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
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
Balenciaga Navy Blue Sweater Vest With Giant Cowl 2007
By Balenciaga
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquiere navy blue wool sleeveless sweater vest featuring a large
BALENCIAGA anthracite grey leather ARENA GIANT TRIPLE TOUR Bracelet S
By Balenciaga
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Balenciaga Arena Giant triple tour bracelet in grey crinkled leather with silver
Balenciaga Charcoal Grey The Office Giant Attache Briefcase 32ba54s
By Balenciaga
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: 224906-502752 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 16" Width: 6" Height: 13.5" Handle Drop: 4.5" OVERALL GOOD CONDITION ( 7/10 or B ) Accessories: Mirr...
Unavailable
H 9.44 in W 5.51 in L 14.9 in
Balenciaga Giant The City Handbag 866732 Pink Leather Satchel
By Balenciaga
Located in Forest Hills, NY
Width (inch) : 14.9 inch(approx) Width (cm) : 38 cm(approx) Height (inch) : 9.44 inch(approx) Height (cm) : 24 cm(approx) Depth (inch) : 5.51 inch(approx) Depth (cm) : 14 cm(approx) ...
Balenciaga Giant City 218862 Pink X Gold Leather Satchel
By Balenciaga
Located in Forest Hills, NY
This item will ship immediately!! Previously owned. Date/style Code: 173084 - 002123 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 15" Width: 5.51" Height: 9.44" Shoulder strap drop: 5" OVERA...
Unavailable
H 8.26 in W 2.36 in L 12.2 in
Balenciaga Giant The Town 2way 866865 Pink Leather Shoulder Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Forest Hills, NY
Width (inch) : 12.2 inch(approx) Width (cm) : 31 cm(approx) Height (inch) : 8.26 inch(approx) Height (cm) : 21 cm(approx) Depth (inch) : 2.36 inch(approx) Depth (cm) : 6 cm(approx) H...
Unavailable
H 9.84 in W 5.9 in L 14.9 in
Balenciaga Giant The City 2way 867236 Black Leather Shoulder Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Forest Hills, NY
Width (inch) : 14.9 inch(approx) Width (cm) : 38 cm(approx) Height (inch) : 9.84 inch(approx) Height (cm) : 25 cm(approx) Depth (inch) : 5.90 inch(approx) Depth (cm) : 15 cm(approx) ...
Unavailable
H 9.05 in W 4.72 in L 14.5 in
Balenciaga Giant City First 2way 868885 Beige Leather Shoulder Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Forest Hills, NY
Width (inch) : 14.5 inch(approx) Width (cm) : 37 cm(approx) Height (inch) : 9.05 inch(approx) Height (cm) : 23 cm(approx) Depth (inch) : 4.72 inch(approx) Depth (cm) : 12 cm(approx) ...
Unavailable
H 9 in W 7 in L 16.5 in
Balenciaga Giant The Part Time City 2way 14balz0914 Dark Pink Leather Travel Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Forest Hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: 282009 6265 K 002123 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 16.5" Width: 7" Height: 9" Shoulder strap drop: 12" Handle drop: 7" OVERALL GOOD CONDITION ( 7/10 o...
Balenciaga Pink Giant 12 Gold Stud City Handbag
By Balenciaga
Located in Lake Park, FL
This is a beautiful Balenciaga Giant 12 gold stud City handbag. It is in mint new condition
Balenciaga Pink Lambskin Arena Giant 12 Town Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in New York City & Hamptons, NY
Balenciaga PINK Lambskin Arena Giant 12 Town Bag with Gold Hardware- NEW; retail $1,895.00 plus
Balenciaga Blue Leather Giant City 12 Bag- Nickel HW
By Balenciaga
Located in New York City & Hamptons, NY
Balenciaga BLUE Giant City 12 Bag with Nickel Hardware- NEW; retail $1,985.00 plus taxes The
Balenciaga Le Cagole Giant Studs Shoulder Bag Leather XS
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
3", Strap Drop 8.5-18" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Le Cagole Giant Studs Shoulder Bag Leather XS
Balenciaga Hobo Arena Giant Brief 16mr0417 Charcoal Leather Tote
By Balenciaga
Located in Forest Hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: 173085 - 2123 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 16.5" Width: 3" Height: 14" Handle drop: 5.25" OVERALL EXCELLENT+ CONDITION ( 9.5/10 or A+ ) Includes Dus...
Unavailable
H 9.44 in W 5.51 in L 13.7 in
Balenciaga Brogues Giant City 2way 868718 Pink Leather Shoulder Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Forest Hills, NY
Width (inch) : 13.7 inch(approx) Width (cm) : 35 cm(approx) Height (inch) : 9.44 inch(approx) Height (cm) : 24 cm(approx) Depth (inch) : 5.51 inch(approx) Depth (cm) : 14 cm(approx) ...
Unavailable
H 10.5 in W 15 in D 4 in
Balenciaga Lambskin Giant 12 Arena City Bag in Rose Hortensia Pink, GHW
By Balenciaga
Located in New York City & Hamptons, NY
Balenciaga Rose Hortensia Lambskin Arena City Bag with GIANT Gold Hardware- NEW; retail $1,985.00
Unavailable
H 14 in W 7.5 in L 19.5 in
Balenciaga Extra Large Giant The City 8balr0625 Leather Weekend/Travel Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Forest Hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: 173080- 1669 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 19.5" Width: 7.5" Height: 14" Handle drop: 5" OVERALL VERY GOOD VINTAGE CONDITION ( 7.5/10 or B+ ) Retail ...
Unavailable
H 9.05 in W 5.51 in L 15.7 in
Balenciaga Bordeaux Giant The City 2way 869736 Purple Leather Shoulder bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Forest Hills, NY
Width (inch) : 15.7 inch(approx) Width (cm) : 40 cm(approx) Height (inch) : 9.05 inch(approx) Height (cm) : 23 cm(approx) Depth (inch) : 5.51 inch(approx) Depth (cm) : 14 cm(approx) ...
BALENCIAGA 'Giant Envelope' Clutch in Yellow Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in Paris, FR
Balenciaga 'Giant Envelope' clutch in yellow leather. The interior is lined with black canvas
BALENCIAGA Giant 21 City blue leather SHW motorcycle tote bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Giant 21 City blue leather SHW motorcycle tote bag Reference: CELE/A00019 Brand
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
BALENCIAGA Giant 12 City black leather studded perforated trim top handle
By Nicolas Ghesquière, Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Giant 12 City black leather studded perforated trim top handle crossbody satchel bag
Balenciaga Giant Silver City 2way 871192 Black Leather Satchel
By Balenciaga
Located in Dix hills, NY
Width (inch) : 14.5 inch(approx) Width (cm) : 37 cm(approx) Height (inch) : 9.05 inch(approx) Height (cm) : 23 cm(approx) Depth (inch) : 4.72 inch(approx) Depth (cm) : 12 cm(ap...
Balenciaga Giant The Part Time City 2way 14balz0914 Dark Pink Leather Weekend
By Balenciaga
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: 282009 6265 K 002123 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 16.5" Width: 7" Height: 9" Shoulder strap drop: 12" Handle drop: 7" OVERALL GOOD CONDITION ...
Sold
H 9 in D 5 in L 15 in
Balenciaga Giant 12 Gold City Bag in Ivory Leather with Shoulder Strap + Mirror
By Balenciaga
Located in Kingston, NY
An iconic piece from Balenciaga’s coveted handbag line, the Giant 12 Gold City in ivory leather
Balenciaga Pink Leather Giant Town Shoulder Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- This Balenciaga giant town shoulder bag features a pink leather body, a detachable shoulder strap
BALENCIAGA mint green distressed leather GIANT WORK Satchel Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Balenciaga 'Giant Work' motorcycle bag in distressed dirty mint calfskin featuring
BALENCIAGA Castagna brown leather GIANT WORK Motorcycle Shoulder Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Balenciaga 'Giant Work' motorcycle bag in Castagna (walnut brown) distressed
Balenciaga Brogue Pompon Hobo Bag - '10s
By Balenciaga
Located in Milano, IT
Balenciaga Giant Pompon Hobo Bag in leather. The grey bag features brogue detailing and silver
BALENCIAGA dark brown distressed leather GIANT 12 CITY Shoulder Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Balenciaga Giant 12 City tote bag in dark brown wrinkled calfskin featuring "Giant
BALENCIAGA black distressed leather GIANT COVERED POMPON Hobo Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Balenciaga Giant Brogue Pompon hobo bag in charcoal distressed leather featuring
2000's Balenciaga Anthracite Distressed Calfskin Giant City
By Balenciaga
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
"BALENCIAGA Anthracite Distressed Calfskin Giant City This BALENCIAGA Giant City is in Very
Balenciaga Black Leather Giant City Clutch
By Balenciaga
Located in London, GB
logo patch at the lining with light abrasions to the leather on this used Balenciaga designer resale
Balenciaga Black Leather Giant City Clutch
By Balenciaga
Located in London, GB
logo patch at the lining with light abrasions to the leather on this used Balenciaga designer resale
BALENCIAGA The Giant City 2way 859233
By Balenciaga
Located in Dix hills, NY
Width (inch) : 14.5 inch(approx) Width (cm) : 37 cm(approx) Height (inch) : 9.84 inch(approx) Height (cm) : 25 cm(approx) Depth (inch) : 4.72 inch(approx) Depth (cm) : 12 cm(approx) ...
Balenciaga green leather gold giant shoulder bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Capri, IT
Balenciaga green leather gold giant shoulder bag
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
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
Balenciaga Shoe Giant Stud Sandal 39 / 9
By Balenciaga
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic Balenciaga metallic slide giant stud sandal. Soft grained black leather with
Balenciaga Beige Leather Motocross Giant Day Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- This Balenciaga Motocross Giant Day features a beige leather body, silver-tone hardware studs, a
Balenciaga Purple Raisin Leather Giant 12 Wallet
By Balenciaga
Located in London, GB
with scuff marks and scratches to outer corners and over front flap on this used Balenciaga designer
Balenciaga Brown Classic Day Giant 21 Hobo
By Balenciaga
Located in London, GB
pullers, top handle and the front zip pocket seams with multiple loose threads on this used Balenciaga
BALENCIAGA Grey The Giant City Handbag 861246
By Balenciaga
Located in Dix hills, NY
GOOD CONDITION (7/10 or B) (Outside) Some rubbing and marks, mostly at back (Inside) Clean (zipper) Zipper works properly Width (inch) : 17.7 inch(approx) Width (cm) : 45 cm(a...
Balenciaga Black Leather Giant Day Hobo 855005
By Balenciaga
Located in Dix hills, NY
Width (inch) : 16.1 inch(approx) Width (cm) : 41 cm(approx) Height (inch) : 13.3 inch(approx) Height (cm) : 34 cm(approx) Depth (inch) : 4.33 inch(approx) Depth (cm) : 11 cm(approx) ...
Balenciaga Women's Cream Leather Giant 21 Envelope Clutch
By Balenciaga
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very good. Hardly any visible wear to bag is evident on this used Balenciaga designer
Balenciaga Part-Time Giant Shoulder Bag Leather in Green
By Balenciaga
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Balenciaga Part-Time Giant Shoulder Bag. Clean interior with minor marks. Rubbing on the piping
BALENCIAGA City Giant Studs Medium Brown Leather Satchel Handbag
By Balenciaga
Located in San Francisco, CA
BALENCIAGA "City Giant Studs Medium" bag comes in a brown leather featuring stud embellishments
Balenciaga Black & Silver Motocross Giant 12 Leather City Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in US
Balenciaga Black & Silver Motocross Giant 12 Leather City Bag in black leather and silver hardware
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. Zipper
BALENCIAGA black distressed leather GIANT CITY MINI Crossbody Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Balenciaga City Mini bag is crafted in black distressed Arena lambskin leather
Balenciaga Dark Green Cardigan With Giant Cowl Neck 2007
By Balenciaga
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquiere dark green wool long sleeve cardigan sweater featuring a
Balenciaga Pink Leather Medium Giant 12 Motorcycle City Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in London, GB
handles and rear. Scratches to the bottom and front, the mirror is cracked on this used Balenciaga
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
Balenciaga Green Giant The City 2way Shoulder Bag 861545
By Balenciaga
Located in Dix hills, NY
GOOD CONDITION (7/10 or B) Includes: Shoulder Strap / Mirror / Dust Bag Strap (Outside) Noticeable rub partially Minor wrinkle partially (Outside) Minor dullness partially (Handl...
Balenciaga Dark Coral Leather Giant Money Long Wallet 128b46
By Balenciaga
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: 233599-5741-527545 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 7.5" Width: .5" Height: 4" OVERALL GOOD CONDITION ( 7/10 or B ) Signs of Wear: Exterior Leather...
Balenciaga Black Leather Giant The Day Hobo Bag 862005
By Balenciaga
Located in Dix hills, NY
VERY GOOD CONDITION (8/10 or AB) (Outside) Minor rub partially (zipper) Zipper works properly Width (inch) : 11.4 inch(approx) Width (cm) : 29 cm(approx) Heig...
Balenciaga Black Lambskin Leather Giant 12 Silver Day Bag 11ba419s
By Balenciaga
Located in Dix hills, NY
Balenciaga Black Lambskin Leather Giant 12 Silver Day Bag 11ba419s Date Code/Serial Number: 285437
Balenciaga Grey Leather Giant Classic City Bag XL Travel Handbag
By Balenciaga
Located in Rome, Rome
Elegant Balenciaga Classic City XL weekend bag in grey aged leather. Aged brass metal hardware
BALENCIAGA black leather CROCO GIANT 12 CITY MEDIUM Shoulder Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Balenciaga Classic City M tote bag in black embossed croc leather featuring gold
Balenciaga Women's Automne Brown Agneau Motocross Giant 21 City Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in London, GB
ripped off and there is some wear to the bag interior on this used Balenciaga designer resale item
Christian Dior by John Galliano Fall 2002 Embellished Giant Logo Suede Pants
By Christian Dior
Located in Bressanone, Trentino-Alto Adige
RARE Christian Dior by John Galliano Fall 2002 Embellished Giant Logo Suede Pants. Size 40 FR. Condition: Good. To note: scratches and discolouration on the logo, stains on the sued...
Chanel Classic Small Baby Blue RARE 24k GHW Lambskin
By Chanel
Located in Roosendaal, NL
From the collection of SAVINETI we offer this Chanel Classic Flap Small: - Brand: Chanel - Model: Classic Flap Small - Color: Baby Blue - Year: 1991-1994 - Condition: Good Vintage C...
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...
Hermes Birkin 25 Bag Etoupe Togo Leather and Gold Hardware Neutral Perfection
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Birkin 25 bag featured in coveted neutral Etoupe. Signature bone top stitch detail. Lush Togo leather is supple and scratch resistant. Rich with gold ha...
CHANEL black lambskin leather CLASSIC MINI RECTANGULAR Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel Classic Mini Rectangular Timeless Single Flap Bag in black lambskin embodies the maison’s timeless elegance. Crafted with silver-tone hardware, it closes w...
Chanel Mint Blue Velvet Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel excellent condition blue velvet double flap, blue leather lining and black hardware. Shoulder drop 9”/19”. Comes with hologram, ID card and original dust cover. Collection 2...
Victorian Cream Cotton & Lace High Swan Neck Blouse With Trim Sleeves Hand-Made
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Cream Cotton & Lace High Swan Neck Blouse With Trim Sleeves Hand-Made Buttons
Chanel Mini Coco Charms Flap Bag Black
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
*Mini flap bag *Black *Lambskin leather *Gold-tone hardware *Charm detailing with Coco Chanel motifs *Diamond quilting *Signature interlocking CC logo *Turn-lock fastening *Main comp...
UNWORN Rare Gucci by Tom Ford SS 1996 Black Lace Mini Dress Gown 38
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Switzerland, CH
Stunning Gucci by Tom Ford lace dress From his SS 1996 collection for Gucci Finest black lace Fully lined with nude silk Made in Italy Dry Clean Only Size 38 Seen in the AD campaig...
Hermes Kelly Kellywood 22 Wood Kelly Barenia Leather Limited Edition
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an exquisite limited edition Hermes Kellywood "Kelly Wood" 22 bag featured in bog oak and Barenia leather. Not since the Sterling Kelly bag, has Hermes offered a ba...
BALENCIAGA Vieux Rose pink distressed leather MOTORCYCLE WORK Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Balenciaga Motorcycle Work bag in pale pink distressed leather with antique gunmetal finish hardware and one front zipper pocket. Opens with a zipper on top. Lined in ...
$4,096
W 15.75 in D 3.94 in L 11.82 in
Fendi Peekaboo bag with pony skin interior in excellent condition
By Fendi
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
Black Fendi Peekaboo bag with animal pony skin and alcantara interior, Excellent overall condition, complete with dust with foil on metalwork Iconic bag and suitable for everyone, yo...
Alexander McQueen 2004 Collection Silk Americana Print Halter Backless Dress 38
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Montgomery, TX
Alexander McQueen Silk Halter High-Low *Americana* Print Dress S/S 2004 Deliverance Collection The collection was based on the narrative of the 1969 Sydney Pollack movie “They Shoot ...
Lorrie Kabala 1980s Ivory Lace Sheer Size 8 Vintage 80s Caftan Maxi Dress
Located in San Diego, CA
Avant Garde early 80s LORRIE KABALA ivory / off white sheer lace embroidered caftan maxi dress ! Features romantic vintage lace with embroidered lace trims. Buttons up the top back c...
$4,319Sale Price|20% Off
H 7.5 in W 3.5 in L 13.5 in
Limited Edition Chanel Maxi Grey Rain Jacket Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel limited edition grey lambskin quilted maxi flap with silver tone hardware. Special edition with retractable rain jacket. Measurements: 13"L x 3"W x 7"H, shoulder drop, 10"/17"...
HERMES black Toile Militaire & Box leather KELLY 40 LAKIS Bag w Palladium
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Kelly 40 Lakis shoulder bag in black Toile Militaire and black Box leather featuring Palladium hardware. Lined in black goat skin leather. Has been carried and ...
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.
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 bag — Birkin, 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.