Embossed Leather Handbags
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Shoulder Bags
Early 2000s French Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary British Shoulder Bags
Early 2000s Italian Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
2010s Hobo Bags
2010s Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary British Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
1990s Italian Hobo Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Shoulder Bags
Early 2000s French Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
2010s French Shoulder Bags
2010s French Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
2010s French Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Shoulder Bags
1990s Italian Top Handle Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
2010s Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Hobo Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
2010s Shoulder Bags
2010s Hobo Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
2010s Spanish Shoulder Bags
2010s Hobo Bags
Early 2000s Japanese Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Hobo Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
Early 2000s Shoulder Bags
2010s American Structured Shoulder Bags
1990s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
Late 20th Century Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
2010s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
Late 20th Century Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Hobo Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Shoulder Bags
1990s Structured Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Shoulder Bags
Early 2000s Shoulder Bags
Early 2000s Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Shoulder Bags
Early 2000s Italian Shoulder Bags
2010s French Structured Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary French Structured Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
1990s French Structured Shoulder Bags
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Embossed Leather Handbags For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Embossed Leather Handbags?
Finding the Right Shoulder Bags for You
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.
- What does embossed leather mean?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Embossed leather means a leather with artificial patterns that have been imprinted on the material's natural grain. These patterns are created using steel plates with engraved designs that are heated and pressed into the animal skin.
- What is croc embossed leather?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021Croc embossed leather is a process by which the leather is heated and stamped to give a specific impression of reptile skin. While it is real leather, croc embossed leather comes from cowhide.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021The softest leather for handbags is lambskin. This leather's light, airy, and layer structure products a soft, velvety texture.
- Are leather handbags good?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023Yes, leather handbags are generally good. People have been using leather bags to carry items since at least 3500 B.C. Our early ancestors prized the material because it was durable yet flexible and easy to work with. Today, makers continue to produce attractive leather bags that can hold up to wear and tear. Leather also has an appealing appearance and texture and can be dyed and treated in different ways to create attractive effects. Find a large collection of leather bags on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 4, 2023How you should store leather handbags depends on the maker's instructions. Following the directions outlined on the care card will help your handbag stand the test of time. Generally, it's best to keep leather handbags in their original dust bags in a cool, dry area that doesn't receive direct sunlight. Most bags benefit from being kept upright and stuffed with acid-free tissue paper, white cotton towels or their original packaging materials. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of leather handbags.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023To tell if a handbag is real leather, first examine the grain. On authentic leather, the patterning will be irregular, while imitation leather will tend to have distinctive patterns created by stamping the material. Real leather will also have a softer, suppler feel compared to fake leather, which may seem stiff or plastic-like. You can also drop a small amount of water on the material in a discreet location. If it becomes absorbed by the bag rather than forming beads or rolling off, the bag is likely genuine leather. Find a wide range of leather bags on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2023Generally, full-grain leather is best for handbags. It is the highest-quality leather available and comes from the outermost layer of the animal hide. Not only does full-grain leather have an appealing texture due to its natural grain, but it is also strong and durable. Shop a wide range of leather handbags on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 29, 2020
On the front of your Hermès Constance bag, the metal “H” doubles as both an insignia for the high fashion goods manufacturer and a clasp to keep your bag snapped shut. To open your Hermès Constance handbag, grab the metal “H” — position your fingers directly around the horizontal middle bar of the letter, so that your fingers are curled underneath it, and pull out toward you. The key to opening the clasp without scratching the accessory’s leather is to pull only at the horizontal bar. The bag opens and closes with the help of a spring-loaded mechanism that is concealed on each of the bar’s ends fixed to the flap.
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