Christian Dior Black Leather Cannage Drawstring Shoulder Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Christian Dior Black Leather Cannage Drawstring Shoulder Bag in very good condition. black cannage
Christian Dior Black Leather Cannage Drawstring Shoulder Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Christian Dior Black Leather Cannage Drawstring Shoulder Bag in very good condition. black cannage
Christian Dior C'est Dior Bucket Bag Oblique Jacquard Blue Gold CD Lock
By Christian Dior
Located in Guangzhou, CN
: No Accessories size: Width:24cm,height:25cm Designer: Christian Dior Model: C'est Dior Bucket Bag
Christian Dior 2022 Ornamental Cornely-Effect Hobo Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Indulge in luxury and sophistication with the Christian Dior Ornamental Cornely-Effect Hobo Bag
Christian Dior Dio(r)evolution Calfskin Shoulder Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Krakow, PL
Material: Calfskin leather exterior, suede interior Color: Black Hardware: Gold-tone Closure: Magnetic Strap: Leather, adjustable 91–105 cm / 35.8–41.3 in Compartments: Three mai...
Christian Dior Vintage Beige Honeycomb Logo Canvas Shoulder Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Rome, Rome
This elegant vintage Christian Dior shoulder bag is crafted from the brand's signature beige
Christian Dior Vintage Navy Blue Leather Flap Shoulder Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Rome, Rome
Elegant and unmistakably classic, this vintage Christian Dior navy blue leather shoulder bag
$2,900
H 6.89 in W 9.45 in D 2.17 in
Christian DIor Blue Oblique Jacquard and Leather 30 Montaigne Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Rome, Rome
address of the Dior maison. This exquisite shoulder bag, meticulously crafted in Italy, is a modern icon
Christian Dior Burgundy Leather CD Montaigne Belt Pouch Mini Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Rome, Rome
Minimal, elegant, and unmistakably Dior, this vintage Christian Dior CD Montaigne belt pouch mini
Christian Dior Small Toujours Bag Black White Tweed Cannage Gold Hardware
By Christian Dior
Located in Guangzhou, CN
,height:21cm Designer: Christian Dior Model: Small Toujours Bag Exterior Material: Tweed Exterior
Christian Dior Vintage Tan Brown Leather Oval Gold Clasp Shoulder Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Rome, Rome
Crafted in tan brown leather with a solid finish, the bag features a graceful oval silhouette that
$4,499
H 12.21 in W 9.45 in D 5.52 in
Christian Dior "Samurai" Bakelite and Pink Leather Bucket Bag, 2007
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Dior - (Made in Italy) Bakelite and pink leather bucket bag. Bag with a serial number. 2007 Fall
Christian Dior by John Galliano limited edition 2007 chinchilla fur bucket bag
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in PARIS, FR
drawstring bucket bag/ backpack, interior pink Monogram oblique, leather and silk satin details. Excellent
Dior Beige Cannage Nylon and Leather Drawstring Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Thoughtful details high quality and everyday convenience mark this designer bag for women by Dior
Unavailable
Dior shoulder bag in leather and canvas
By Christian Dior
Located in Paris, FR
Dior shoulder bag in leather and canvas Dior shoulder bag in leather and canvas. Fair condition
Dior Chain Zip Tote 868739 Blue Denim Shoulder Bag
Located in Forest Hills, NY
Width (inch) : 12.2 inch(approx) Width (cm) : 31 cm(approx) Height (inch) : 10.6 inch(approx) Height (cm) : 27 cm(approx) Depth (inch) : 3.14 inch(approx) Depth (cm) : 8 cm(approx) ...
Christian Dior Black Patent Leather Clutch Pochette Lady Dior Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Rome, Rome
certificate will be provided at no further cost. Beautiful 'Lady Dior' pochette bag. Crafted by hand, this
CHRISTIAN DIOR white leather MINI LADY DIOR CHAIN Shoulder Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Christian Dior Mini Lady Dior shoulder bag in white smooth calfskin with signature
Christian Dior Orange Silk Bucket Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Dior - Orange silk bucket bag with golden metal elements. Additional information: Condition: Very
CHRISTIAN DIOR black leather 2017 STUDDED SUPPLE LADY DIOR MEDIUM Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Christian Dior Supple Lady Dior Medium bag in black studded Cannage mortif calfskin
Christian Dior Black Leather Diorama Shoulder Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Rome, Rome
"Christian Dior Paris" inside, this Diorama bag speaks to the brand's legacy of craftsmanship and luxury
Christian Dior White Milk Leather Saddle Shoulder Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Rome, Rome
certificate will be provided at no further cost. Gorgeous CHRISTIAN DIOR Saddle Bag. This stylish shoulder bag
Christian Dior Vintage White Leather Convertible Shoulder Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Rome, Rome
A timeless piece from the house of Dior, this vintage Christian Dior shoulder bag is a refined
Christian Dior Pink Cannage Canvas Panarea Tote Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Rome, Rome
Christian Dior 'Panarea' tote bag. Pink quilted cannage canvas with leather handles and trim. Dior
Christian Dior Silver Leather Diorama Medium Shoulder Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Rome, Rome
. Embossed with the signature "Christian Dior Paris" inside, this Diorama bag speaks to the brand's legacy of
Christian Dior Black Logogram Oblique Canvas Messenger Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Rome, Rome
Christian Dior black Logogram Tapestry Canvas shoulder bag. Canvas and Genuine Leather trim. Silver
Christian Dior Black Logogram Oblique Canvas Messenger Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Rome, Rome
Christian Dior black Logogram Canvas shoulder bag. Canvas and Genuine Leather trim. Silver metal
Christian Dior Black Logogram Oblique Canvas Messenger Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Rome, Rome
Christian Dior black Logogram Canvas shoulder bag. Canvas and Genuine Leather trim. Silver metal
Christian Dior Vintage Beige Logo Canvas Shoulder Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Rome, Rome
Vintage Christian Dior beige logo canvas shoulder bag with brown leather trim. Gold metal CD logo
Christian Dior Blue Jacquard Oblique Canvas Embroidery Saddle Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Rome, Rome
coveted designs today, this gorgeous Christian Dior Saddle Bag captures the spirit of the house with its
Christian Dior Vintage Beige Leather Small Crossbody Shoulder Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Rome, Rome
An elegant echo of Dior's timeless sophistication, this vintage CHRISTIAN DIOR shoulder bag is
Christian Dior Vintage Red Leather Flap Box Shoulder Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Rome, Rome
Vintage CHRISTIAN DIOR structured shoulder bag crafted in red leather. Flap with magnetic button
Christian Dior Vintage Grey Canvas Chain Convertible Shoulder Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Rome, Rome
A timeless piece from the house of Dior, this vintage Christian Dior shoulder bag is a refined
Christian Dior Vintage Grey Canvas Chain Convertible Shoulder Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Rome, Rome
A timeless piece from the house of Dior, this vintage Christian Dior shoulder bag is a refined
Christian Dior Green Leather Saddle Shoulder Bag Iridescent Hardware
By Christian Dior
Located in Rome, Rome
certificate will be provided at no further cost. Gorgeous CHRISTIAN DIOR Saddle Bag. This stylish shoulder bag
Christian Dior Vintage Brown Oblique Monogram Canvas Shoulder Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Rome, Rome
celebrated heritage. Elegant, enduring, and undeniably Dior-this vintage shoulder bag is more than an
Christian Dior Vintage Blue Oblique Canvas Monogram Shoulder Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Rome, Rome
Vintage Christian Dior Shoulder Bag crafted from the house's iconic blue oblique monogram canvas
Christian Dior Vintage Brown Oblique Monogram Canvas Shoulder Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Rome, Rome
, and undeniably Dior-this vintage shoulder bag is more than an accessory; it's a statement. Condition B
Christian Dior Vintage Brown Oblique Monogram Canvas Shoulder Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Rome, Rome
, and undeniably Dior-this vintage shoulder bag is more than an accessory; it's a statement. Condition B
Christian Dior Blue Jacquard Oblique Canvas Medium Saddle Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Rome, Rome
Dior Saddle Bag does. Originally designed by John Galliano and revived in recent years, the Saddle is
Christian Dior Vintage Brown Logo Canvas Oblique Shoulder Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Rome, Rome
Vintage CHRISTIAN DIOR shoulder bag crafted in brown oblique monogram Oblique canvas with brown
Christian Dior Vintage Brown Oblique Monogram Chain Shoulder Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Rome, Rome
Vintage CHRISTIAN DIOR shoulder bag crafted in brown monogram oblique canvas with brown genuine
Christian Dior Vintage Brown Canvas Oblique Monogram Shoulder Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Rome, Rome
Vintage CHRISTIAN DIOR shoulder bag crafted in brown monogram oblique canvas with brown genuine
Christian Dior Vintage Blue Oblique Canvas Monogram Shoulder Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Rome, Rome
Vintage CHRISTIAN DIOR shoulder bag crafted in blue monogram oblique canvas with blue genuine
Christian Dior Vintage Blue Oblique Canvas Monogram Shoulder Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Rome, Rome
Vintage CHRISTIAN DIOR shoulder bag crafted in blue monogram oblique canvas with blue genuine
Christian Dior Vintage Brown Oblique Logo Canvas Shoulder Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Rome, Rome
Vintage CHRISTIAN DIOR shoulder bag crafted in brown oblique monogram 'Diorissimo' canvas with
Christian Dior Vintage Brown Oblique Monogram Canvas Shoulder Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Rome, Rome
Vintage CHRISTIAN DIOR shoulder bag crafted in brown monogram oblique canvas with brown genuine
Christian Dior Vintage Black Canvas Logo Convertible Shoulder Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Rome, Rome
Vintage CHRISTIAN DIOR shoulder bag crafted in black logo canvas with black trim. Flap with button
Christian Dior Vintage Blue Logo Oblique Canvas Shoulder Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Rome, Rome
Christian Dior Vintage Shoulder Bag. Crafted in blue logo oblique canvas with blue leather trim and
Christian Dior Vintage Brown Oblique Monogram Canvas Shoulder Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Rome, Rome
Vintage CHRISTIAN DIOR shoulder bag crafted in brown monogram oblique canvas with brown genuine
Christian Dior Vintage Brown Logo Canvas Monogram Shoulder Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Rome, Rome
Vintage CHRISTIAN DIOR shoulder bag crafted in brown monogram oblique canvas with brown genuine
CHRISTIAN DIOR grey leather 30 MONTAIGNE BOX Shoulder Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Christian Dior 30 Montaigne Box crossbody bag in gray smooth box calfskin. The flap
Christian Dior Vintage Dark Blue Oblique Monogram Clutch Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Rome, Rome
There's a certain understated elegance that only vintage Dior can offer, and this clutch is a
Christian Dior Vintage Blue Oblique Canvas Monogram Shoulder Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Rome, Rome
Vintage CHRISTIAN DIOR shoulder bag crafted in blue monogram oblique canvas with blue genuine
Christian Dior Vintage Black Oblique Monogram Flap Shoulder Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Rome, Rome
Vintage CHRISTIAN DIOR shoulder bag crafted in black monogram oblique canvas with black genuine
2015 Christian Dior White Python Leather Small Bubble Bucket Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
CHRISTIAN DIOR White Python Leather Small Bubble Bucket Bag Reference: HB1865 Serial Number: 09-BO
Christian Dior Red Leather Mini Saddle Bag with Shoulder Strap
By Christian Dior
Located in Rome, Rome
certificate will be provided at no further cost. Gorgeous CHRISTIAN DIOR Mini Saddle Bag. This stylish
Christian Dior Silk Satin Bucket Bag with Golden Metal Trinkets
By Christian Dior
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Dior - Silk satin bucket bag with golden metal trinkets. Additional information: Condition: Very
Christian Dior Vintage Black Logo Canvas Small Flap Shoulder Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Rome, Rome
Vintage Christian Dior blak logo canvas small messenger bag with black leather trim and shoulder
CHRISTIAN DIOR navy blue leather 30 MONTAIGNE BOX Shoulder Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Christian Dior 30 Montaigne Box crossbody bag in softly wrinckled navy box calfskin
CHRISTIAN DIOR multicolor canvas PAISLEY EMBROIDERED 2021 D-BUCKET Shoulder Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Christian Dior 2021 D-Bucket shoulder bag in multicolor Paisley Embroidery
Dior x Rimowa Silver Metal Personal Clutch On Strap Crossbody Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Rome, Rome
authenticators. The certificate will be provided at no further cost DIOR X RIMOWA 'Personal Clutch' crossbody bag
Christian Dior Black Leather J'Adior Shoulder Bag with Chain Strap
By Christian Dior
Located in Rome, Rome
certificate will be provided at no further cost. Beautiful 'J'Adior' flap shoulder bag by Christian Dior
Vintage CHRISTIAN DIOR CANNAGE DRAWSTRING BUCKET Shoulder Bag(CMP057471)
By Christian Dior
Located in New York, NY
This Is An Authentic, Pre-Owned Piece but looks in Excellent condition . The Christian Dior Canvas
Dior Tricolor Quilted Lambskin Medium Lady Dior Bag
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Dior Tricolor Quilted Lambskin Medium Lady Dior Bag SKU: 123128 MSRP: 6100.00
Dior Vintage Pink/White Monogram Terrycloth Drawstring Cosmetic Bag/Pouch
By Christian Dior
Located in New York, NY
Christian Dior Vintage Pink/White Monogram Cotton Terrycloth Drawstring Cosmetic Bag/Pouch Color
Dior Black Cannage Leather Miss Dior Drawstring Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Chic bags like this Miss Dior will never go out of style. Crafted from leather, this Dior bag
Christian Dior Drawstring Bucket Bag Nylon Small
By Christian Dior
Located in NY, NY
", Strap Drop 20.5-23.5" Designer: Christian Dior Model: Drawstring Bucket Bag Nylon Small Exterior
Christian Dior Drawstring Bucket Bag Oblique Canvas
By Christian Dior
Located in NY, NY
Drop 21" Designer: Christian Dior Model: Drawstring Bucket Bag Oblique Canvas Exterior Material: Canvas
Christian Dior Drawstring Bucket Bag Oblique Canvas
By Christian Dior
Located in NY, NY
: Christian Dior Model: Drawstring Bucket Bag Oblique Canvas Exterior Material: Canvas Plain Exterior Color
New Kate Spade Her Rare Large Collectible Spring 2005 Green Wicker Basket Bag
Located in Conroe, TX
Kate Spade Wicker Bag Very Rare From Her Spring 2005 Collection DESIGNED BY KATE SPADE This is the last collection before she sold her brand to Neiman Marcus Impossible to Find Bran...
Christian Dior Y2K Brown & Cream Pony Hair Shoulder Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the Christian Dior Y2K Brown & Cream Pony Hair Shoulder Bag, a stunning accessory that embodies the essence of early 2000s fashion while remaining effortlessly chic. Circ...
John Galliano Lace Cardigan and 2 Camisoles Set
By John Galliano
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous cardigan and camisole set in black knit lace plus an additional matching red camisole all from John Galliano. The set consists of 2 flower pattern lace knit camisoles one ...
Goyard Goyardine Ltd Edition Net Aligre Raffia Mesh Tote Bag
By Goyard
Located in London, GB
We Adore - Goyard Goyardine Ltd Edition Net Aligre Raffia Mesh Tote Bag Hand‑braided beige raffia mesh body framed by wooden rods, topped with the iconic Goyardine coated canvas fla...
Christian Dior by John Galliano Lace Up Dress
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous black silk dress by John Galliano for Christian Dior. The body of the dress is made of fine black stretch silk with functional adjustable lacing at the center front and b...
Christian Dior Coral Silk Vintage Rose Petal Mini Saddle Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Christian Dior Coral Silk Vintage Rose Petal Mini Saddle Bag Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1199 Brand: Christian Dior Model: Mini Saddle Bag Type: Top Handle Serial Number: 09BM-005...
$2,295
Size: Small - Medium
Christian Dior John Galliano Fall 2001 Black White Novelty Domino Print Cami Top
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, John Galliano
Located in San Diego, CA
Collectible CHRISTIAN DIOR by JOHN GALLIANO Fall 2001 runway vintage black and white novelty print playing cards and domino semi sheer mesh camisole top! Kris Jenner ( Mother of Kim ...
F/W 2004 Christian Dior by John Galliano Leopard Print Fur Zip Hooded Jacket
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a stunning leopard print rabbit fur Christian Dior oversized coat designed by John Galliano. From the Fall/Winter 2004 'Gambler' collection, the leopard printed fur debute...
$5,757
Size: FR 38 - IT 42 - UK 10 - US 6
Dolce & Gabbana black silk spandex and leather lace up dress, ss 2003
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in London, GB
Dolce & Gabbana; black silk spandex figure hugging evening dress. - Lambskin leather grommet trim - Open on both sides with lace up fastenings - Invisible side zip closure ...
Hermes Kelly 20 Mini Sellier Rose Scheherazade Alligator Bag Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a Limited Edition Hermes Kelly 20 Sellier bag featured in stunning Rose Scheherazade alligator. Accentuated with crisp with palladium hardware. Timeless and highly ...
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. ...
NWT 1990s Dolce & Gabbana Black Bodycon Stretch Sleeveless Beach Cocktail Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From the late 1990s, this chic black stretch Dolce & Gabbana dress features thin straps, a square neckline, and small slits on either side. This never-worn Dolce & Gabbana beach dres...
$6,216Sale Price|25% Off
Christian Dior By John Galliano S/S 2005 Chocolate Couture Runway croco bag
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in Milano, IT
- Designed by John Galliano - Sold by Skof.Archive - Spring-Summer 2005 Couture Runway - Chocolate couture runway detective croco bag - Two front pockets - Large silver tone ‘CD’ c...
$5,199Sale Price|20% Off
Size: XL size
GUCCI by Tom Ford Velvet GG Logo Exotic Lizard Skin Horsebit XXL Clutch Bag Y2K
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in Switzerland, CH
A Gucci by Tom Ford Evening Bag, from the early-mid 2000s Y Limited Edition only sold in selected Gucci flagship stores Beautiful eggplant velvet with the famous GG logo monogram Ex...
F/W 1999 Miu Miu Copper Suede Leather Front Zip Corset IT44
By Miu Miu, Miuccia Prada
Located in Berlin, DE
Presenting a F/W 1999 Miu Miu suede leather nylon lined front zip corset with the collection's signature butterfly ribbon. With the new millennium dawning Miuccia Prada continued to ...
Christian Dior by John Galliano Sheer Bronze Gold Knit Mini Dress 1999 2000
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in Berlin, BE
Christian Dior by John Galliano Fall 1999/ 2000 Extremely sexy dress by John Galliano for Dior - a dress that transcends mere fabric to become an emblem of audacious elegance. This...
When Christian Dior launched his couture house, in 1946, he wanted nothing less than to make “an elegant woman more beautiful and a beautiful woman more elegant.” He succeeded, and in doing so the visionary designer altered the landscape of 20th century fashion. Vintage Dior bags, shoes, evening dresses, shirts and other garments and accessories are known today for their feminine and sophisticated sensibility.
Dior was born in Granville, on the Normandy coast, in 1905. His prosperous haute bourgeois parents wanted him to become a diplomat despite his interest in art and architecture. However, they agreed to bankroll an art gallery, which Dior opened in 1928 in Paris with a friend.
This was the start of Dior’s rise in the city’s creative milieu, where he befriended Pablo Picasso and Jean Cocteau. After seven years as an art dealer, Dior retrained as a fashion illustrator, eventually landing a job as a fashion designer for Robert Piguet, and in 1941, following a year of military service, he joined the house of Lucien Lelong. Just five years later, with the backing of industrialist Marcel Boussac, the ascendant Dior established his own fashion house, at 30 avenue Montaigne in Paris.
Just two years after the end of World War II, the fashion crowd and the moribund haute couture industry were yearning, comme tout Paris, for security and prosperity, desperate to discard the drab, sexless, utilitarian garb imposed by wartime deprivation. They needed to dream anew.
And Dior delivered: He designed a collection for a bright, optimistic future. “It’s quite a revolution, dear Christian!” exclaimed Carmel Snow, the prescient American editor-in-chief of Harper’s Bazaar, famously proclaiming, “Your dresses have such a new look.” The press ran with the description, christening Dior’s debut Spring/Summer haute couture collection the New Look. “God help those who bought before they saw Dior,” said Snow. “This changes everything.”
Dior’s collection definitively declared that opulence, luxury and femininity were in. His skirts could have 40-meter-circumference hems, and outfits could weigh up to 60 pounds. They were cut and shaped like architecture, on strong foundations that molded women and “freed them from nature,” Dior said. Rather than rationing, his ladies wanted reams of fabric and 19-inch waists enforced by wire corsets, and the fashion world concurred. The debut got a standing ovation.
In the subsequent decade, Paris ruled as the undisputed fashion capital of the world, and Christian Dior reigned as its king. With the luxuriously full skirts of his New Look, suits and his drop-dead gorgeous couture dresses and ball gowns worthy of any princess, Dior gave women the gift of glamour they’d lost in the miserable years of war.
On 1stDibs, find an exquisite range of vintage Christian Dior clothing, jewelry, handbags and other items.
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.