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, 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.
BALENCIAGA Classic Metallic Edge City grey leather gold trim motorcycle bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Classic Metallic Edge City grey leather gold trim motorcycle bag Reference: TGAS/F01008 Brand: Balenciaga Model: Balenciaga Classic Metallic Edge City Bag i Material: Leat...
BALENCIAGA white eather 2019 CLASSIC CITY SCARF NANO Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Balenciaga Classic Nano Scarf bag is crafted from supple white leather and elevated with a statement silk accent. One top handle is wrapped in a white and black l...
Balenciaga Crush Tote Handbag With New York Charms M New With Tags
By Balenciaga
Located in New York, NY
100% authentic Balenciaga Crush tote dirty arena Lambskin with New York charms Black color but listed as "dirty arena" since leather has that look made on purpose by balenciaga Size...
Balenciaga Black Everyday Calf Backpack
By Balenciaga
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Beautiful and trendy backpack by Balenciaga Everyday backpack Smooth double calf leather Black color White written Zip closure Large external zip pocket Large internal zip pocket and...
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. ...
VTG Balenciaga Classic Velo Crossbody Bag Ardoise Slate Grey Lambskin Y2K Moto
By Balenciaga
Located in San Diego, CA
2010 Balenciaga Archive Classic Moto Velo Crossbody Bag This gorgeous bag is a rare archival piece from Balenciaga’s iconic 2010 collection in the sought-after Ardoise (Blue Sky Gre...
BALENCIAGA Le Dix Cartable Medium gold hardware structured top handle flap bag
By Balenciaga, Alexander Wang
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Le Dix Cartable Medium grey leather gold hardware structured top handle flap bag Reference: SYDN/A00006 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Alexander Wang Model: Le Dix Cartable C...
rare Balenciaga Midnight Blue Motocross Giant Hip Mini Bag Supple Leather Studs
By Balenciaga
Located in San Diego, CA
rare vintage Balenciaga 2010 Motocross Giant Hip Mini Bag This bag features the iconic Balenciaga aesthetic, including textured silver-tone hardware ...
$1,152Sale Price|20% Off
BALENCIAGA Crush Medum black textured leather gold B chain flap shoulder bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Crush Medum black textured leather gold B chain flap shoulder bag Reference: ECLO/A00148 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: Crush Material: Leather Color: Black, Gol...
$304Sale Price|20% Off
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 Black Smooth Calfskin Leather Downtown
By Balenciaga
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Balenciaga Black Smooth Calfskin Leather Downtown Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1638 Brand: Balenciaga Model: Downtown Type: Shoulder, Crossbody Serial Number: 071355-1000-3-620310 A...
Balenciaga Women Mini Hourglasss XS Nano Bag Red Crocodile Embossed Leather
By Balenciaga
Located in Miami, FL
- Red croc embossed exterior - Magnetic closure - Comes with strap Condition: The bag is in overall great condition with no major imperfections Measurements: ( Approximate...
BALENCIAGA Demna Hourglass XS black strass crystal leather crossbody bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Demna Hourglass XS black strass crystal leather crossbody bag Reference: LNKO/A02467 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: Hourglass XS As seen on: Kim Kardashian Mater...
Balenciaga White Distressed Calfskin Medium Raver Shoulder Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Balenciaga White Distressed Calfskin Medium Raver Shoulder Bag SKU: 151053 MSRP: 1890.00 USD Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Excellent Condition Comments: Ite...
Balenciaga 2013 Rare Limited Edition Periwinkle Blue Jacynthe Wheeled Carry-On
By Balenciaga
Located in Miami, FL
Balenciaga 2013 Rare Limited Edition Periwinkle Blue Jacynthe Wheeled Carry-On Balenciaga Wheeled Carry-On, features soft lambskin and distinctive aged brass hardware. Black perfora...
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...
BALENCIAGA Motocross Classic Envelope Clutch blue burgundy tricolor bag
By Balenciaga, Nicolas Ghesquière
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 Purple Leather Triple Tour Bracelet
By Balenciaga
Located in Amman, JO
Balenciaga Purple Leather Triple Tour Bracelet Wrap your wrist in bold elegance with this Balenciaga Purple Leather Triple Tour Bracelet — a signature piece that fuses edgy Parisian...
$528Sale Price|20% Off
BALENCIAGA 2017 Arena Round Air S Hobo black leather cylinder crossbody bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA 2017 Arena Round Air S Hobo black leather cylinder crossbody bag Reference: ECLO/A00161 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: Arena Round Air S Hobo Collection: SS2017 ...
Balenciaga Le Cagole Green Leather Croc Embossed Shoulder Bag circa 2022
By Balenciaga
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Balenciaga Le Cagole Green Leather Croc Embossed XS Shoulder Bag from circa 2022 is a striking accessory that combines bold design with luxurious craftsmanship. Crafted from dark green leather with an eye-catching croc-effect embossing, this bag exudes a sophisticated yet edgy vibe. Its compact size makes it perfect for carrying essentials while adding a pop of color to any outfit. The bag features a sleek, modern silhouette with a single shoulder strap that is adjustable for versatile styling. The high-quality leather and meticulous embossing reflect Balenciaga’s commitment to craftsmanship and contemporary design. This statement piece pairs seamlessly with other high-end designer items such as Valentino’s rockstud heels...
Balenciaga Papier A4 Zip Around Tote Bag Gray Agneau Leather EUC Authentic 2013
By Balenciaga
Located in San Diego, CA
Balenciaga Papier A4 Zip Around Tote Bag Gray Agneau Leather EUC Authentic 2013 Premium Materials: Features a luxurious grey leather exterior paired with a matching grey suede and ...
Balenciaga Hourglass Grande Nera
By Balenciaga
Located in Torre Del Greco, IT
Borsa firmata Balenciaga, modello Hourglass, misura grande, realizzata in pelle liscia nera con hardware dorati. Munita di un manico rigido centrale per portata a mano e di una traco...
$696Sale Price|20% Off
BALENCIAGA Bazar navy red striped leather top handle crossbody bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Bazar navy red striped leather top handle crossbody bag Reference: TGAS/E00089 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: Bazar Material: Leather Color: Navy, Red Pattern: S...
Balenciaga, Marble tote bag in black
By Balenciaga
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Balenciaga, Marble tote bag in black. The item is in very good condition. Small damage on the coating on the top of the bag and some small stains on the leather. Comes with dustbag a...
Balenciaga Arena Wheeled Suitcase Rolling Carry-on Luggage Trolley Leather Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Miami, FL
Balenciaga 2013 Rare Limited Edition Periwinkle Blue Jacynthe Wheeled Carry-On Balenciaga Wheeled Carry-On, features soft lambskin and distinctive age...
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 Navy Monaco BB Clutch
By Balenciaga
Located in Paris, FR
Balenciaga Navy “Monaco BB” logo canvas clutch featuring an all-over “Monaco BB” logo all-over, a front gold-tone plaque with a snap fastening under and a navy leather piping finishi...
BALENCIAGA GUCCI 2021 Hacker Jackie BB monogram web mini hobo bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA GUCCI 2021 Hacker Jackie BB monogram web mini hobo bag Reference: LNKO/A02288 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: Jackie Collection: GUCCI 2021 Material: Canvas, Leat...
BALENCIAGA metallic silver leather 2019 MINI SHOPPING TOTE PHONE Case Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Balenciaga Mini Shopping Tote phone case is crafted in metallic silver leather. The design features two black tubular lambskin leather handles and a contrasting b...
Balenciaga Black Shiny Aged Calfskin Leather Mini Monaco
By Balenciaga
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Balenciaga Black Shiny Aged Calfskin Leather Mini Monaco Product Details Xupes Ref: HB6074 Brand: Balenciaga Model: Mini Monaco Type: Shoulder, Crossbody Serial Number: 7929771000M6...
Balenciaga Red Sang Lambskin Leather S Sunday Tote 98ba52s
By Balenciaga
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: 228750-6364 1669 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 15.5" Width: 8.5" Height: 11.5" Handle Drop: 4.5" OVERALL GOOD+ CONDITION ( 7.25/10 or B+ ) Acces...
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...
BALENCIAGA blue green LOGO TARTAN BB CHAIN MEDIUM ROUND Shoulder Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Balenciaga BB Medium Chain Quilted Tartan Shoulder Bag in petrol, yellow, blue and off-white wool featuring gold-tone chain shoulder-strap and BB metal logo at front. ...
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 ( ...
Balenciaga Pouch Black Crocodile Pattern Shiny Calfskin Leather With Strap
By Balenciaga
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Balenciaga Pouch Black Crocodile Pattern Shiny Calfskin Leather With Strap These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. CONDITION: EXCELLENT Light signs of wea...
Balenciaga Papier Shearling Ledger Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Krakow, PL
Designer: Balenciaga Model: Papier Ledger Bag Shearling Exterior Material: Shearling Exterior Color: Black Interior Material: Shearling Interior Color: Black 51cm*34 cm Very good ...
Navy blue leather shoulder bag Balenciaga Circa 1970's
By Balenciaga
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Navy blue leather shoulder bag. One gold metal nail closure in the middle front. Black leather lining. Buckle on the shoulder strap ( adjustable) SIZE 23cm X 20cm X 5cm Shoulder st...
$924Sale Price|30% Off
BALENCIAGA Ville XXS black floral logo print top handle crossbody bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Ville XXS black floral logo print top handle crossbody bag Reference: TGAS/B01535 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: Ville XXS Material: Lea...
$588Sale Price|30% Off
BALENCIAGA Demna Everyday Camera XS black leather logo print crossbody bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Demna Everyday Camera XS black leather logo print crossbody bag Reference: TGAS/B01352 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: Everyday Camera Bag XS Material: Leather Co...
Balenciaga Green Croc Embossed Calfskin XS Hourglass Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Balenciaga Green Croc Embossed Calfskin XS Hourglass Bag SKU: 125487 MSRP: 2700.00 Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Good Condition...
Balenciaga White Graffiti Logo Print Ville Leather XXS Mini Top Handle Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Balenciaga White Graffiti Logo Print Ville Leather XXS Mini Top Handle Bag is a striking and contemporary accessory that effortlessly combines edgy street style with high-fashion...
Balenciaga Beige Croc Embossed Hourglass Downtown Shoulder Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Balenciaga Tan Croc Embossed Soft Hourglass SKU: 118556 MSRP: 2050.00 USD Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Balenciaga have never shied away from playing wi...
NEW Balenciaga Black Leather Souvenir Belt Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Brossard, QC
Grained goatskin bag in black featuring embossed logo pattern throughout. Adjustable leather and curb chain belt-style strap featuring carved charms and pin-buckle fastening. Logo st...
Balenciaga Chocolate Chevre Leather Men's Day Messenger Bag 30ba54s
By Balenciaga
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: 141175-3444 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 16" Width: 1" Height: 14" Shoulder Handle Drop: 17.5"-27" OVERALL GOOD CONDITION ( 7.25/10 or B+ ) Acce...
Balenciaga, east west small shopper tote
By Balenciaga
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Balenciaga, east west small shopper tote in off white. The item is new with dustbag and booklets.
Gucci X Balenciaga "The Hacker Project" Small Horsebit 1955 Shoulder Bag
By Balenciaga, Gucci
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Gucci X Balenciaga "The Hacker Project" Small Horsebit 1955 Shoulder Bag is a remarkable collaboration that beautifully merges the distinct identities of two iconic fashion house...
Balenciaga Leopard Print Leather Mini Shopper Tote With Crossbody Strap
By Balenciaga
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Balenciaga Leopard Print Leather Mini Shopper Tote With Crossbody Strap is a bold and versatile accessory that effortlessly combines luxury with a wild, fashion-forward edge. Cra...
Borsa a Tracolla Balenciaga Le Cagole Mini Bianca
By Balenciaga
Located in Torre Del Greco, IT
Borsa firmata Balenciaga, modello Le Cagole, misura Mini, realizzata in pelle bianca con hardware argentati. Dotata di una chiusura superiore a zip, internamente rivestita in tessuto...
$292Sale Price|35% Off
BALENCIAGA Explorer Double Pack Sharp WFP yellow nylon crossbody waist bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Hong Kong, NT
BALENCIAGA Explorer Double Pack Sharp WFP yellow nylon crossbody waist bag Reference: TGAS/C01405 Brand: Balenciaga Designer: Demna Model: double pack sharp pack yellow waist bag Col...
$1,188Sale Price|40% Off
Balenciaga 33cm blue leather structure handle bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Balenciaga blue leather structure handle bag. Classic in a very nice rare blue colour leather "Birkin" style handbag. - Boxy shape. - Gold hardware turnlock flap closure. - F...
Balenciaga Pouch Black Crocodile Pattern Shiny Calfskin Leather With Strap
By Balenciaga
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Balenciaga Pouch Black Crocodile Pattern Shiny Calfskin Leather With Strap These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. CONDITION: EXCELLENT Light signs of wea...
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....
Balenciaga Cream Leather The Day One Hobo Bag 18ba53s
By Balenciaga
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: 140442-2577 213048 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 16" Width: 4.5" Height: 13.5" Handle Drop: 3.5" OVERALL GOOD+ CONDITION ( 7.25/10 or B+ ) Acces...
Balenciaga Hourglass Clutch on Chain
By Balenciaga
Located in Amman, JO
Balenciaga Hourglass Clutch on Chain – Light Blue Leather Crossbody Bag This stunning Balenciaga Hourglass Clutch on Chain in light blue leather delivers modern elegance in a compac...
Balenciaga Black Leather Arena Classic Long Wallet 12BK0113
By Balenciaga
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: 253036-1202-531053 Made In: Italy Measurements(inches): Length: 7.6 Width: 0.75 Height: 4.1 GOOD CONDITION (7/10 or B) Includes: Nothing Exterior: L...
Balenciaga Zaino Explorer GM Nylon Nero
By Balenciaga
Located in Torre Del Greco, IT
Borsa firmata Balenciaga, modello Explorer nella misura GM, realizzato in nylon nero con rifiniture in pelle e hardware argento. Dotato di una chiusura semicircolare a zip con doppio...
BALENCIAGA Rhinestone Embellished Suede Small Hourglass
By Balenciaga
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Balenciaga Rhinestone Embellished Suede Small Hourglass Product Details Xupes Ref: HB4738 Brand: Balenciaga Model: Small Hourglass Type: Top Han...
Balenciaga Neo Folk Messenger Bag 2011 Turquoise Suede Crossbody Y2K Moto
By Balenciaga
Located in San Diego, CA
Authentic 2011 Balenciaga Neo Folk Messenger in rare turquoise teal suede. This Y2K moto style crossbody features iconic silver-tone studs and Italian craftsmanship. Perfect everyday...
Balenciaga Brown Leather Classic the Day Hobo Messenger 14ba53s
By Balenciaga
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: 272409-2711 1669 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 16" Width: 4" Height: 13.5" Shoulder Handle Drop: 19" OVERALL GOOD+ CONDITION ( 7.25/10 or B+ ) ...
Balenciaga Ville Logo Sprint Black Shoulder Bag
By Balenciaga
Located in Torre Del Greco, IT
Balenciaga bag, Ville logo print model, made of black leather, white printed logo and silver hardware. Equipped with a double rigid handle in leather a...
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.
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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.