Balenciaga XS Bazar Stripe Tote in Blue Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in Houston, TX
Inspired by everyday market bags, the Balenciaga XS Bazar Tote reimagines the practical silhouette through the house’s signature avant-garde lens.
Balenciaga XS Bazar Stripe Tote in Blue Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in Houston, TX
Inspired by everyday market bags, the Balenciaga XS Bazar Tote reimagines the practical silhouette through the house’s signature avant-garde lens.
BALENCIAGA black crackled leather SMALL BAZAR Tote Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Balenciaga Small Bazar shoulder bag in black crinkled calfskin. Lined in black canvas with one black leather zip pocket against the back and an open pocket against the...
Balenciaga Bazar Shopper White and Coral Lambskin Leather Tote Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Kowloon, HK
Color: white and coral Material: Lambskin Leather Condition: Rank S Overall: Almost New, Not Used Surface: Good Corners: Good Edges: Good Handles/Straps: Good Hardware: Good Dim...
BALENCIAGA Bazar Shopper XS Tote Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Geneva, CH
Lovely and coloured tote bag featuring 'Arena' stripes, a top zip closure, an adjustable, removable shoulder strap, two top handles and a gold-tone embossed logo at the front. Year...
Balenciaga Black & Multicolor Bazar Striped Tote bag
By Balenciaga
Located in New York, NY
Product details: Black and multicolor leather Bazar tote bag by Balenciaga. Striped pattern throughout.
2018 Balenciaga Silver Aaj Bazar Shopper Tote
By Balenciaga
Located in Toronto, Ontario
If you’ve been looking for the perfect statement bag to add to your collection, this silver Balenciaga Aaj Bazar Shopper Tote is for you. Made out of an aluminum-esque, 100% leather,...
Balenciaga Bazar Black Crocodile Leather Ladies Medium Shopper Tote Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in New York, NY
Balenciaga croc embossed leather tote bag. A timeless black hue and top handles, all very cleverly assembled to look the part of the bazar bags you see in the market.
Balenciaga Black Leather Bazar Graffiti Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Torre Del Greco, IT
Balenciaga Bazar Graffiti in black grained leather. Zipper closure.Two handle .Internally large and equipped with pockets. Comfortable and sporty. Also suitable for work.
BALENCIAGA metallic silver crackled leather SMALL BAZAR Tote Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Balenciaga Small Bazar shoulder bag in metallic silver crinkled calfskin. Lined in black canvas with one silver leather zip pocket against the back and an open pocket ...
Balenciaga Bazar Shopper Medium Size Black Leather Ladies Tote Bag 443097
By Balenciaga
Located in New York, NY
Balenciaga’s black Bazar shopper M bag comes in a subtly distressed finish for the new season. It’s crafted in Italy from mid-shine naturally creased lamb leather, to a rectangular s...
Balenciaga Bazar Tote Leather Medium
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This Balenciaga Bazar Tote Leather Medium, crafted in blue leather, features dual long leather top handles and silver-tone hardware.
Balenciaga Bazar Tote Leather Medium
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This Balenciaga Bazar Tote Leather Medium from the brand's amazon line, crafted in black leather, features dual long leather top handles and silver-tone hardware.
Balenciaga Bazar Tote Leather Medium
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Balenciaga Bazar Tote Leather Medium is a stylish chic bag that's perfect for your everyday use.
Balenciaga Bazar Tote Striped Leather Large
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This Balenciaga Bazar Tote Striped Leather Large, crafted in blue and multicolor striped leather, features dual flat leather handles and silver-tone hardware.
Balenciaga Bazar Tote Striped Leather Medium
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This Balenciaga Bazar Tote Striped Leather Medium, crafted in black, red and multicolor striped leather, features dual flat leather handles, contrast stitching, and silver-tone hardw...
Balenciaga Bazar Tote Striped Leather Medium
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This Balenciaga Bazar Tote Striped Leather Medium, crafted in white, red and blue striped leather, features dual flat leather handles, contrast stitching, and silver-tone hardware.
Balenciaga Bazar Tote Striped Leather Medium
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This Balenciaga Bazar Tote Striped Leather Medium, crafted in white, red and blue striped leather, features dual flat leather handles, contrast stitching, and silver-tone hardware.
Balenciaga Bazar Tote Striped Leather Medium
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This Balenciaga Bazar Tote Striped Leather Medium, crafted in blue multicolor leather, features dual flat leather handles, contrast stitching, and silver-tone hardware.
Balenciaga Bazar Tote Striped Leather Medium
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This Balenciaga Bazar Tote Striped Leather Medium, crafted in green, red and multicolor striped leather, features dual flat leather handles and silver-tone hardware.
Balenciaga Bazar Tote Striped Leather Medium
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This Balenciaga Bazar Tote Striped Leather Medium, crafted in blue multicolor leather, features dual flat leather handles, contrast stitching, and silver-tone hardware.
Balenciaga Bazar Tote Striped Leather Medium
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This Balenciaga Bazar Tote Striped Leather Medium, crafted in blue multicolor striped leather, features dual flat leather handles, contrast stitching, and silver-tone hardware.
Balenciaga Bazar Tote Striped Leather Medium
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Balenciaga Bazar Tote Striped Leather Medium is a stylish chic bag that's inspired by shoppers used in Thai markets.
Balenciaga Bazar Tote Patent Medium
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Balenciaga Bazar Tote Patent Medium is a stylish chic bag that's perfect for your everyday use.
Balenciaga Bazar Tote Striped Leather Medium
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Balenciaga Bazar Tote Striped Leather Medium is a stylish chic bag that's inspired by shoppers used in Thai markets.
Balenciaga Bazar Tote Leather Large
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Handle Drop 9", Height 16", Width 18.5", Depth 7.5" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Bazar Tote Leather Large Exterior Material: Leather Exterior...
Balenciaga Bazar Tote Mesh XS
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: With Strap Measurements: Handle Drop 4", Height 9.5", Width 8.5", Depth 4", Strap Drop 21-25" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Bazar Tote Mesh XS Exterior Material: Mesh Exte...
Balenciaga Bazar Tote Mesh Small
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Handle Drop 6", Height 11", Width 11", Depth 5.5", Handle Drop 6" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Bazar Tote Mesh Small Exterior Material: Leat...
Balenciaga Bazar Tote Striped Leather Medium
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This Balenciaga Bazar Convertible Tote Striped Leather Small, crafted in blue, green and multicolor striped leather, features dual flat leather handles, contrast stitching, and silve...
Balenciaga Bazar Tote Striped Leather Large
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Dust Bag Measurements: Handle Drop 9", Height 16", Width 18.5", Depth 8" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Bazar Tote Striped Leather Large Exterior Material: Leather Exterior...
Balenciaga Bazar Tote Striped Leather Large
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Handle Drop 8.5", Height 16", Width 18", Depth 7" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Bazar Tote Striped Leather Large Exterior Material: Leather ...
Balenciaga Bazar Tote Striped Leather Large
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Handle Drop 8.5", Height 16", Width 18", Depth 7" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Bazar Tote Striped Leather Large Exterior Material: Leather ...
Balenciaga Bazar Tote Striped Leather Medium
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Dust Bag Measurements: Handle Drop 8", Height 15", Width 15", Depth 7" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Bazar Tote Striped Leather Medium Exterior Material: Leather Exterior ...
Balenciaga Bazar Tote Striped Mesh Medium
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Dust Bag Measurements: Handle Drop 8", Height 14.5", Width 15", Depth 6.5", Handle Drop 8" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Bazar Tote Striped Mesh Medium Exterior Material:...
Balenciaga Bazar Tote Striped Leather Medium
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Handle Drop 8.5", Height 15", Width 14.5", Depth 7" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Bazar Tote Striped Leather Medium Exterior Material: Leather...
Balenciaga Bazar Tote Mesh Small
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Handle Drop 6", Height 11", Width 11", Depth 5.5", Handle Drop 6" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Bazar Tote Mesh Small Exterior Material: Leat...
Balenciaga Black Leather Bazar Shopper S Tote
By Balenciaga
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Designed to make your shopping sprees stylish and comfortable, Balenciaga's Bazar tote is a must-have. While the signature print elevates the black leather exterior, the roomy fabric...
Balenciaga Bazar Convertible Tote Leather XS
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This Balenciaga Bazar Convertible Tote Leather XS, crafted in gray leather, features dual top leather handles and silver-tone hardware.
Balenciaga Bazar Convertible Tote Leather Small
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This Balenciaga Bazar Convertible Tote Leather Small, crafted in black tote leather, features dual top leather handles, and silver-tone hardware accents.
Balenciaga Bazar Convertible Tote Leather XS
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This Balenciaga Bazar Convertible Tote Leather XS, crafted in black leather, this bag features dual top leather handles, and silver-tone hardware accents.
Balenciaga Bazar Convertible Tote Leather XS
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Balenciaga Bazar Convertible Tote Leather XS is a stylish chic bag that's inspired by shoppers used in markets.
Balenciaga Bazar Convertible Tote Leather XS
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: With Strap Measurements: Handle Drop 5", Height 9", Width 8.5", Depth 4.5", Strap Drop 21" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Bazar Convertible Tote Leather XS Exterior Materia...
Balenciaga Bazar Convertible Tote Leather XS
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Dust Bag, With Strap Measurements: Handle Drop 5", Height 9.5", Width 8", Depth 4", Strap Drop 18-24" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Bazar Convertible Tote Leather XS Exter...
Balenciaga Bazar Convertible Tote Leather XXS
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: With Strap Measurements: Handle Drop 4", Height 7", Width 6.5", Depth 3", Strap Drop 19.5-21.5" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Bazar Convertible Tote Leather XXS Exterior M...
Balenciaga Bazar Convertible Tote Leather Small
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: With Strap Measurements: Handle Drop 6", Height 11", Width 11", Depth 6", Strap Drop 21-23" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Bazar Convertible Tote Leather Small Exterior Ma...
Balenciaga Bazar Convertible Tote Shearling XS
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Dust Bag, With Strap Measurements: Handle Drop 4", Height 10", Width 8.5", Depth 4", Strap Drop 20" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Bazar Convertible Tote Shearling XS Exte...
Balenciaga Bazar Convertible Tote Leather Small
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: With Strap Measurements: Handle Drop 7", Height 11", Width 11", Depth 5.5", Strap Drop 19" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Bazar Convertible Tote Leather Small Exterior Mate...
Balenciaga Bazar Convertible Tote Leather XS
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Handle Drop 4.5", Height 9", Width 8.5", Depth 4.5", Strap Drop 21" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Bazar Convertible Tote Leather XS Exterior ...
Balenciaga Bazar Convertible Tote Leather XXS
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Dust Bag, With Strap Measurements: Handle Drop 4", Height 7", Width 6.5", Depth 3.5", Strap Drop 21" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Bazar Convertible Tote Leather XXS Exter...
Balenciaga Bazar Convertible Tote Leather Small
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: With Strap Measurements: Handle Drop 6.5", Height 12", Width 11", Depth 5.5", Strap Drop 21-23" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Bazar Convertible Tote Leather Small Exterior...
Balenciaga Bazar Convertible Tote Leather Small
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Dust Bag, With Strap Measurements: Handle Drop 6", Height 11", Width 11.5", Depth 6", Strap Drop 21-23" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Bazar Convertible Tote Leather Small...
Balenciaga Bazar Convertible Tote Leather Small
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: With Strap Measurements: Handle Drop 6.5", Height 11", Width 11.5", Depth 6", Strap Drop 21-23" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Bazar Convertible Tote Leather Small Exterior...
Balenciaga Bazar Convertible Tote Leather XS
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
Odor in interior Accessories: Dust Bag, With Strap Measurements: Handle Drop 5", Height 10", Width 8.5", Depth 5", Strap Drop 21-23" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Bazar Convertible Tot...
Balenciaga Bazar Convertible Tote Leather Small
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: With Strap Measurements: Handle Drop 7", Height 11", Width 11", Depth 6", Strap Drop 21-24" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Bazar Convertible Tote Leather Small Exterior Mat...
Balenciaga Bazar Convertible Tote Leather XXS
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: With Strap Measurements: Handle Drop 4", Height 7", Width 6.5", Depth 3", Strap Drop 20.5-22.5" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Bazar Convertible Tote Leather XXS Exterior M...
Balenciaga Bazar Convertible Tote Leather XXS
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: With Strap Measurements: Handle Drop 4", Height 7", Width 6.5", Depth 3", Strap Drop 20.5-22.5" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Bazar Convertible Tote Leather XXS Exterior M...
Balenciaga Black Bazar Leather Shopper Tote
By Balenciaga
Located in London, GB
Balenciaga Black Bazar Shopper Tote - Soft black leather - Large boxy shoulder tote - Zip top fastening - Gold-tone foil printed branding on the front - Double shoulder straps - In...
Balenciaga Bazar Convertible Tote Leather Small
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: With Strap Measurements: Handle Drop 6", Height 11", Width 11", Depth 6", Strap Drop 21-23" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Bazar Convertible Tote Leather Small Exterior Mat...
Balenciaga Bazar Convertible Tote Leather Small
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: With Strap Measurements: Handle Drop 6", Height 11", Width 11", Depth 6", Strap Drop 21-23" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Bazar Convertible Tote Leather Small Exterior Mat...
Balenciaga Multicolor Leather Paris Bazar Tote
By Balenciaga
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Balenciaga gives a luxurious touch to our everyday errand partner, the shopping bag via this creation. Made from leather, the bag has a colorful Paris print all over, black leather t...
1970's YVES SAINT LAURENT tortoise and gold link belt
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Fransisco, CA
This 1970's Yves Saint Laurent link belt is composed of alternating rectangular and circular tortoise acetate elements, connected by polished gold-tone metal links. The tortoiseshell...
HERMES Havane brown Clemence leather BOLIDE 45 Travel Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
Hermes "Bolide" travel bag in Havane (chestnut brown) Taurillon Clemence leather. Open with a zipper on top. Lined in leather and beige cotton. Has been carried with two small black ...
Chanel Lurex Linen Mini Tote
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel Mini Tote in lurex linen with gold leather lining. Linen is metallic gold with over quilting with signature chain handles. Charming miniature shopping bag size with logo clasp...
$56,791
H 9.85 in W 13.78 in D 5.12 in
Hermès 2011 Barenia Leather Wicker Kelly 35cm Picnic Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Barenia Leather & Wicker Kelly 35cm Picnic Product Details Xupes Ref: JJLG068 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 35cm Type: Top Handle Serial Number: [O] Age: 2011 Accompanied By: He...
Bobbie Jerome 1950s Sculptural Velvet Handbag with Bakelite Handles
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous rich black silk velvet handbag with rounded deep orange Bakelite top handles. It has a gently curved top and gold clasp closure. The bag is lined in black silk with 2 Ins...
Chanel 90s Vintage Canvas & Leather Duffle Bag
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel late 80s early 90s canvas and leather quilted duffle bag. Gold tone hardware. Handle drop 6.5". Detachable strap measures 44". Small glue residue on top, interior smell due to...
$3,758Sale Price|20% Off
Chanel Vintage Burgundy Caviar Leather Shoulder Bag 24k Gold HW
By Chanel
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Chanel Vintage Burgundy Caviar Leather Shoulder Bag 24k Gold HW These are professional photos of the actual bag . This authentic vintage Chanel Single Flap Burgundy Caviar Leather ...
HERMES Marron Fonce SHINY CROC KELLY 32 SELLIER Bag GHW
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Kelly 32 Sellier Bag in Marron is exquisitely crafted from shiny porosus crocodile leather, showcasing a rich, deep brown hue with a luminous finish. Const...
$6,895
Size: Extra Large
Vintage 1990s Chanel Brown Quilted Jumbo Tote Shoulder Bag Purse Gold CC Charm
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in San Diego, CA
Discover this Vintage 1990s Authentic Chanel Brown Quilted Jumbo Tote Shoulder Bag Purse with iconic gold CC charm — the ultimate statement for any Chanel collector or luxury lover. ...
Gucci Vintage Burgundy Alligator Leather Blue Lapis Lazuli Stone Gold Hardware
By Gucci
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Gucci Vintage Burgundy Alligator Leather Blue Lapis Lazuli Stone Gold-tone Hardware Handbag Exceptional Gucci handbag of the 60s. The best quality of Burgundy shiny alligator leath...
Black leather shoulder bag "Ramona " JIMMY CHOO
By Jimmy Choo
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black leather shoulder bag. Gold metal hardware clasp on the front. 4 pockets inside: one flat with zip, one flat without zip and 2 on both side with branded snap closure. Beige sued...
Burberry Red Nova Check PM Tote Bag
By Burberry
Located in Paris, FR
Burberry Red Nova Check PM tote bag featuring featuring an iconic nylon check pattern, brown cotton handles, a front logo snap, inside pockets and an inside logo tag. 100% nylon Cir...
Valentino Teal Lambskin Shoulder Tote Handbag
By Valentino
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This gorgeous Valentino shoulder bag is a must have for every fashionable wardrobe. The exterior is in mint condition featuring plush teal lambskin leather with a gorgeous rose ruff...
Printed calf fur top handle bag PRADA
By Prada
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Printed calf fur top handle bag. Branded nylon lining. Zip closure on the top . One pocket with zip inside. Key and key-locker ( the string of the keys-holder is broken. Authenticity...
Chanel 1992 Yellow Quilted Satin Vintage Mini Flap Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Chanel Yellow Quilted Satin Vintage Mini Flap Bag Product Details Xupes Ref: HB4857 Brand: Chanel Model: Mini Flap Bag Type: Shoulder, Crossbody Serial Number: 2415763 Age: 1992 Acc...
$2,280Sale Price|20% Off
New With Tags Salvatore Ferragamo Gancini Monogram Duffle Bag $2850
By Salvatore Ferragamo
Located in Conroe, TX
Salvatore Ferragamo Brand New With Tags $2850 Charcoal and black leather and acetate Salvatore Ferragamo Gancini Duffle Bag Zips across the top from both sides Dual Rolled Handles Ad...
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.
From classic medium-sized Louis Vuitton leather tote bags to authentic cube-like Loewe shoulder bags woven in raffia, the large selection of vintage and designer tote bags on 1stDibs offers something for special occasions as well as everyday needs.
Although part of a modern look, tote bags have been roomy and versatile accessories since at least 1944, with the launch of L.L.Bean’s “ice bag.” The Maine retailer, then largely known for rugged field coats and hunting shoes, had introduced a big, durable canvas bag that was initially intended to carry firewood or ice. In those days, to keep produce and other foods cool in refrigerators, consumers had to regularly replace the blocks of ice that were doing all the work in their bulky appliances. There was no better bag to help haul big blocks of ice from the trunk of your car to your front door and, subsequently, to your kitchen.
Years later, during the 1960s, L.L.Bean’s Boat and Tote was introduced as an overhauled structured canvas version of the ice bag. Tested to lug up to 500 pounds, the Boat and Tote became a best seller. Also during the 1960s, American designer Bonnie Cashin created the Cashin Carry for Coach. Cashin was Coach’s first lead designer, and she liked leather, large pockets and earth tones. Her modern interpretation of the tote bag introduced a touch of elegance to this increasingly ubiquitous accessory.
In the subsequent decades, more brands debuted their own iterations of the tote bag, from Tory Burch’s Perry leather tote bag to Goyard’s luxurious Saint Louis.
Pay tribute to this long and interesting history of a well-loved accessory by browsing the vintage and designer tote bags on 1stDibs.