1990s Burberry Nova Check Coated Canvas Mini Bag
By Burberry
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Mid to late 1990s Burberry coated canvas mini shoulder bag in the classic Nova check.
1990s Burberry Nova Check Coated Canvas Mini Bag
By Burberry
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Mid to late 1990s Burberry coated canvas mini shoulder bag in the classic Nova check.
Burberry Black Leather Mini TB Shoulder Bag
By Burberry
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Burberry's TB leather shoulder bag is a knowing investment piece. It's highlighted by an elegant TB clasp on the front. It has a lined interior and an adjustable shoulder strap for v...
Burberry Black Leather Mini TB Shoulder Bag
By Burberry
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Burberry's TB leather shoulder bag is a knowing investment piece. It's highlighted by an elegant TB clasp on the front. It has a lined interior and an adjustable shoulder strap for v...
Burberry House Check Canvas Tassel Crossbody Bag Mini
By Burberry
Located in Montreal, Quebec
This mini bag is constructed of coated canvas with Burberry's house check print.
Burberry Nova Check Wool Mini Shoulder Bag circa Y2K
By Burberry
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Burberry Nova Check Wool Mini Shoulder Bag circa Y2K is a quintessential accessory that captures the distinctive style of the early 2000s.
Burberry Purple Lillac Leather Mini Olympia Shoulder Bag
By Burberry
Located in Rome, Rome
The certificate will be provided at no further cost Burberry 'Mini Olympia' shoulder bag in purple/lilac leather.
BURBERRY White Leather Mini Patch Flap Pocket Shoulder Bag Purse
By Burberry
Located in San Francisco, CA
Vintage BURBERRY purse comes in white textured leather with silver tone hardware, top zip closure, and double patch flap pockets with buckles. Spot on front. As-is. Very Good Pre-O...
Burberry Black Leather Mini TB Shoulder Bag
By Burberry
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Burberrys TB leather shoulder bag is a knowing investment piece. Its highlighted by an elegant TB clasp on the front. It has a lined interior and an adjustable shoulder strap for ver...
Burberry Black Leather Mini TB Shoulder Bag
By Burberry
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Burberry's TB leather shoulder bag is a knowing investment piece. It's highlighted by an elegant TB clasp on the front. It has a lined interior and an adjustable shoulder strap for v...
Burberry TB Red Leather Mini Shoulder Bag
By Burberry
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Burberry's red leather shoulder bag is a knowing investment piece that's on-trend now, too. It's finished with an elegant gold-tone metal TB clasp as well as an adjustable shoulder s...
Burberry Black Leather Mini TB Shoulder Bag
By Burberry
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Structured, sophisticated, and stylish are some words that describe this shoulder bag! Crafted from best quality material, the creation is adorned with the label's signature appeal a...
Burberry Black Leather Mini TB Shoulder Bag
By Burberry
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Structured, sophisticated, and stylish are some words that describe this shoulder bag! Crafted from best quality material, the creation is adorned with the label's signature appeal a...
Burberry D-Ring Shoulder Bag Leather Mini
By Burberry
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: With Strap Measurements: Handle Drop 11-14", Height 5", Width 7", Depth 1", Strap Drop 20.5-23.5" Designer: Burberry Model: D-Ring Shoulder Bag Leather Mini Exterior Mat...
Burberry D-Ring Shoulder Bag Leather Mini
By Burberry
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: With Strap Measurements: Handle Drop 12-13", Height 5", Width 6.5", Depth 2", Strap Drop 20-23.5" Designer: Burberry Model: D-Ring Shoulder Bag Leather Mini Exterior Mat...
Burberry Olympia Zip Chain Shoulder Bag Leather Mini
By Burberry
Located in NY, NY
Cracking on side opening wax edges, minor scuffs and indentations in interior, scratches on hardware. Accessories: Dust Bag Measurements: Handle Drop 11", Height 5.5", Width 9", Dept...
Burberry Pink Leather Mini Lola Chain Shoulder Bag
By Burberry
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
For a look that is complete with style, taste, and a touch of luxe, this shoulder bag is the perfect addition. Flaunt this beauty on your shoulder at any event and revel in the taste...
Burberry Black Leather Mini Olympia Leather Shoulder Bag
By Burberry
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Pair it with any outfit — formal or casual and watch as it elevates your look entirely. Remain at the top of your style game with this gorgeous bag on your shoulder Includes: Origin...
Burberry Olympia Zip Chain Shoulder Bag Leather Mini
By Burberry
Located in NY, NY
Minor wear and scuffs on exterior and in interior, scratches on hardware. Accessories: Dust Bag, Box Measurements: Handle Drop 11", Height 5.5", Width 8", Depth 2" Designer: Burberry...
Burberry Red Terry Fabric Mini Love Lola Shoulder Bag
By Burberry
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Recognized to add elements of elegance and high end fashion into its pieces this Lola shoulder bag from Burberry does complete justice to the brands heritage and aesthetic. Externall...
Burberry Black Studded Leather Mini Olympia Zip Shoulder Bag
By Burberry
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
For a look that is complete with style, taste, and a touch of luxe, this shoulder bag is the perfect addition. Flaunt this beauty on your shoulder at any event and revel in the taste...
Burberry Black Studded Leather Mini Olympia Zip Shoulder Bag
By Burberry
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
For a look that is complete with style, taste, and a touch of luxe, this shoulder bag is the perfect addition. Flaunt this beauty on your shoulder at any event and revel in the taste...
Burberry Black Studded Leather Mini Olympia Zip Shoulder Bag
By Burberry
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
For a look that is complete with style, taste, and a touch of luxe, this shoulder bag is the perfect addition. Flaunt this beauty on your shoulder at any event and revel in the taste...
Burberry Cinda Shoulder Bag House Check Canvas and Leather Mini
By Burberry
Located in NY, NY
This Burberry Cinda Shoulder Bag House Check Canvas and Leather Mini, crafted from brown house check canvas and leather, features braided top handle, exterior front flap pockets, and...
Sold
H 4.93 in W 1.58 in L 7.88 in
Burberry Multicolor Checkered Fabric and Leather Mini Olympia Shoulder Bag
By Burberry
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
For a look that is complete with style, taste, and a touch of luxe, this designer bag is the perfect addition. Flaunt this beauty on your shoulder and revel in the taste of luxury it...
Burberry Bee Bag Leather Mini
By Burberry
Located in NY, NY
Estimated Retail Price: $2,700 Condition: Great. Light wear on base corners and in interior, slight creasing on exterior, cracking on strap wax edges, scratches on hardware. Accessor...
Burberry D-Ring Shoulder Bag Leather with Vintage Check Canvas Mini
By Burberry
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Handle Drop 11", Height 5", Width 6.5", Depth 1.5", Strap Drop 20" Designer: Burberry Model: D-Ring Shoulder Bag Leather with Vintage Check...
Burberry Green Leather Mini Pocket Bag
By Burberry
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Taking inspiration from an archive-inspired tote, this Burberry mini topstitched leather pocket bag is presented in green leather.
Burberry Alchester Chain Bowling Bag Suede Mini
By Burberry
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Burberry Alchester Chain Bowling Bag Suede Mini is unique and luxurious in design ideal for day to night look. Crafted in plum suede with fringe detailing, this petite...
Burberry TB Flap Bag Grainy Leather Mini
By Burberry
Located in NY, NY
Condition: Excellent. Light scuffs underneath flap and in interior, scratches on hardware. Accessories: With Strap Measurements: Height 5", Width 6.5", Depth 2.5", Strap Drop 19-23...
Burberry Ashby Bag House Check Canvas Mini
By Burberry
Located in NY, NY
Condition: Good. Creasing and discoloration on exterior, watermarks on rear. Wear on base trim, scuffs and marks on handle and leather trims, scratches on hardware. Accessories: No A...
Burberry Black Leather Mini Double Olympia Bag
By Burberry
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Burberry bags are ideal companions for ample occasions! Here we have a fashion-meets-functionality piece crafted with precision. It is equipped with a well-sized interior that can ea...
Burberry Black Leather Mini Double Olympia Bag
By Burberry
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Functional and stylish this designer labels collections capture the effortless elegant finesse of the modern woman. Crafted from quality materials this chic bag is easy to carry and ...
Burberry Black Leather Mini Double Olympia Bag
By Burberry
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Functional and stylish, this designer label's collections capture the effortless, elegant finesse of the modern woman. Crafted from quality materials, this chic bag is easy to carry ...
Burberry Orange/Black Leather Mini Double Olympia Bag
By Burberry
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
The Burberry Olympia bag has a curved base, thus giving the design a distinct silhouette.
Burberry Gold Leather Mini Olympia Chain Bag
By Burberry
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Designer bags are ideal companions for ample of occasions! Here we have a fashion-meets-functionality piece crafted with precision. It has been equipped with a well-sized interior th...
Burberry Junifer Green Leather Mini Pocket Bag
By Burberry
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Designer bags are ideal companions for ample occasions! Here we have a fashion-meets-functionality piece crafted with precision. It has been equipped with a well-sized interior that ...
Burberry Beige Leather Mini D-Ring Crossbody Bag
By Burberry
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Burberry brings you this simple yet elegant crossbody bag carrying a design that will surely delight your fashion taste. It comes crafted from beige leather and styled with a D-ring ...
Burberry Black Leather Mini D-Ring Crossbody Bag
By Burberry
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Masterfully crafted from leather, this creation in black can easily hold all your little essentials. This chic shoulder bag by Burberry features a shoulder strap, a D-ring detail, an...
Burberry Black Leather Mini D-Ring Crossbody Bag
By Burberry
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Masterfully crafted from leather, this creation in black can easily hold all your little essentials. This chic shoulder bag by Burberry features a shoulder strap, a D-ring detail, an...
Burberry Black Leather Mini D-Ring Crossbody Bag
By Burberry
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Masterfully crafted from leather, this creation in black can easily hold all your little essentials. This chic shoulder bag by Burberry features a shoulder strap, a D-ring detail, an...
Burberry Camera Bag Horseferry Print Coated Canvas Mini
By Burberry
Located in NY, NY
Condition: Great. Scuffs and indentations on exterior, creasing on strap, minor wear in interior, scratches on hardware. Accessories: With Strap Measurements: Height 4", Width 7", De...
Burberry Kid's Camera Bag TB Monogram Nylon Mini
By Burberry
Located in NY, NY
Condition: Great. Creasing on exterior, scuffs on base and leather trims, scratches on hardware. Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Height 5", Width 6.7", Depth 3", Strap Drop...
Burberry Black Leather Mini D-Ring Crossbody Bag
By Burberry
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Masterfully crafted from leather, this creation can easily hold all your little essentials. This crossbody bag by Burberry features a leather shoulder strap, a D-ring detail and a le...
Burberry Gold Leather Mini Olympia Zip Chain Bag
By Burberry
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
With an architectural shape this Burberry Olympia bag resembles the crescent moon. The brand signature on the front lends to its instant identification and it can be carried convenie...
Burberry DK88 Top Handle Bag Printed Leather Mini
By Burberry
Located in NY, NY
Condition: Very good. Scuffs on handle and strap, cracking on flap opening wax edges, indentations on strap bases. Minor wear in interior, scratches on hardware. Accessories: With St...
Burberry Gold Leather Mini Olympia Zip Chain Bag
By Burberry
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
With an architectural shape, this Burberry Olympia bag resembles the crescent moon. The brand signature on the front lends to its instant identification, and it can be carried conven...
Burberry Gold Leather Mini Olympia Zip Chain Bag
By Burberry
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
With an architectural shape, this Burberry Olympia bag resembles the crescent moon. The brand signature on the front lends to its instant identification, and it can be carried conven...
Burberry Black Leather Mini D-Ring Crossbody Bag
By Burberry
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Burberry brings you this simple yet elegant crossbody bag carrying a design that will surely delight your fashion taste. It comes crafted from black leather and styled with a D-ring ...
Burberry Pink Quilted Leather Mini Lola Camera Bag
By Burberry
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Another marvel designed by Ricardo Tisci for Burberry Lola is considered the little sister of the TB bag. It is named after the iconic song 'Lola' by 1960s British rock band The Kink...
Burberry Black Leather Mini Studded Olympia Zip Bag
By Burberry
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
For a look that is complete with style taste and a touch of luxe this shoulder bag is the perfect addition. Flaunt this beauty on your shoulder at any event and revel in the taste of...
Burberry Warm Sand Leather Mini Double Olympia Bag
By Burberry
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Burberry bags are ideal companions for ample of occasions! Here we have a fashion-meets-functionality piece crafted with precision. It has been equipped with a well-sized interior th...
Burberry Orange/Black Leather Mini Double Olympia Bag
By Burberry
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Practical and chic are some words that describe this bag Crafted meticulously the creation is equipped with a well spaced interior and an easy to carry experience. Carry it to casual...
Burberry Orange/Black Leather Mini Double Olympia Bag
By Burberry
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Practical and chic are some words that describe this bag! Crafted meticulously, the creation is equipped with a well-spaced interior and an easy-to-carry experience. Carry it to casu...
Burberry Orange/Black Leather Mini Double Olympia Bag
By Burberry
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Practical and chic are some words that describe this bag! Crafted meticulously, the creation is equipped with a well-spaced interior and an easy-to-carry experience. Carry it to casu...
Burberry Orange/Black Leather Mini Double Olympia Bag
By Burberry
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Practical and chic are some words that describe this bag! Crafted meticulously, the creation is equipped with a well-spaced interior and an easy-to-carry experience. Carry it to casu...
Burberry Black Camouflage Print Leather Mini Pocket Bag
By Burberry
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Practical and chic are some words that describe this bag! Crafted meticulously, the creation is equipped with a well-spaced interior and an easy-to-carry experience. Carry it to casu...
Burberry Brown Leather and Suede Mini Berkeley Crossbody Bag
By Burberry
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
This Burberry Mini Berkeley crossbody bag is a cute addition to your bag collection.
Burberry Dark Maroon Leather Mini Lola Bucket Bag
By Burberry
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Brimming with artistry and quality craftsmanship it is designed in a bucket silhouette and the interior is spacious enough to hold all your essentials. This beautiful piece deserve...
Burberry Olive Green Canvas and Leather Mini Pocket Bag
By Burberry
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
With a chic, structured design, this Burberry bag is sure to earn you admiring glances. It is made from canvas and leather and has an olive-green body with gold-tone details. It is f...
Burberry Dark Brown Faux Fur Mini Zip Olympia Bag
By Burberry
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Ensure you have a statement accessory to complete your outfit with this Burberry bag. Crafted using the best materials, the bag carries the maison's signature of artful craftsmanship...
Burberry TB Flap Chain Bag Printed Leather Mini
By Burberry
Located in NY, NY
Condition: Excellent. Scratches on hardware. Accessories: Dust Bag Measurements: Handle Drop 12", Height 4.5", Width 8", Depth 2", Strap Drop 12-21" Designer: Burberry Model: TB Flap...
B H Wragge 1967 Linen Dress with Cutout Back
Located in Water Mill, NY
A great bight pink mid weight linen dress from B. H. Wragge (specifically the year 1967 as per the label). It is sleeveless with a rolled collar and it flares subtly to the hem. The...
UNWORN Gucci by Tom Ford Black Dragon Pearl Jeweled Mink Fur Evening Bag Clutch
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in Switzerland, CH
EXTREMELY RARE GUCCI BY TOM FORD GORGEOUS FUR EVENING BAG WITH STUNNING JEWELED DRAGON DETAIL DETAILS: A GUCCI signature piece that will last you for many years From one of GUCC...
1980's Brown Mink Lightweight Reversible Coat
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Chic 1980's unmarked Canadian brown mink reversible long coat. One side is brown leather patchwork pattern with a fur collar and cuffs. The textured pattern is created by piecing the...
Christian Dior by John Galliano Lace Camisole and Skirt Set
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous 2 piece set in white lace from Christian Dior. It consists of a scoop neck camisole tank style top and straight midi length skirt in alternating lines of lace and sheer. ...
Versace Silk Cut out Back Dress
By Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful pink silk dress from Versace. It is is a simple sleeveless sheath from the front. The back is exposed from the shoulders to low back with the exception of draping framin...
Prada Fairy Collection Pink Print Silk Dress, 2008
By Prada
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Italian luxury brand Prada has made a mark with their refined styles and classic reinventions. However, the namesake designer Miuccia Prada is no stranger to considering creative twi...
Alexander McQueen New Khaki Pants with Hip Lacing S/S 2002
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Water Mill, NY
Fabulous khaki cotton pants from Alexander McQueen. They have full straight legs with curved panels over the back hips with a fan of laces meeting and buttoning on the front sides at...
$1,156Sale Price|20% Off
Size: 9.5
New Gucci Limited Edition Collection Runway Gold Jeweled Heels Sz 9.5
By Gucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Lt. Edition Gucci Heels Brand New * Stunning in Gold Leather * Flower & Butterfly Jeweled Toe * Lady Bug Dangle Jewel * Size: 9.5 * Adjustable Ankle Strap * Leather Insole * 4.5" He...
1990s Richard Tyler Couture Size 6 Cranberry Red Burgundy Sequin Vintage Gown
By Richard Tyler, Richard Tyler Couture
Located in San Diego, CA
Phenomenal 90s RICHARD TYLER COUTURE cranberry red / burgundy / maroon fully sequined and beaded silk chiffon evening dress! Features thousands of vibrant hand-sewn sequins and beads...
Hermes Birkin 25 Rouge Exotic Lizard Bag Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
The Hermès Birkin 25 is presented here in Rouge Exotique lizard, a softened red tone that balances vibrancy with restraint. The color offers presence while remaining versatile, makin...
GIVENCHY Couture S/S 1998 ALEXANDER McQUEEN 2 Pc Floral Jacquard Skirt Suit Set
By Alexander McQueen, Givenchy
Located in Thiensville, WI
DESCRIPTION: GIVENCHY Couture S/S 1998 ALEXANDER McQUEEN 2 Pc Floral Jacquard Skirt Suit Set Brand / Manufacturer: Givenchy Collection: Couture; Spring / Summer 1998 Designer: Ale...
New Gucci Alligator and Leather Boots Rare Fall Winter 2005 Sz 8.5
By Gucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Brand New The Boots that every model wore for the fall/winter 2005 runway show * Gucci * U.S. Size: 8.5 * Soft Brown Leather * Alligator Uppers * Gold Buckle * 4.25" Heel * Gold Leat...
New Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL Lotus Heels Final Collection 2004 Sz 38
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Yves Saint Laurent Heels Brand New * Tom Ford Era Lotus Slides * This was his last collection for Yves Saint Laurent. He was inspired by the Chinese Collection of 1977 His Final Coll...
Chanel Chain Vintage Muff Black and White Grey Tweed Fur Cross Body Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel White Fur Chain Vintage Muff Crossbody Tote 2001 {VINTAGE 21 Years} Silver and gold with interwoven multi colored tweed chain Zipper interior pocket Interior black felt linin...
Unavailable|$2,113
Ralph Lauren Collection Ivory Silk Dress, SS 2002
By Ralph Lauren Purple Label
Located in Marlborough, GB
Ralph Lauren Collection ivory cream silk satin slip dress, Spring Summer 2002 On runway Beautiful liquid silk 100% silk Purple label Very rare Good vintage condition; there may be so...
$9,920
H 12 in W 6 in L 18 in
Chanel 2008 Cruise Yacht Coated Canvas Beige CC Limited Edition Beach Tote Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel 2008 Cruise Yacht Coated Canvas Beige CC Limited Edition Beach Tote Bag This gorgeous rare Chanel Cruise Tote is made of beige coated canvas, braided handles, an open top de...
Burberry, a luxury British fashion house with origins in battlefield gear and outfitting real-life explorers, is universally renowned for its vintage trench coats, jackets, footwear and handbags. The brand has undergone several transformations since its inception in the 19th century.
When the 21-year-old apprentice draper Thomas Burberry (1835–1926) opened a small clothing outfitter in Basingstoke, Hampshire, in 1856, he catered to the needs of the local population, focusing on weatherproof clothing designed for outdoor activities like hunting, riding and fishing.
Building on his success, Burberry researched more fabrics that would be suitable for these country pursuits. In 1888, he patented gabardine, a durable, breathable fabric that was ready for any British weather. The material was groundbreaking for rainwear, which previously had been bulky and heavy. Norwegian explorer Fridtjof Nansen wore it on his 1893 North Pole expedition and Burberry later outfitted Sir Ernest Shackleton on his Antarctic expeditions. These high-profile demonstrations of its design for extreme conditions fueled Burberry’s growth as a trusted brand.
The Tielocken coat — a forerunner to the trench coat — was patented in 1912, featuring just a button at the collar and a single strap. Higher-ranking British officers during World War I donned trench coats designed by the likes of Burberry, Aquascutum and other firms.
The design of Burberry’s classic trench demonstrated a consideration of the demand for both weather protection and function on the battlefield, with every element having its purpose, whether it was the epaulets for an officer’s rank or the gun flap at the breast. When the now-familiar check — a plaid check with black, white and red stripes on a background of beige — was added as a lining during the 1920s, a fashion icon was born. Scarves and other items featuring the pattern rendered the Burberry plaid an instantly recognizable hallmark of the house around the globe.
The brand continued to gain popularity throughout the 20th century, but by the 1990s, it was in dire need of a refresh. By the time Christopher Bailey was named design director at Burberry in 2001, the check was so ubiquitous through rampant knockoffs that it had become a reference for kitsch rather than quality.
Drawing on its heritage of craftsmanship with a new streetwear edge, Bailey helped rebuild Burberry’s relevance as a reputable fashion brand. Key to this reimagining was developing an understanding of how to democratically market high-end luxury fashion. Milestones in this regard materialized in 2010, when Burberry became the first brand to livestream a fashion show (and did so using 3D technology), and in 2020, when the house brought its London Fashion Week presentation to Twitch, a popular American livestreaming service. The international visibility brought with it renewed interest in the brand, which eventually revived its tartan after dropping it from many of its clothes, including in a 2018 collaboration with Russian designer Gosha Rubchinskiy that swathed shirts, dresses, coats and bags in the check.
Although tastes have changed, the signature trench coats that date back to Burberry’s beginnings remain at the brand’s core, with new fabrics and fits continuing to adapt this British style classic to contemporary trends.
Find vintage Burberry trench coats, shoes, handbags and other outerwear and accessories on 1stDibs.
Ever since we’ve needed an accessory to carry our personal items when we’re on the go, shoulder bags have proven indispensable. Today, vintage and designer shoulder bags are such a treasured part of fashion history that they even get their own museum exhibitions. And while lovers of luxury handbags and purses are savvier now and have a wider range of shopping options, classics created by brands such as Louis Vuitton, Dior and Balenciaga still rule.
Prior to bags becoming an essential piece of any ensemble for any gender, women wore pockets strung on ribbons as garments that were separate from their gowns, accessible by openings in the fabric. Small handbags and handheld purses were developed before the accessory gained importance as functional and fashionable. Most had more in common with wallets than anything else.
While the bags of the 16th century warranted ornament, such as exteriors embroidered with silver-gilt thread and beads, it wasn’t until the late 18th century and early 19th century that the design and craft of bags had really broadened. Handheld purses were finished with details that were meant to garner attention, and bags were fitted with shoulder straps. A stylish shoulder bag meant that women could tote jewelry, cash and perhaps a decorative snuff box full of tobacco to an evening ball across town.
The early 1900s saw the introduction of gold and silver minaudières. The patenting of these compact bejeweled clutches has been attributed to revered French jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels, and today they remain a fashion favorite. One of Judith Leiber’s innovative minaudières even earned a role in the movie Sex and the City.
A luxury shoulder bag is a work of art with a long, fascinating origin story, and entire brands and fashion lines have emerged around creating the perfect versions of shoulder bags and top-handle bags. For example, the iconic Hermès Kelly bag, which was popularized by actress Grace Kelly, is a widely coveted, collected and often faked entry from the handbag hall of fame. And while vintage Gucci tote bags have their own dedicated fan base, collectors are likely familiar with the Dionysus, a pared-down Gucci shoulder bag that manages to make a substantial statement anyway.
Embrace a classic look with a vintage shoulder bag designed by Chanel, Givenchy or Fendi — find yours on 1stDibs today.