Dior Saddle 2019 Mini Satin Icy Blue Grey Crystal Embellished Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Jersey City, NJ
This Dior Saddle Bag is a stunning mini crafted in a luxurious icy grayish blue satin.
Dior Saddle 2019 Mini Satin Icy Blue Grey Crystal Embellished Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Jersey City, NJ
This Dior Saddle Bag is a stunning mini crafted in a luxurious icy grayish blue satin.
Dior Saddle Mini Silk Handbag Black with crystals
By Christian Dior
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Dior Saddle Mini Silk Handbag Black with crystals These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. 2019 Dior Saddle bag, crafted in black silk satin, the legendary...
Dior Saddle Mini Silk Handbag Black with crystals
By Christian Dior
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Dior Saddle Mini Silk Handbag Black with crystals These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. 2019 Dior Saddle bag, crafted in black silk satin, the legendary...
Dior Saddle Mini Silk Handbag Light Gold with Crystals
By Christian Dior
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Logo and serial number is a little unclear. DETAILS Christian Dior Saddle Material: Gold silk satin Size: Mini Dimensions: 21 x 18 x 5 cm / 8.5 x 7 x 2 inches
Dior Saddle Mini Pink Silk Satin with Crystal Buckle
By Christian Dior
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Dior Saddle Mini Pink Silk Satin with Crystal Buckle These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags.
Dior Saddle Vintage Classic Clutch Vintage Mini Red Silk Satin
By Christian Dior
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Dior Saddle bag, crafted in red silk satin, the legendary design comes in size mini, features a magnetic clasp opening, and thin silver Christian Dior chain and patent leather strap.
Christian Dior Red Satin & Patent Leather Vintage Mini Saddle Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Christian Dior Red Satin & Patent Leather Vintage Mini Saddle Bag Brand- Christian Dior Model- Mini Saddle Bag Product Type- Top Handle Serial Number- 90******* Age- Circa 2003 Acco...
Christian Dior Purple Red Multi Satin Embroidered Gold Saddle Shoulder Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Charlotte, NC
Pre-Owned Vintage Condition From 2002 Collection Multicolor Satin Leather Embroidered IncludedAuthenticity Card W 9.8 x H 7.9 x D 2.0 " Handle Drop 7" 100% Authenticity Guaranteed
Christian Dior Vintage Sex And The City Pink Saddle Chain Satin Print Bag
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Jersey City, NJ
An exceptionally rare and highly collectible Christian Dior Saddle Bag, designed by John Galliano in the early 2000s. Crafted in printed canvas with tan leather trim, this model feat...
Dior Saddle Mini Silk Pink with crystals
By Christian Dior
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
CONDITION: MINT NEAR NEW DETAILS Christian Dior Saddle Material: Pink silk satin Size: Mini Dimensions: 21 x 18 x 5 cm / 8.5 x 7 x 2 inches
Dior Saddle Mini Silk Handbag Black with crystals
By Christian Dior
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Dior Saddle Mini Silk Handbag Black with crystals These are professional photos of the actual bag. 2019 Dior Saddle bag, crafted in black silk satin, the legendary design comes in ...
Dior Saddle Mini Silk Handbag Black with crystals
By Christian Dior
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
DETAILS Christian Dior Saddle Material: Black silk satin Size: Mini Dimensions: 21 x 18 x 5 cm / 8.5 x 7 x 2 inches
Dior Saddle Mini Silk Handbag Black with crystals
By Christian Dior
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Dior Saddle Mini Silk Handbag Black with crystals These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. 2019 Dior Saddle bag, crafted in black silk satin, the legendary...
Dior Saddle Mini Silk Handbag Black with crystals
By Christian Dior
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Dior Saddle Mini Silk Handbag Black with crystals These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. 2019 Dior Saddle bag, crafted in black silk satin, the legendary...
Dior Saddle Mini Silk Handbag Black with crystals
By Christian Dior
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Dior Saddle Mini Silk Handbag Black with crystals These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. 2019 Dior Saddle bag, crafted in black silk satin, the legendary...
Dior Saddle Mini Silk Handbag Black with crystals
By Christian Dior
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Dior Saddle Mini Silk Handbag Black with crystals These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. 2019 Dior Saddle bag, crafted in black silk satin, the legendary...
Dior Saddle Mini Silk 2019 Pink with crystals
By Christian Dior
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Dior Saddle Mini Silk 2019 Pink with crystals These are professional photos of the actual bag. 2019 Dior Saddle bag, crafted in pink silk satin, the legendary design comes in size mi...
Dior Saddle Mini Silk Handbag Black with crystals
By Christian Dior
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Dior Saddle Mini Silk Handbag Black with crystals These are professional photos of the actual bag. 2019 Dior Saddle bag, crafted in black silk satin, the legendary design comes in si...
Dior Saddle Mini Silk Handbag Black with crystals
By Christian Dior
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Dior Saddle Mini Silk Handbag Black with crystals These are professional photos of the actual bag. 2019 Dior Saddle bag, crafted in black silk satin, the legendary design comes in ...
Dior Saddle Mini Silk Handbag Black with crystals
By Christian Dior
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Dior Saddle Mini Silk Handbag Black with crystals These are professional photos of the actual bag. 2019 Dior Saddle bag, crafted in black silk satin, the legendary design comes in si...
Dior Saddle Mini Silk Handbag Light Gold with crystals
By Christian Dior
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Dior Saddle bag, crafted in black silk satin, the legendary design comes in size mini, features a magnetic flap, and bedazzling crystal embellished CD signature on both sides of the ...
Dior Saddle Mini 2019 Silk Pink with Crystal Buckle Handbag
By Christian Dior
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
CONDITION: MINT DETAILS Christian Dior Saddle Material: Pink silk satin Size: Mini Dimensions: 21 x 18 x 5 cm / 8.5 x 7 x 2 inches
Dior Saddle Mini Silk Handbag Light Gold with crystals
By Christian Dior
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Light scratches. DETAILS Christian Dior Saddle Material: Gold silk satin Size: Mini Dimensions: 21 x 18 x 5 cm / 8.5 x 7 x 2 inches
Dior Multicolour Satin Paisley Saddle Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
The Dior Saddle made a huge comeback in 2018, and since then, it has been ruling the wishlist of all the fashion elite.
Dior Multicolour Satin Paisley Saddle Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
This Dior Saddle is carefully crafted to offer you a luxurious accessory you will cherish. It is marked by high quality and enduring appeal. Invest in it today!
Christian Dior Saddle Handbag Satin with Crystals Mini
By Christian Dior
Located in NY, NY
This Christian Dior Saddle Handbag Satin with Crystals Mini, crafted from gray satin, features a top handle adorned with studded metal 'CD' finishing, saddle-shaped silhouette and ag...
Christian Dior Saddle Handbag Satin With Crystals Mini
By Christian Dior
Located in NY, NY
This Christian Dior Saddle Handbag Satin with Crystals Mini, crafted from gray satin, features a top handle adorned with studded metal 'CD' finishing, saddle-shaped silhouette and ag...
Christian Dior Vintage Saddle Bag Printed Satin Medium
By Christian Dior
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Handle Drop 6.5", Height 7", Width 9.5", Depth 1" Designer: Christian Dior Model: Vintage Saddle Bag Printed Satin Medium Exterior Material:...
Christian Dior Vintage Saddle Bag Embroidered Satin Mini
By Christian Dior
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Handle Drop 6.5", Height 6", Width 9", Depth 1.5" Designer: Christian Dior Model: Vintage Saddle Bag Embroidered Satin Mini Exterior Materia...
Dior Grey Satin And Patent Leather Trim Saddle Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Owing to its uniquely-crafted silhouette and timeless elegance, the Saddle bag from Dior remains one of the most sought-after designs of the brand.
Dior Grey Satin And Patent Leather Trim Saddle Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Owing to its uniquely-crafted silhouette and timeless elegance, the Saddle bag from Dior remains one of the most sought-after designs of the brand.
Dior Blue Satin Mini Crystal Embellished Logo Saddle Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Crafted from quality materials, your wardrobe is missing out on this beautifully made designer bag. Look your fashionable best in any outfit with this stylish bag that promises to el...
2021 Christian Dior Black Satin Swarovski Crystal Mini Saddle Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta
Beautiful mini saddle bag in elegant black satin with gold hardware encrusted with Swarovski crystal. Minor rubbing on the satin logo label inside. Date stamp from 2021. No snagging ...
Dior Vintage Floral and Fish Purple Satin Saddle Bag (2003)
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Limited edition. From the 2003 Collection by John Galliano. This bag is constructed with purple satin and pink patent leather trim. The bag features floral and fish embroidery, silve...
Gorgeous NEW Christian Dior Saddle bag in black satin, with rhinestones and GHW
By Christian Dior
Located in Paris, IDF
Gorgeous Bag Dior Saddle in black satin, trim in gold-tone metal with rhinestones, simple satin handle allowing a hand or shoulder stand.
Sold
H 7.09 in W 1.97 in L 10.24 in
Dior Pink/Green Printed Satin and Glazed Leather Limited Edition 0705 Saddle Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Designed by John Galliano, the Dior Saddle bag is an investment-worthy creation and an icon in the world of handbags.
$2,856Sale Price|35% Off
Christian Dior by John Galliano Cadillac Montaigne Saddle Bag
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Brand: Christian Dior by John Galliano Product Name: Cadillac Montaigne Saddle Bag Product Description: Introducing the Christian Dior by John Galliano Cadillac Montaigne Saddle Bag...
Christian Dior 2000 Blue Diorissimo Jacquard Saddle Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Dior Saddle Bag, designed by John Galliano in 2000, stands out with its unique saddle shape and iconic Dior monogram pattern. Inspired by equestrian style, this vintage piece has...
Dior Black Box Calf Leather Flap Chain Bag 827da9
By Christian Dior
Located in Dix hills, NY
Made In: France Measurements: Length: 9" Width: 1" Height: 6" Shoulder Handle Drop: 9" and 15" OVERALL GOOD CONDITION ( 7/10 or B ) Signs of Wear: Exterior Leather and Trim: M...
$1,277
Size: ONE SIZE / See dimensions.
2000's Christian Dior John Galliano Black Satin Diamanté Rhinestone shoulder Bag
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Sheffield, GB
2004 Christian Dior by John Galliano Shoulder bag, crafted from a smooth black satin with jacquard Dior signature details, decorative rhinestone Carabina clip and iconic 'Galliano er...
Rare Dior by John Galliano limited edition 2005 Peccary leather Saddle Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in PARIS, FR
Rare Dior by John Galliano Limited edition 2005 collection (0008/1000 in the world) Peccary leather Saddle bag and sea green hardware. A true treasure, very good condition it comes w...
$1,832
H 9.45 in W 13.39 in D 3.94 in L 14.18 in
21st Century Black Fabric and Leather Large Lady Dior Bag by Christian Dior
By Christian Dior
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This is an excellent example of the iconic Lady Dior tote bag, a signature piece from Christian Dior, dating from the 21st Century. Crafted in black quilted fabric, the bag features ...
$562Sale Price|25% Off
H 6 in W 1.25 in L 8.25 in
Vintage CHRISTIAN DIOR Black Leather Chain Shoulder Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage CHRISTIAN DIOR shoulder bag is crafted of grain-textured leather in black. This vintage Dior features a gold toned chain that lets you carry it single and double chained...
CHRISTIAN DIOR Vintage Black Leather Mini Doctor-Style Framed Handbag
By Christian Dior
Located in Nice, FR
CHRISTIAN DIOR vintage black leather mini doctor-style framed handbag. This bag features : - Doctor-style shape with a structured trapezoid silhouette - Grained black leather - Rigi...
Dior Vintage Gaucho Mini Black Leather Crossbody Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Dior Vintage Gaucho Mini Black Leather Crossbody Bag These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. CONDITION: VERY GOOD This preloved authentic Dior bag is in ...
$4,134
H 5.52 in W 7.49 in D 1.19 in
Christian Dior Metallic Black Snakeskin Leather Vintage Mini Saddle Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Christian Dior Metallic Black Snakeskin & Gold Calfskin Leather Vintage Mini Saddle Bag Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1198 Brand: Christian Dior Model: Mini Saddle Bag Type: Top Han...
Christian Dior Black Leather Saddle Belt Bag – Size 80
By Christian Dior
Located in CACHAN, FR
Vintage Christian Dior waist belt in black leather, featuring an integrated saddle-shaped pouch and the iconic silver-tone D charm. The belt is crafted in Italy and stamped “Christia...
Christian Dior Blue Oblique Jacquard Canvas Medium Saddle Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Christian Dior Blue Oblique Jacquard Canvas Medium Saddle Bag SKU: 157336 Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Excellent Condition Comments: Item is in excellent c...
Dior Saddle Small Vintage Shoulder Bag Dark Green Oblique Print Patent Leather
By Christian Dior
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Dior Saddle Small Vintage Shoulder Bag Dark Green Oblique Print Patent Leather These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. This is a vintage style of the icon...
Delvaux Brillant Mini Surpique Tourterelle Grey Rodeo Calfskin Bag Silver
By Delvaux
Located in Guangzhou, CN
True connoisseurs of luxury know that the pinnacle of handbag artistry does not hail from Paris or Milan, but from Brussels. Founded in 1829—even before the Kingdom of Belgium was ...
Dior Saddle Mini Black Grained Leather Handbag
By Christian Dior
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Dior Saddle Mini Black Grained Leather Handbag These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. This Dior Saddle Bag White Grain Leather Mini Size is the perfect a...
CHRISTIAN DIOR shimmy gold beige leather BABE Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Christian Dior soft Babe hobo handbag in shiny golden-beige leather featuring gold-tone hardware. The design has gathers and circular logo-engraved handles. Lined in e...
Hermès Sac Epaule Constance 1970s Black Precious Leather Shoulder Bag Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Constance model bag in black exotic leather (Porosus), interior in soft black leather with one patch pocket and one zipped pocket, clasp with the famous H motif in gold metal ...
UNWORN Emilio Pucci by Peter Dundas 2011 Navy Crochet Knit Maxi Dress Gown 42
By Peter Dundas, Emilio Pucci
Located in Switzerland, CH
ABSOLUTELY INSANE EMILIO PUCCI MIDNIGHT BLUE CROCHET KNIT CUTOUT GOWN DESIGNED BY PETER DUNDAS SOLD OUT IMMEDIATELY WORN BY TOPMODELS AS CLAUDIA SCHIFFER, MIRANDA KERR AND MANY OT...
Tom Ford for Gucci F/W 2002 Collection Black Stretch Deep V-Neck Dress 38
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in Montgomery, TX
Tom Ford for Gucci Black Stretch Dress F/W 2002 Collection Designer size - 38 Deep V-neck style, Black satin trim, Removable tie, Very stretch. Made in Italy Excellent new condition....
1980's Yves Saint Laurent YSL Black Lace Dress with Hanky Hem
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Unique YSL hanky hem cocktail/evening dress from the early 1980's. The lace trim along the hem and all over the bodice has a touch of sparkle with jet black beading. Full flare to th...
Gucci by Tom Ford Black Knit fitted Spaghetti Strap Dress
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
2000s Gucci Black Knit fitted dress with thin strap. Size 0/2 ***small flaws ( see last pic attached)
$4,932
H 5.91 in W 10.24 in D 1.58 in
Limited Edition Fendi Baguette Bag Black Velvet w/ Gold Fringe Detail
By Fendi
Located in London, GB
Limited edition vintage Fendi Baguette bag in black velvet with gold-tone double F closure and fringe. Flap closure with signature gold-tone metal FF buckle, decorated with metallic ...
$4,319Sale Price|20% Off
H 7.5 in W 3.5 in L 13.5 in
Limited Edition Chanel Maxi Grey Rain Jacket Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Chanel limited edition grey lambskin quilted maxi flap with silver tone hardware. Special edition with retractable rain jacket. Measurements: 13"L x 3"W x 7"H, shoulder drop, 10"/17"...
Giorgio Armani 1990s 90s Vintage Khaki / Light Green Herringbone Blazer Jacket
By Giorgio Armani
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautifully tailored vintage Giorgio Armani blazer! This fitted blazer is a khaki/ on the verge of light green, with herringbone print throughout. Two pockets at each side of the wai...
Fendi Baguette Vintage Ponyhair Double Flap Shoulder Bag
By Fendi
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
CONDITION: VERY GOOD Very good vintage condition with rubbing and few bare parts around the corners, edges of the flap. DETAILS Fendi Material: Ponyhair Color: Neutra...
Christian Dior Saddle Limited edition Russia Anniversary Saddle by John Galliano
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Livingston, NJ
To mark his 10th anniversary at Dior, John Galliano designed 12 limited-edition Saddle Bags, each inspired by a different country’s culture. With only 100 of each style produced, the...
$220,900
H 8.5 in W 7 in D 2.5 in
Chanel Green Alligator Rare Vintage Mini Minuadiére Kelly Top Handle Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Green Chanel Alligator Mini Top Handle "Kelly" Flap with Classic CC Turnlock Closure 1997 {VINTAGE 29 Years} Gold Hardware Alligator Leather Interior zipper pocket Black Lambskin in...
$3,920Sale Price|20% Off
Chanel Timeless/Classic double Flap shoulder bag in beige , CC Logo, Vintage
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel Timeless/Classic double Flap shoulder bag in beige quilted lambskin, CC logo, Vintage Chanel Shoulder Bag Pre owned Vintage Comes with original Chanel dust bag and Box Neutral...
CHRISTIAN DIOR Saddle Limited Edition black colourful ethnic beads shoulder bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHRISTIAN DIOR Saddle Limited Edition black colourful ethnic beads shoulder bag Reference: AAWC/A00945 Brand: Dior Model: Saddle Collection: Limited Edition Material: Leather, Metal ...
Hermes Kelly 32 Bag Matte Fauve Barenia Porosus Crocodile Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Hermès Kelly 32 in exceptionally rare matte Fauve Barenia Porosus crocodile, finished with Gold hardware. A remarkable process of oiling and detail emerge into the skin for the Baren...
Jean Paul Gaultier Junior Vintage Black Denim Iconic Corset Style Jacket Size 48
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Junior vintage black denim iconic corset style jacket. This jacket features : - Distressed black denim. - Classic collar. - Front button down fastening. - Front l...
$10,994Sale Price|20% Off
Limited Edition Christian Dior by John Galliano Victim Saddle Bag
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Bressanone, Trentino-Alto Adige
Rare Christian Dior by John Galliano Spring 2003 "Victim" Saddle bag. Condition: Good / Really good. Signs of use on the leather edges, please check the photos. Measurements: 24cm ...
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.