB

Crafted in France from luxurious black velvet, this pre-loved, mini shoulder bag by Chanel features a diamond quilted finish, a practical fold-over front flap and the iconic interloc...

Category

1980s Italian Bucket Bags and Drawstring Bags

Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "1989 Chanel Mini Bag", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

1989 Chanel Mini Bag For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate vintage or contemporary 1989 chanel mini bag for your needs in our varied inventory. Our collection includes a variety of colors, spanning Black, Red, Blue and more. You’re likely to find the perfect 1989 chanel mini bag among the distinctive accessories we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 20th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking these accessories, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a 1989 Chanel Mini Bag?

Prices for a 1989 chanel mini bag can differ depending upon size, designer and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $750 and can go as high as $14,920, while, on average they fetch $3,378.

Chanel for sale on 1stDibs

In the years following the opening of her modest millinery shop, Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel became a pivotal designer of both fashionable casual wear and Paris haute couture as well as an icon and arbiter of 20th-century style with her bob haircut and pearls. Today vintage Chanel handbags, jackets and evening dresses are among the most sought-after clothing and accessories for fashion lovers all over the world.

The first Chanel shop was established in 1910 in Paris on rue Cambon by the young milliner Gabrielle Chanel (1883–1971), who had picked up the nickname “Coco” while working as a club singer. The boutique drew the attention of the Parisian fashion elite who popularized her wide-brimmed Chanel Modes hats. Soon she added a sportswear store in the Normandy resort town of Deauville, where Coco set the tone for her defining sense of style — traditionally masculine garments reimagined for feminine shapes, made from simple jersey fabric.

Effortless and elegant, Chanel's designs promoted comfort and grace in women’s wear that had been dominated in the previous century by complicated layers of fabric and cumbersome corsets. She followed this success with a couture house, opened in 1915 in Biarritz.

But Chanel was not born into a life of glamour. Following the death of her mother, her father left her in an orphanage where she lived until the age of 18. It was there that she learned to sew as well as appreciate the classic pairing of black and white as worn by the nuns.

In 1926, Chanel introduced her first little black dress, reclaiming a color that had once been reserved for mourning and working-class women. That same decade, she debuted her perfume, Chanel No. 5, as well as the Chanel suit with a fitted skirt, inspired by the boxy lines of men’s clothing and employing a sporty tweed. 

Chanel closed her fashion operations during World War II, then returned to the industry in 1954 to design for the functional needs of modern women.

Structure and wearability endured in all of Chanel’s clothing and accessories, like the quilted leather 2.55 handbag — a 1955 update of a 1920s-era design — with its gold-chain shoulder strap that freed up a woman’s hands. The 1957 two-tone slingback pumps had a practical heel height while offering a bold statement in the black tip of the shoes. Her collarless jacket reacted against the constricting styles of Christian Dior's New Look, replacing them with a design that was timeless, an instant classic. 

After Coco Chanel died in 1971, the brand underwent several changes in leadership, including fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld, who took over as artistic director in 1983. His collections for Chanel displayed his knack for synthesizing old and new, high and low. Lagerfeld revived Chanel ballet flats and thoroughly embraced the classic logo's interlocking CCs, which took the form of a clasp featured on so many of the rare Chanel bags that are much sought after today.

Vintage Karl Lagerfeld designs for Chanel dresses, coats and other clothing of the 1980s, '90s and 2000s riffed on its iconography, accenting a lexicon of Chanel-isms with tastes of the moment. And as the 1990s have become associated with styles adopted by today’s supermodels and influencers, vintage Chanel bags of the 1990s are among the most prized of the brand’s offerings.

Over the years, the company has continued to innovate, such as expanding into ready-to-wear fashion in 1978 and, in 2002, establishing a subsidiary company — Paraffection — dedicated to preserving the heritage skills of fashion artisan workshops. The House of Chanel still operates its flagship on rue Cambon in Paris, where it all began.

Browse vintage Chanel bags, evening dresses, shoes, jewelry and other clothing and accessories on 1stDibs.

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 bagBirkin, 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.