Balenciaga Metallic Envelope Wallet
By Balenciaga
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Balenciaga Metallic Envelope Wallet is in a crinkled metallic silver leather, with a front envelope flap, the interior has a zipper compartment and card slots along each side.
Balenciaga Tan Leather City Envelope Clutch with Mirror
By Balenciaga
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Balenciaga Tan Leather City Envelope Clutch with Mirror in excellent condition. attached mirror inside. lambskin leather, canvas lining, brass hardware. measurements: 12x7.5x2.5"- 3....
Balenciaga Silver and Grey Envelope Clutch
By Balenciaga
Located in London, GB
Exude the utilitarian sensibility of Demna Gvasalia's new Balenciaga with this vintage envelope clutch. In a shade of greige, its fold-over profile is accented with straps and silver...
Balenciaga Blue Arena Giant Flap Envelope Clutch
By Balenciaga
Located in Amman, JO
Balenciaga Blue Arena Giant Flap Envelope Clutch, Features large silver studs, corner buckle detailing, front zip pocket two interior compartments and one zipper pocket.
Balenciaga Orange Arena Giant Flap Envelope Clutch
By Balenciaga
Located in Amman, JO
Balenciaga Orange Arena Giant Flap Envelope Clutch, Features large silver studs, corner buckle detailing, front zip pocket, two interior compartments and one zipper pocket.
BALENCIAGA Dark Grey Agneau Lambskin Envelope Shoulder Clutch
By Balenciaga
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
BALENCIAGA Dark Grey Agneau Lambskin Envelope Shoulder Clutch Xupes Reference: CB751 Serial Number: 327079-1110-F-525040 Age (Circa): 2010 Accompanied By: Balenciaga Dust Bag, Shoul...
Balenciaga Magenta Leather Large Envelope Evening Flap Clutch Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Charlotte, NC
Balenciaga Magenta Leather Large Envelope Evening Flap Clutch Bag Leather Silver tone hardware Woven lining Magnet closure Date code present Made in Italy Measures 7" W x 12" L ...
BALENCIAGA midnight blue distressed leather GIANT Envelope Clutch Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Zürich, CH
Balenciaga City clutch in midnight distressed calfskin. Opens with a magnetic button under the flap and is lined in black canvas and divided in two compartments. Has a front zip comp...
BALENCIAGA Giant 12 bleu mineral lambskin leather gold envelope clutch bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Giant 12 bleu mineral lambskin leather gold envelope clutch bag Reference: ECLO/A00052 Brand: Balenciaga Model: Giant 12 Material: Leather Color: Blue, Gold Pattern: Solid...
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H 6.5 in W 11 in D 1 in
Balenciaga Multi Color Snakeskin Fold Over Envelope Evening Flap Clutch Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Charlotte, NC
Balenciaga Multi Color Snakeskin Fold Over Envelope Evening Flap Clutch Bag Python Silver tone hardware Twill lining Made in Italy Measures 11" W x 6.5" H x 1" D Includes original ...
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H 6.25 in W 10.25 in D 1 in
Balenciaga Orange Pink Purple Black Snake Evening Envelope Clutch Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Charlotte, NC
CURATOR'S NOTES Snakeskin Silver hardware Leather interior lining Snap closure Includes compact interior mirror Measures 10.25" W x 6.25" H x 1" D
Balenciaga Black Patent Leather Silver Accent Envelope Flap Evening Clutch Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Charlotte, NC
CURATOR'S NOTES Patent leather Silver hardware Metallic leather trim Woven lining Interior pocket Snap closure at front flap Measures 11.5” W x 6.5" H x 1" D
BALENCIAGA Militaire green distressed leather MOTOCROSS GIANT Clutch Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Balenciaga Motocross Giant envelope clutch in green distressed leather.
Purple Balenciaga Leather Envelope Clutch
By Balenciaga
Located in New York, NY
Product details: Purple leather envelope clutch by Balenciaga. Accented with studs and buckles.
1990s Balenciaga Dark blu envelope bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Capri, IT
1990s Balenciaga Dark blu clutch envelope with gold tone hardware Balenciaga Giant Rose Gold Envelope Clutch Size: 31 cm (Length) x 2 cm (Width) x 19 cm (Height) Color: Dark N...
BALENCIAGA Motocross Classic Envelope Clutch blue burgundy tricolor bag
By Nicolas Ghesquière, Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA a Motocross Classic Envelope Clutch blue burgundy tricolor foldover bag Reference: MECG/A00235 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Nicolas Ghesquiere Model: Motocross Classic Enve...
Balenciaga Red Chain Print Shirt and Gloves
By Balenciaga
Located in Boca Raton, FL
However, in 2017, this nostalgic 1990s print was on trend from the catwalk to the sidewalks. While Balenciaga has historically pushed the envelope in design, customer, and story, rec...
2014 S/S Balenciaga Black Leather Knot Headband
By Balenciaga
Located in Boca Raton, FL
From his famous bubble dress or his envelope dress, Balenciaga has experimented turning impossible shapes into dresses.
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H 8.5 in W 6 in D 3 in L 31.5 in
Balenciaga Papier Mini AJ Envelope Triple in Aqua w/Dust Bag &Original Sticker
Located in Port Hope, ON
Made of calf skin, this beautiful, as new bag has, amongst other attributes, a front envelope flap and two separate zippered compartments; removeable strap; palladium hardware; an a...
Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Classic Studs Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Classic Studs Leather, crafted in blue leather, features a front zip pocket, classic studs and buckle details and bronze-tone hardware.
Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Classic Studs Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Classic Studs Leather, crafted in blue leather, features a front zip pocket, classic studs and buckle details and bronze-tone hardware.
Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Classic Studs Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Classic Studs Leather, crafted in gray leather, features a front zip pocket, iconic Balenciaga classic studs and buckle details and gold-tone hardware.
Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Giant Studs Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Giant Studs Leather, crafted from blue leather, features giant metal studs with buckle details, exterior zip pocket, and gold-tone hardware.
Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Giant Studs Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Giant Studs Leather, crafted from blue leather, features giant metal studs with buckle details, exterior zip pocket, and gold-tone hardware.
Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Giant Studs Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Giant Studs Leather, crafted from black leather, features signature giant metal studs with buckle details, exterior zip pocket, and rose gold-tone har...
Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Giant Studs Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
Measurements: Height 7", Width 12", Depth 2" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Envelope Clutch Giant Studs Leather Item Number: 42368/1
Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Classic Studs Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Classic Studs Leather, crafted in dark grey leather, features a front zip pocket, iconic Balenciaga classic studs and buckle details and silver-tone h...
Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Giant Studs Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Giant Studs Leather, crafted from light pink leather, features Balenciaga's signature giant metal studs with buckle details, exterior zip pocket, and ...
Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Giant Studs Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Giant Studs Leather, crafted from silver leather, features giant metal studs with buckle details, exterior zip pocket, and silver-tone hardware.
Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Giant Studs Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Giant Studs Leather, crafted from red leather, features Balenciaga's signature giant metal studs with buckle details, exterior zip pocket, and gold ha...
Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Giant Studs Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Giant Studs Leather, crafted from black leather, features giant metal studs with buckle details, exterior zip pocket, and silver-tone hardware.
Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Giant Studs Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Giant Studs Leather showcases an elegant yet edgy style perfect for day-to-evening looks.
Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Giant Studs Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Giant Studs Leather showcases an elegant yet edgy style perfect for day-to-evening looks.
Balenciaga Envelope Strap Clutch Classic Studs Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This Balenciaga Envelope Strap Clutch Classic Studs Leather, crafted from gray leather, features signature classic studs with buckle details, exterior zip pocket, and brass-tone hard...
Balenciaga Envelope Strap Clutch Giant Studs Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This Balenciaga Envelope Strap Clutch Giant Studs Leather, crafted from pink leather, features classic studs with buckle details, exterior zip pocket, detachable strap, and gold-tone...
Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Giant Studs Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Giant Studs Leather showcases an elegant yet edgy style perfect for day-to-evening looks.
Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Giant Studs Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Giant Studs Leather showcases an elegant yet edgy style perfect for day-to-evening looks.
Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Giant Studs Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Giant Studs Leather showcases an elegant yet edgy style perfect for day-to-evening looks.
Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Classic Studs Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Classic Studs Leather showcases an elegant yet edgy style perfect for day-to-evening looks.
Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Classic Studs Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Classic Studs Leather showcases an elegant yet edgy style perfect for day-to-evening looks.
Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Giant Studs Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Giant Studs Leather showcases an elegant yet edgy style perfect for day-to-evening looks.
Balenciaga Envelope Strap Clutch Classic Studs Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This Balenciaga Envelope Strap Clutch Classic Studs Leather, crafted from black leather, features signature classic studs with buckle details, exterior zip pocket, and gold-tone hard...
Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Classic Studs Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Classic Studs Leather showcases an elegant yet edgy style perfect for day-to-evening looks.
Balenciaga Envelope Strap Clutch Giant Studs Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This Balenciaga Envelope Strap Clutch Giant Studs Leather, crafted from grey leather, features Balenciaga's signature giant metal studs with buckle details, exterior zip pocket, and ...
Balenciaga Envelope Strap Clutch Giant Studs Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This Balenciaga Envelope Strap Clutch Giant Studs Leather, crafted from black leather, features classic studs with buckle details, exterior zip pocket, detachable strap, and gold-ton...
Balenciaga Envelope Strap Clutch Giant Studs Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This Balenciaga Envelope Strap Clutch Giant Studs Leather, crafted from light pink leather, features signature classic studs with buckle details, exterior zip pocket, and gold-tone h...
Balenciaga Envelope Strap Clutch Giant Studs Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Balenciaga Envelope Strap Clutch Giant Studs Leather showcases a versatile, edgy style perfect for day-to-evening looks.
Balenciaga Envelope Strap Clutch Giant Studs Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Balenciaga Envelope Strap Clutch Giant Studs Leather showcases a versatile, edgy style perfect for day-to-evening looks.
Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Covered Giant Brogues Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Covered Giant Brogues Leather showcases a versatile edgy style perfect for day-to-evening looks.
Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Covered Giant Brogues Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Covered Giant Brogues Leather showcases a versatile, edgy style perfect for day-to-evening looks.
Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Covered Giant Brogues Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Covered Giant Brogues Leather showcases a versatile, edgy style perfect for day-to-evening looks.
Balenciaga Envelope Strap Clutch Giant Studs Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Balenciaga Envelope Strap Clutch Giant Studs Leather showcases a versatile, edgy style perfect for day-to-evening looks.
Balenciaga Envelope Strap Classic Studs Metallic Edge Clutch Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
Measurements: Height 7", Width 12", Depth 1", Strap Drop 20-22" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Envelope Strap Classic Studs Metallic Edge Clutch Leather Item Number: 38501/4
Balenciaga Envelope Strap Classic Studs Metallic Edge Clutch Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Balenciaga Envelope Strap Classic Studs Metallic Edge Clutch Leather showcases a versatile style perfect for day-to-evening looks.
Balenciaga Envelope Strap Classic Studs Metallic Edge Clutch Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Balenciaga Envelope Strap Classic Studs Metallic Edge Clutch Leather showcases a versatile style perfect for day-to-evening looks.
Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Classic Studs Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Mirror Measurements: Height 7.5", Width 12", Depth 1" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Envelope Clutch Classic Studs Leather Exterior Material: Leather Exterior Color: Black ...
Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Rubber Studs Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Dust Bag, Mirror Measurements: Height 7", Width 11", Depth 1.5" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Envelope Clutch Rubber Studs Leather Exterior Material: Leather Exterior Co...
Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Giant Studs Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Mirror Measurements: Handle Drop 1.5", Height 7.5", Width 12", Depth 1" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Envelope Clutch Giant Studs Leather Exterior Material: Leather Exteri...
Balenciaga Envelope Strap Clutch Giant Studs Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Mirror, With Strap Measurements: Height 8", Width 12.5", Depth 1", Strap Drop 20-23" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Envelope Strap Clutch Giant Studs Leather Exterior Mater...
Balenciaga Envelope Strap Clutch Giant Studs Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Mirror, With Strap Measurements: Height 7.5", Width 12.5", Depth 1", Strap Drop 21-23" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Envelope Strap Clutch Giant Studs Leather Exterior Ma...
Balenciaga Envelope Strap Clutch Classic Studs Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Dust Bag, Mirror, With Strap Measurements: Height 7", Width 12", Depth 1", Strap Drop 20-22" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Envelope Strap Clutch Classic Studs Leather Exte...
Balenciaga Envelope Clutch Giant Studs Leather
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Dust Bag Measurements: Height 7", Width 12", Depth 1.5" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Envelope Clutch Giant Studs Leather Exterior Material: Leather Exterior Color: Black ...
RALPH LAUREN tan textured leather gold logo push lock flap flat clutch bag
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Hong Kong, NT
RALPH LAUREN tan textured leather gold logo push lock flap flat clutch bag Reference: MLCO/A00027 Brand: Ralph Lauren Material: Leather Color: Brown Pattern: Solid Closure: Push Lock...
1970s Hermes 'Mephisto" Brown Leather Bag/Clutch
By Hermès
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Very early 1970s Hermes bag. Butter soft chocolate brown leather with warm gold hardware. Total brown top stitching. Shoulder/cross body strap can be easily removed and the bag turns...
Hermès Kelly Pochette Gold Swift Leather Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, BE
Hermès Kelly Pochette in gold and swift leather with gold hardware. The bag is unworn and comes as full set including the original receipt. Stamp U (2022)
PRADA metallic silver Saffiano leather TURNLOCK Clutch Bag
By Prada
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Prada clutch in metallic silver Saffiano leather with black piping, showcasing the house’s iconic crosshatched texture in a sleek elongated silhouette. The design feat...
2000s Burberry Brown Leather Shoulder Bag
By Burberry
Located in Arnhem, NL
A Burberry shoulder bag with old brass toned hardware. The bag is lined with a brown fabric and next to the main compartment it features three side pockets of which one has a zipper....
Elizabeth Arden France Silver Encrusted Clutch
By Elizabeth Arden
Located in Los Angeles, CA
From the 1950s, A timeless statement of elegance, this Elizabeth Arden France silver encrusted clutch captures the glamour of vintage evening style. Featuring a beautifully embellish...
Hermes Kelly Depeches 25 Pouch Matte Gold Alligator Palladium
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly Depeches 25 Pouch featured in Gold matte Alligator. Fabulous unisex Hermes clutch that is perfect for day to evening wear. Crisp with Palladium hard...
Balenciaga Credit Card Holder Silver NIB
By Balenciaga
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Balenciaga Card Holder is in a grey leather with the classic logo in black on front. Comes new with the original dust cover and box.
New Hermes Kelly Depeches 25 Pouch Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The Hermès Kelly Depeches 25 Pouch in Palladium Hardware (PHW) is a masterclass in modern, streamlined luxury. This specific model, often referred to simply as the "Pouch" due to its...
Balenciaga Le City Bag Small in Yellow Lambskin Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in Houston, TX
Vibrant and instantly recognizable, the Balenciaga Le City Small Bag in yellow Arena lambskin leather celebrates one of the most iconic handbag designs in contemporary fashion. Craft...
$1,093Sale Price|20% Off
Bottega Veneta Pouch Mini Beige Leather
By Bottega Veneta
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Bottega Veneta Pouch Mini Beige Leather These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. Discover the sophisticated luxury of the Bottega Veneta Pouch Mini. Revel ...
HERMES Kelly Long Wallet Etoup Silver Leather2020
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
These are professional pictures of the actual item offered by Eluse. Condition: HERMES Kelly long Wallet Etoup Silver Leather handbag origin france，The condition is very good. Acc...
Alexander Wang Quillion Lydia 91misa3117 Silver Clutch
By Alexander Wang
Located in Dix hills, NY
Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 9" Width: 1.7" Height: 5" OVERALL GOOD + CONDITION 2.5 = GOOD + Signs of Wear: Minor indentations on the exterior. A dark scuff on the front...
BALENCIAGA black distressed leather GIANT MONEY Continental Wallet
By Balenciaga
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Balenciaga 'Giant Money' continental wallet in black distressed leather featuring gold-tone hardware. Opens with a magnetic button under the flap. Lined in black leath...
THEYSKENS THEORY grey silver embellished lurex appique fold clutch
By Theyskens' Theory
Located in Hong Kong, NT
THEYSKENS THEORY grey silver embellished lurex appique fold clutch Reference: NKLL/A00306 Brand: THEYSKENS THEORY Material: Fabric Color: Grey Pattern: Solid Closure: Magnet Lining: ...
JIMMY CHOO silver glitter fabric RIANE CLUTCH W STRAP Bag
By Jimmy Choo
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Jimmy Choo Riane clutch is crafted from dazzling silver glitter fabric, perfect for adding a touch of glamour to any occasion. It features a detachable gold-tone ...
Balenciaga Blue City Clip Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Leather Blue color Zip closure External zip pocket Cm 33 x 22 (12,99 x 8,66 inches) With dustbag Express shipping included in the price
Balenciaga Green Classic City 2way Moto Bag 1130ba19
By Balenciaga
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: 115748-9770 001013 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 14.5" Width: 5" Height: 9.5" Shoulder Handle Drop: 7" Handle Drop: 4" OVERALL GOOD CONDITION ( ...
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.
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.