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 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 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...
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.
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 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 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 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
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 purple leather, features signature giant metal studs with buckle details, exterior zip pocket, and silver-tone hardw...
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 Giant 21 Envelope Clutch Grey
By Balenciaga
Located in Antwerp, BE
Very good condition Balenciaga Giant 21 Envelope Clutch Grey This Balenciaga clutch bag is perfect to look casual and chic at the same time.
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 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 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 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 Arena Giant Hardware Envelope Clutch
By Balenciaga
Located in Antwerp, BE
Balenciaga Arena giant hardware envelope clutch in black.
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 Giant Studs Envelope Clutch Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Mirror Measurements: Height 7", Width 12", Depth 2" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Giant Studs Envelope Clutch Leather Exterior Material: Leather Exterior Color: Black Inte...
Balenciaga Giant Studs Envelope Clutch Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Mirror Measurements: Height 7", Width 12", Depth 1" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Giant Studs Envelope Clutch Leather Exterior Material: Leather Exterior Color: Gray Inter...
Balenciaga Giant Studs Envelope Clutch Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Dust Bag, Mirror Measurements: Height 7", Width 12.5", Depth 1" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Giant Studs Envelope Clutch Leather Exterior Material: Leather Exterior Color...
Balenciaga Giant Studs Envelope Clutch Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Mirror Measurements: Height 7", Width 12", Depth 1" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Giant Studs Envelope Clutch Leather Exterior Material: Leather Exterior Color: Gray Inter...
Balenciaga Giant Studs Envelope Clutch Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Mirror, Dust Bag Measurements: Height 7", Width 12", Depth 1" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Giant Studs Envelope Clutch Leather Exterior Material: Leather Exterior Color: ...
Balenciaga Giant Studs Envelope Clutch Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Mirror Measurements: Height 7", Width 12", Depth 2" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Giant Studs Envelope Clutch Leather Exterior Material: Leather Exterior Color: Pink Inter...
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 Giant Studs Envelope Clutch Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Mirror, Dust Bag Measurements: Handle Drop 1.5", Height 7", Width 12", Depth 2" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Giant Studs Envelope Clutch Leather Exterior Material: Leathe...
Balenciaga Giant Studs Envelope Clutch Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Dust Bag, Mirror Measurements: Height 7.5", Width 12", Depth 1.5" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Giant Studs Envelope Clutch Leather Exterior Material: Leather Exterior Col...
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 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 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 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 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 Covered Giant Brogues Envelope Clutch Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Mirror, Dust Bag Measurements: Height 7", Width 12", Depth 1" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Covered Giant Brogues Envelope Clutch Leather Exterior Material: Leather Exteri...
Balenciaga Giant Studs Envelope Strap Clutch Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: With Strap Measurements: Height 7", Width 12", Depth 1", Strap Drop 20-24" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Giant Studs Envelope Strap Clutch Leather Exterior Material: Leath...
Balenciaga Giant Studs Envelope Strap Clutch Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Dust Bag, Mirror, With Strap Measurements: Height 7", Width 12.5", Depth 0.5", Strap Drop 21-23" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Giant Studs Envelope Strap Clutch Leather Ex...
Balenciaga Giant Studs Envelope Strap Clutch Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Mirror, With Strap Measurements: Height 7", Width 12", Depth 1", Strap Drop 20-23" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Giant Studs Envelope Strap Clutch Leather Exterior Materia...
Balenciaga Covered Giant Brogues Envelope Clutch Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Mirror Measurements: Height 7", Width 12", Depth 2" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Covered Giant Brogues Envelope Clutch Leather Exterior Material: Leather Exterior Color...
Balenciaga Giant Studs Envelope Strap Clutch Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Mirror, Dust Bag, With Strap Measurements: Height 7.5", Width 12.5", Depth 1", Strap Drop 20-23" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Giant Studs Envelope Strap Clutch Leather Ex...
Balenciaga Giant Studs Envelope Strap Clutch Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Mirror, Dust Bag, With Strap Measurements: Height 7", Width 12", Depth 1", Strap Drop 19-21" Designer: Balenciaga Model: Giant Studs Envelope Strap Clutch Leather Exter...
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 Purple Motocross Giant 21 Envelope Clutch
By Balenciaga
Located in Orlando, FL
The Motocross Giant 21 Envelope Clutch features a leather body, exterior front zip pocket, and flap top with magnetic closure.
Balenciaga Apple Green Leather Giant 21 Envelope Clutch
By Balenciaga
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
This Balenciaga Giant 21 clutch is perfect to carry for days when you need just your essentials.
Balenciaga Pink Giant Envelope Clutch with Gold Hardware
By Balenciaga
Located in San Francisco, CA
The most wonferful peony pink makes this Balenciaga so much fun! This Giant Envelope clutch features yellow gold hardware with the classic zippers and cross-hatched studs.
Balenciaga Murier Leather Giant Brogues Covered Envelope Clutch
By Balenciaga
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
This glimmering purple Balenciaga clutch is ready to carry your girly essentials in a chic manner. This flap-over style clutch is crafted from leather and decorated with large studs,...
Balenciaga Black Leather Motocross Giant 21 Envelope Clutch
By Balenciaga
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
This Balenciaga clutch is a stylish creation that is exceptionally well-made. This flap-style clutch is crafted from leather and accented with signature metal studs, corner buckle de...
Balenciaga Grey Leather Giant 21 Classic Envelope Clutch
By Balenciaga
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Revolutionary and visionary designs set Balenciaga apart from others, and this grey creation testifies to it. The exterior of this Balenciaga bag is updated with chic and striking ro...
Balenciaga Grey Leather Giant 21 Classic Envelope Clutch
By Balenciaga
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Revolutionary and visionary designs set Balenciaga apart from others, and this grey creation testifies to it. The exterior of this Balenciaga bag is updated with chic and striking si...
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.