Charles Jourdan Bakelite Clutch Bag
By Charles Jourdan
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Charles Jourdan -(Made in France) Bakelite clutch. To note, clasp and bakelite are damaged
Charles Jourdan Bakelite Clutch Bag
By Charles Jourdan
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Charles Jourdan -(Made in France) Bakelite clutch. To note, clasp and bakelite are damaged
Fold Over Bottega Veneta Suede and Bakelite Clutch
By Bottega Veneta
Located in New York, NY
Elegant foldover clutch from Bottega Veneta in rust suede with faux striated tortoise bakelite
$534
H 7.88 in W 13 in D 1.19 in L 21.66 in
1970s Art Deco Style Black Leather and Bakelite Clutch by Colombetti Milano
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This is a rare and highly sophisticated vintage shoulder bag/clutch from Colombetti Milano, dating
Patchwork Clutch with Bakelite Frame
Located in Alford, MA
Clutch in the deepest gray soft leather featuring a central patchwork panel of leaves in varied
High Art Deco Bakelite Dog Clutch
Located in New York, NY
Rare Collectible High Art Deco Bakelite Dog Calf Leather Clutch from the 1930's by Virginia Bags. A
$2,100
H 8.5 in W 10 in D 2 in
Isabel Canovas Black & Gold Silk Leather Green Bakelite Leaf Clutch, 1980s
By Isabel Canovas
Located in Boca Raton, FL
rectangular clutch. At the top, a striking lime green leaf frame, presumably made from Bakelite, encloses the
Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Dove Gray Clutch
By Bottega Veneta
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Dove Gray Clutch with pearlized bakelite frame from the 1980's
Unavailable
H 7.88 in W 10.44 in D 1.19 in
Original Art Deco Leather Clutch Handbag Bag in brown with bakelite clasp
Located in Daylesford, Victoria
Art Deco Clutch in textured Leather with fantastic Honey Bakelite and French designed Gilt Clasp
Chanel Beige Bakelite Clutch Ornamented with Orangey Rhinestones, 2005
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel - (Made in France) Beige bakelite clutch ornamented with orangey rhinestones and a trimmings
Jimmy Choo Magazine Bakelite Clutch
By Jimmy Choo
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Jimmy Choo -(Made in Italy) Bakelite pouch with magazine print. Additional information
Rare Art Deco Bakelite Greyhound on a Leash Leather Clutch
Located in New Hope, PA
yellow Bakelite runs across the top of the supple brown leather clutch bag. A silver chain leash at his
Charles Jourdan Brown Bakelite Evening Bag
By Charles Jourdan
Located in Paris, FR
Collectible and rare brown bakelite bag, or clutch, from Charles Jourdan. Inside the bag the lining
1960s Pop Art Avant de Dormir Red Bakelite Clutch
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Rare Avant de Dormir Italia bakelite clutch. Rare model of 1960's Pop Art vintage, Made in Italy
Vintage Art Deco Leather & Bakelite Clutch Bag 1930s
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A Vintage Art Deco Bakelite Clutch Bag from the 1930s. An eternally classic black leather clutch
1970s Fendi Brown Bakelite Clutch Bag
By Fendi
Located in London, GB
This early 1970s Fendi envelope bag is made from lustrous brown Bakelite with a clutch closure at
1950's Bakelite Tinsel Shot Seaweed Green Clutch
Located in New York, NY
Bakelite clutch of deep seaweed green shot with metallic gold tinsel. Echoes of a 1950's Floridian
1970s Margolm Black Snakeskin + Tortoise Brown Vintage 70s Clutch Purse Bag
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic 1970s MARGOLM black python snake skin and tortoise Bakelite clutch bag! Python is known for
1930s Clutch with Carved Bakelite Clasp
Located in Alford, MA
Chic black leather Deco clutch with carved bakelite bar handle and back hand strap. The interior
Black Suede and Bakelite Minaudiere Clutch
Located in New York, NY
Black Suede and Bakelite Minaudiere from the 1930's. Completely outfitted as a vanity case with
1950s Brown Bakelite and Leather Italian Clutch Bag
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Bakelite with the classic elegance of genuine leather. The exterior features a sleek, rectangular Bakelite
Sold
H 7.2 in D 2 in Dm 10 in L 8.75 in
Cream carved Bakelite frame and patterned silk clutch bag, English, 1920s
Located in Greyabbey, County Down
These is a delightful clutch bag, made from a beautiful Art Deco silk fabric, and piped in grey
Sold
H 5.75 in W 8 in D 0.5 in
Art Deco Buttercream Grid Vinyl Dance Clutch with Carved Bakelite Clasp, 1930s
By Park Lane
Located in Tucson, AZ
our stack of butterscotch carved Bakelite bangles, sold separately. Flat clutch purse with
Sold
H 6.5 in W 9.5 in D 2 in
Black stitched suede and chrome clutch with bakelite 'Scottie Dog' clasp, 1930s
Located in Greyabbey, County Down
Very chic and stylish clutch bag with a chrome frame is from the 1930s, with a carved Bakelite
Sold
H 6.5 in W 6.5 in D 0.25 in Dm 11 in L 9 in
Chic woven straw, leather, bakelite and silk clutch bag, Alfred Dunhill, 1930s
By Alfred Dunhill
Located in Greyabbey, County Down
This elegant clutch bag from Alfred Dunhill in the 1930s, is made from beautifully woven 'straw
Bottega Veneta Snakeskin Cinnabar Clutch
By Bottega Veneta
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Bottega Veneta Deep Cinnabar Snakeskin Clutch with pearlized bakelite frame snap closure
Bakelite Clutch for Bergdorf Goodman
Located in Chicago, IL
This is an unusual and great looking clutch in a deep honey color.
Bakelite and Leather Pochette / Clutch
Located in Chicago, IL
This is a fun and fabulous bag in wonderful condition.One large interior compartment with a small pocket to the side, fabric lined and wrist strap.
1930's Bakelite Oriental Theme Clutch
Located in New York, NY
Wonderful small clutch with bakelite clasp and ornamentation. The body of the bag is an oriental
$1,761
Size: Equivalent size 38 France
A Pierre Cardin Organza Blouse With Dramatic Batwing Sleeves Circa 1970/1980
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1970/1980 France Stunning Blouse in black Organza by Pierre Cardin (attributed to) dating from the 1970s / 1980s. Boat neckline blouse buttoned in front and dramatic raging s...
FENDI Sparkling Silver Metallic FF Zucca Logo Baguette Handbag
By Fendi
Located in Switzerland, CH
Rare FENDI shoulder bag in the famous Zucca print with a twist - in shiny lurex! Details: Fendi Baguette with the famous FF Zucca logo print Fendi FF Zucca canvas with a glitter ef...
Vintage Bon Gout Black Crocodile Bag
By Bon Gout
Located in London, GB
A chic vintage crocodile bag by Bon Gout . This super shiny crocodile bag is large enough for todays essentials, measuring Width 13'', height 7 1/2 '', and depth 3''. The bag has a ...
1960s Coppola e Toppo for Saks Fifth Avenue Crystal Evening Bag
By Coppola e Toppo
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A glamorous statement piece, perfect for vintage collectors or anyone channeling a retro Hollywood or Studio 54 evening look. It pairs gorgeously with a silk slip dress or a tailored...
British Hong Kong Cream Handbag with Iridescent Cream Sequins and White Beads
Located in London, GB
This very beautiful cream bag, with iridescent cream sequins and white beads, was made in British Hong Kong, circa 1960s. It has silver tone fittings, with a rhinestone double clasp,...
$874
H 11.82 in D 3.94 in L 11.42 in
Green fabric handle bag with crocodile pattern Christian Lacroix BAZAR
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Green fabric ( probably rayon ) handle bag with crocodile pattern. Branded wood handle + gold metal chain and eyelet. Black plastic lining and one pocket with zip closure inside. S...
CHANEL black leather 2022 22C DUBAI BEECHWOOD VANITY Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel Small Vanity bag in beige beechwood with black leather trims and antique gold-tone hardware. Rare limited edition. Opens with a logo clasp closure and is lined ...
Vintage Art Deco Black Suede Handbag
Located in London, GB
A chic hexaganol shape Art Deco handbag in black suede. The bag has a decorative art deco clasp and is lined in fabric with one internal pouch pocket and integrated purse. Measuremen...
$251Sale Price|53% Off
1970s Balmain Paris White Cream and Gold Leather Shoulder Bag
By Balmain
Located in London, GB
Balmain Paris Handbag White cream Leather, brass metal ware, strong magnetic clasp closure, inside zipped pocket, suede interior This timeless and sophisticated design is crafted fro...
Hermes Birkin 25 Bag Black Togo Leather Rose Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a gorgeous Black Hermes Birkin 25 bag featured with the warm glow of Rose Gold hardware. This beautiful Birkin bag is a perfect combination to move from day to eve...
JUDITH LEIBER Green Lizard Skin Wallet with Gold Clasp
By Judith Leiber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Judith Leiber green lizard skin wallet with gold metal clasp. This wallet is in 'LIKE NEW' condition. There are no significant flaws or wear areas to consider with this lovely wallet...
rare CHRISTIAN DIOR John Galliano Vintage washed babylamb leather coat FR36 S
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare CHRISTIAN DIOR John Galliano Vintage washed blue babylamb leather coat FR36 S Reference: TGAS/E00670 Brand: Dior Designer: John Galliano Material: Lambskin Leather Color: Blue, ...
Hermès 1991 Sac Bolide 35 Brown Leather Bolide Bag With Strap Hermes Spa
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Bolide model bag, size 35, in lightly grained brown (hazelnut) leather, interior in soft, coordinated leather with a large patch pocket, 2 handles for carrying by hand and a r...
$2,250
Size: none; comparable to size XXS
Nude Net and Panné Velvet Tiered Flock of Seagulls Ruffle Dress- XXS, Late 1920s
Located in Tucson, AZ
Fully restored, this breathtaking dress recalls the ethereal evening gowns designed by Jeanne Lanvin and Coco Chanel in the late 1920s. Using a skin-tight nude net body stocking as i...
Pierre Cardin silvery necklace
By Pierre Cardin
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PIERRE CARDIN - (Made in France) Dickey necklace composed of silvery metal plates articulated with each other. Jewelry from the 1960s-1970s. Not signed. Condition: Very good conditi...
$3,999Sale Price|20% Off
GUCCI Unworn Black Exotic Ostrich Skin Horsebit Flap Bag Clutch
By Gucci
Located in Switzerland, CH
Beautiful Black Gucci Flap Bag A timeless Gucci piece Signature horsebit detail Luxurious black ostrich skin Fully lined with suede skin One inner pocket Mat-golden hardware Detacha...
Vintage and designer clutches are the perfect size to hold exactly what you need. While they’re typically small purses, Chanel clutches, Gucci clutches and other kinds of clutches can make a big impact on an outfit. They also have a fascinating history.
Clutches are handbags without handles that are carried by hand. One of the oldest known clutches was made in Mosul, Iraq, in the 14th century. It was made of brass and inlaid with gold and silver in geometric patterns. Although the loops on the side indicate it likely had handles to wear as a shoulder bag, manuscripts show a similar example being carried by hand.
Fashion designers often made clutches to reflect the wealth of the holder. In Medieval Europe, men and women securely carried items in small bags hidden inside their clothing as tie-on pockets. Women carried their possessions, scented and secreted, in the folds of their voluminous skirts. Pockets eventually became integral to garment design, but bigger sacks were needed to carry books and documents. When women’s clothing became lighter, consisting of fewer layers, it could no longer easily hide their handbags or pockets.
Changes in fashion led to handbags becoming a popular fashion accessory, and today, even as we’re overwhelmed by options from a variety of high-end brands, iconic luxury handbags still rule. The highly decorative bags of the 19th century faded from popularity when women entered the workforce and the clutch became the dominant business accessory. Flappers in the 1920s, clad in the dazzling Art Deco jewelry of the era, also loved the freedom of carrying clutches as they didn’t get in the way of dancing.
The simplicity of the clutch remains stylish today. Once made to be carried on special occasions, they are now an accessory for everyday use. Find a collection of vintage and designer clutches from Dior, Hermès, Louis Vuitton and more on 1stDibs.
Before the Birkin there was the Haut à Courroies, which has become the chic carryall of choice for the league's most stylish athletes.
Accented with a sculptural golden handle and a pair of swishy tassels, the design never went into production.
These celebrities prove that the famous design works with both sleek dresses and streetwear.
Fashion designers are revisiting and reimagining the era's It bags.
The sale sets a new record for the highly coveted handbag.
Does wicker get more high-end than this?
Several of the pieces sold for well above their estimates.
On the purse’s anniversary, we reflect on its remarkable versatility.