Chrome Hearts Bag
2010s Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
2010s Duffel Bags and Carry-On Bags
2010s American Top Handle Bags
21st Century and Contemporary American Hobo Bags
2010s Tote Bags
1990s Sunglasses
People Also Browsed
Early 2000s American Fashion Rings
Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings
Sterling Silver
Early 2000s French Corsets
Early 2000s American Fashion Rings
Silver
Early 2000s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
1990s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
Early 2000s French Shirts
1980s French Clutches
Early 2000s Italian Mini Dress
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Afghan Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones
Tourmaline, Chrome Tourmaline
Antique Early 17th Century Afghan Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones
Tourmaline, Chrome Tourmaline
Early 2000s English Evening Dresses and Gowns
Vintage 1970s Italian Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Stud Earrings
Early 2000s Italian Bras
Early 2000s French Cocktail Dresses
Recent Sales
2010s Italian Top Handle Bags
2010s Italian Top Handle Bags
2010s Duffel Bags and Carry-On Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Shoulder Bags
2010s Backpacks
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Coats
2010s Italian Top Handle Bags
21st Century and Contemporary American Top Handle Bags
1990s Italian Clutches
Late 20th Century American Tote Bags
1990s American Top Handle Bags
Late 20th Century American Clutches
20th Century American Handbags and Purses
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Handbags and Purses
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Clutches
Early 2000s Tote Bags
Finding the Right Handbags and Purses for You
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.