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 handles.
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 handles.
$521
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 to the 1970s.
Patchwork Clutch with Bakelite Frame
Located in Alford, MA
Carved bakelite frame and hinged clasp.
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.
$1,065
H 5.12 in W 8.08 in D 2.56 in
CELINE clutch from the Phoebe philo era in bakelite ivory & leather
By Celine
Located in PARIS, FR
celine clutch from the phoebe philo era in bakelite and ivory leather an incredible, one-of-a-kind piece.
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, Italy. 11.5" x 7" x 2".
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.
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.
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 handle.
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: Dimensions: Length: 29 cm, Height: 13 cm, Depth: 5 cm Condition: Good condition Seller Ref n...
Rare Art Deco Bakelite Greyhound on a Leash Leather Clutch
Located in New Hope, PA
A racing greyhound in butterscotch yellow Bakelite runs across the top of the supple brown leather clutch bag.
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 finished to perfection with the hallmark art deco Bakelite in four glorious colours.
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 the top, brown leather lining and side pocket, and the signature FF logo tastefully ...
1950's Bakelite Tinsel Shot Seaweed Green Clutch
Located in New York, NY
Bakelite clutch of deep seaweed green shot with metallic gold tinsel.
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 its durability, and can withstand far more wear than leather.
1930s Clutch with Carved Bakelite Clasp
Located in Alford, MA
Chic black leather Deco clutch with carved bakelite bar handle and back hand strap.
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 compartments for every need (from that period). The borders of the metal frame and c...
1950s Brown Bakelite and Leather Italian Clutch Bag
Located in Aci Castello, IT
The exterior features a sleek, rectangular Bakelite body in a stunning amber-brown marbled finish.
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 silk.
Sold
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
A buttery black leather forms the sides and bottom of the rectangular clutch. At the top, a striking lime green leaf frame, presumably made from Bakelite, encloses the button fastener.
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
Pairs beautifully with our stack of butterscotch carved Bakelite bangles, sold separately. Flat clutch purse with geometrically-machined grooved surface and carved Bakelite top clasp.
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 'Scottie Dog' clasp, that slides to one side, allowing the bag to open.
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', with a Bakelite and brass closure fitting, trimmed in a soft pinky grey leather.
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. 2000's. 10" x 7" x 2".
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 theme silk in muted colors.
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...
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 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 ...
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...
FENDI new pink sequins baguette 2024
By Fendi
Located in Rubiera, RE
FENDI New pink sequins baguette 2024 Iconic medium-sized Baguette bag, finely embroidered all-over with pink sequins in different shapes and sizes for a 3D effect and decorated with ...
A.F.Vandevorst Spring Summer 2001 Runway Bias Cut Nude 100% Silk Long Dress
By AF VANDERVORST
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
A.F.Vandevorst Spring Summer 2001 Runway 100% silk nude open back long dress, This is a fantastic archive worthy nude silk dress from the Iconic Belgian designers duo A.F.Vandevorst ...
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...
John Galliano for Christian Dior Silk Ruffle Hem Dress
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous silk dress by John Galliano for Christian Dior in brightly colored flowers on a navy and burgundy background. The spaghetti strap bodice is semi fitted and adorned on one ...
Gucci Diana Mini Black Leather Tote Bag
By Gucci
Located in Brossard, QC
The black leather Gucci Diana Mini Tote features shiny gold detailing. It comes equipped with two decorative straps to help maintain the shape of the handles, as shown in the photo. ...
$475Sale Price|29% Off
H 7.5 in D 4 in L 11.5 in
1950s Princess Charming by Atlas Vinyl Wicker Horse Themed Handbag
By Atlas
Located in University City, MO
1950s Princess Charming by Atlas vinyl wicker horse themed handbag The charming retro handbag is designed with a cloth & burlap panel on the front exterior encased in vinyl The clo...
CARMEN MARC VALVO 90's Vintage Silver Beaded Evening Gown Bridal Wedding Dress
By Carmen Marc Valvo
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Carmen Marc Valvo Vintage 1990's Silver / Grey / Icy cool toned Delicate floral beaded pattern Looks like liquid silk, but it's not silk Sexy square neckline Size USA 12 - easily tai...
$200Sale Price|20% Off
H 11 in W 1 in L 15.5 in
1980s Vintage GUCCI Pigskin Leather Document Clutch Bag Brown Large
By Gucci
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage GUCCI business clutch bag is crafted of pigskin leather in brown featuring gold toned hardware. Front flap combination lock closure opens to a beige pigskin leather inte...
Rare Hermès Vintage Black Leather Sac 404 Top Handle Doctor's Bag
By Hermès
Located in Studio City, CA
Vintage Hermes Sac 404 in black box calf leather with top handle and gold-plated metal hardware including a push-lock closure and key attached to the handle and protected by a leathe...
$450
H 5.5 in W 1.5 in L 9 in
Vintage 1950's French Floral Beaded Clutch Bag 1950's Beaded floral handbag
Located in Nashville, TN
A true beauty to behold, this original 1950's micro beaded clutch bag, rendered in the smallest iridescent white rocaille beads, accented by a raised scalloped pattern throughout, in...
1990s D&G Dolce Gabbana Brown Leather Snake Print Shopper Tote Bag
By D&G by DOLCE & GABBANA
Located in London, GB
1990s D&G by Dolce Gabbana Brown Snake Print Shopper Tote Bag, soft leather, velcro closure, black lining, interior zipped pocket, Made in Italy This bag is expertly crafted wit...
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...
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.
What these styles lack in name recognition they more than make up for in cachet.
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.