Skip to main content

Fendi Claudia

Recent Sales

Fendi Claudia Shoulder Bag Pequin Embossed Leather Large
Fendi Claudia Shoulder Bag Pequin Embossed Leather Large

Fendi Claudia Shoulder Bag Pequin Embossed Leather Large

By Fendi

Located in NY, NY

This Fendi Claudia Shoulder Bag Pequin Embossed Leather Large, crafted in brown pequin embossed

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Shoulder Bags

Fendi Claudia Shoulder Bag Pequin Embossed Leather Large
Fendi Claudia Shoulder Bag Pequin Embossed Leather Large

Fendi Claudia Shoulder Bag Pequin Embossed Leather Large

By Fendi

Located in NY, NY

This Fendi Claudia Shoulder Bag Pequin Embossed Leather Large, crafted in black pequin embossed

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Structured Shoulder Bags

Fendi Claudia Shoulder Bag Pequin Embossed Leather Large
Fendi Claudia Shoulder Bag Pequin Embossed Leather Large

Fendi Claudia Shoulder Bag Pequin Embossed Leather Large

By Fendi

Located in NY, NY

This authentic Fendi Claudia Shoulder Bag Pequin Embossed Leather Large is a chic and stylish bag

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Structured Shoulder Bags

Fendi Claudia Shoulder Bag Pequin Embossed Leather Large
Fendi Claudia Shoulder Bag Pequin Embossed Leather Large

Fendi Claudia Shoulder Bag Pequin Embossed Leather Large

By Fendi

Located in NY, NY

This authentic Fendi Claudia Shoulder Bag Pequin Embossed Leather Large is a chic and stylish bag

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Structured Shoulder Bags

Fendi Claudia Shoulder Bag Pequin Embossed Leather Large
Fendi Claudia Shoulder Bag Pequin Embossed Leather Large

Fendi Claudia Shoulder Bag Pequin Embossed Leather Large

By Fendi

Located in NY, NY

: Handle Drop 11", Height 10", Width 11.5", Depth 4", Strap Drop 19" Designer: Fendi Model: Claudia

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags

Fendi Brown/Beige Canvas Claudia Shoulder Bag
Fendi Brown/Beige Canvas Claudia Shoulder Bag

Fendi Brown/Beige Canvas Claudia Shoulder Bag

Sold

H 9.85 in W 3.75 in L 12.21 in

Fendi Brown/Beige Canvas Claudia Shoulder Bag

By Fendi

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

Make a chic style statement with this Claudia shoulder bag from the House of Fendi. It has been

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Fendi Black Leather Claudia Chain Shoulder Bag
Fendi Black Leather Claudia Chain Shoulder Bag

Fendi Black Leather Claudia Chain Shoulder Bag

Sold

H 7.88 in W 3.55 in L 12.21 in

Fendi Black Leather Claudia Chain Shoulder Bag

By Fendi

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

This Claudia bag by Fendi has a sophisticated look. Crafted from leather, the bag has an F-detailed

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Fendi Black Leather Claudia Chain Shoulder Bag
Fendi Black Leather Claudia Chain Shoulder Bag

Fendi Black Leather Claudia Chain Shoulder Bag

Sold

H 7.88 in W 3.55 in L 12.21 in

Fendi Black Leather Claudia Chain Shoulder Bag

By Fendi

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

This Claudia bag by Fendi has a sophisticated look. Crafted from leather, the bag has an F-detailed

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Fendi Black Leather Claudia Chain Shoulder Bag
Fendi Black Leather Claudia Chain Shoulder Bag

Fendi Black Leather Claudia Chain Shoulder Bag

Sold

H 9.45 in W 3.94 in L 11.82 in

Fendi Black Leather Claudia Chain Shoulder Bag

By Fendi

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

This Claudia bag by Fendi has a sophisticated look. Crafted from leather, the bag comes with a flap

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Fendi Black Leather Claudia Chain Shoulder Bag
Fendi Black Leather Claudia Chain Shoulder Bag

Fendi Black Leather Claudia Chain Shoulder Bag

Sold

H 9.45 in W 3.94 in L 11.82 in

Fendi Black Leather Claudia Chain Shoulder Bag

By Fendi

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

This Claudia bag by Fendi has a sophisticated look. Crafted from leather, the bag comes with a flap

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Fendi Black Leather Claudia Chain Shoulder Bag
Fendi Black Leather Claudia Chain Shoulder Bag

Fendi Black Leather Claudia Chain Shoulder Bag

Sold

H 9.45 in W 3.94 in L 11.82 in

Fendi Black Leather Claudia Chain Shoulder Bag

By Fendi

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

This Claudia bag by Fendi has a sophisticated look. Crafted from leather, the bag comes with a flap

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Fendi Red Leather Large Claudia Shoulder Bag
Fendi Red Leather Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

Fendi Red Leather Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

Sold

H 9.06 in W 3.94 in L 12.01 in

Fendi Red Leather Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

By Fendi

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

This Claudia bag by Fendi has a sophisticated look. Crafted from red leather, it comes with a flap

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Fendi Pastel Beige Leather Claudia Shoulder Bag
Fendi Pastel Beige Leather Claudia Shoulder Bag

Fendi Pastel Beige Leather Claudia Shoulder Bag

Sold

H 5.91 in W 2.76 in L 8.27 in

Fendi Pastel Beige Leather Claudia Shoulder Bag

By Fendi

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

This Claudia bag by Fendi exudes a charm of sophistication and luxury. Crafted from Pequin-embossed

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Fendi Murstard Leather Large Claudia Shoulder Bag
Fendi Murstard Leather Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

Fendi Murstard Leather Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

Sold

H 9.45 in W 11.82 in L 11.82 in

Fendi Murstard Leather Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

By Fendi

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

This bag by Fendi has been designed keeping the latest trends of the season. Carry this cool

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Fendi Murstard Leather Large Claudia Shoulder Bag
Fendi Murstard Leather Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

Fendi Murstard Leather Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

Sold

H 9.45 in W 3.94 in L 11.82 in

Fendi Murstard Leather Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

By Fendi

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

This bag by Fendi has been designed keeping the latest trends of the season. Carry this cool

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Fendi Black Leather Pequin Large Claudia Shoulder Bag
Fendi Black Leather Pequin Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

Fendi Black Leather Pequin Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

By Fendi

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

This Claudia bag by Fendi has a sophisticated look. Crafted from quality leather in Italy, the bag

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Fendi Black Leather Pequin Large Claudia Shoulder Bag
Fendi Black Leather Pequin Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

Fendi Black Leather Pequin Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

By Fendi

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

This Claudia bag by Fendi has a sophisticated look. Crafted from leather, the bag comes with a flap

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Fendi Black Leather Pequin Large Claudia Shoulder Bag
Fendi Black Leather Pequin Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

Fendi Black Leather Pequin Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

By Fendi

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

This Claudia bag by Fendi has a sophisticated look. Crafted from leather, the bag comes with a flap

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Fendi Black Leather Pequin Large Claudia Shoulder Bag
Fendi Black Leather Pequin Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

Fendi Black Leather Pequin Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

By Fendi

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

This Claudia bag by Fendi has a sophisticated look. Crafted from leather, the bag comes with a flap

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Fendi Black Leather Pequin Large Claudia Shoulder Bag
Fendi Black Leather Pequin Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

Fendi Black Leather Pequin Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

By Fendi

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

This Claudia bag by Fendi has a sophisticated look. Crafted from leather, the bag comes with a flap

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Fendi Tobacco Pequin Canvas Large Claudia Shoulder Bag
Fendi Tobacco Pequin Canvas Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

Fendi Tobacco Pequin Canvas Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

By Fendi

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

This Claudia bag by Fendi has an eye-catching display and a sophisticated look. Crafted from Pequin

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Fendi Black Leather Pequin Large Claudia Shoulder Bag
Fendi Black Leather Pequin Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

Fendi Black Leather Pequin Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

By Fendi

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

This Claudia bag by Fendi has a sophisticated look. Crafted from quality leather in Italy, the bag

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Fendi Black Leather Pequin Large Claudia Shoulder Bag
Fendi Black Leather Pequin Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

Fendi Black Leather Pequin Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

By Fendi

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

Exude elegance and style with this Claudia shoulder bag from the House of Fendi. It is created

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Fendi Black Leather Pequin Large Claudia Shoulder Bag
Fendi Black Leather Pequin Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

Fendi Black Leather Pequin Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

By Fendi

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

This Claudia bag by Fendi has a sophisticated look. Crafted from quality leather in Italy, the bag

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Fendi Black Leather Pequin Large Claudia Shoulder Bag
Fendi Black Leather Pequin Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

Fendi Black Leather Pequin Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

By Fendi

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

Exude elegance and style with this Claudia shoulder bag from the House of Fendi. It is created

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Fendi Tobacco Canvas Pequin Stripe Claudia Shoulder Bag
Fendi Tobacco Canvas Pequin Stripe Claudia Shoulder Bag

Fendi Tobacco Canvas Pequin Stripe Claudia Shoulder Bag

By Fendi

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

This Claudia bag from Fendi is the epitome of luxury. Crafted in Italy, it is made from the brand's

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Fendi Burgundy/Multicolor Leather Large Claudia Shoulder Bag
Fendi Burgundy/Multicolor Leather Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

Fendi Burgundy/Multicolor Leather Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

By Fendi

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

Get style and carry your essentials with ease using this designer shoulder bag. It has been crafted using high-quality materials to be a standout accessory. Includes Original Dustba...

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Fendi Burgundy/Multicolor Leather Large Claudia Shoulder Bag
Fendi Burgundy/Multicolor Leather Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

Fendi Burgundy/Multicolor Leather Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

By Fendi

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

Get style and carry your essentials with ease using this designer shoulder bag. It has been crafted using high-quality materials to be a standout accessory. Includes: Original Dustb...

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Fendi Tobacco Pequin Canvas Large Claudia Shoulder Bag
Fendi Tobacco Pequin Canvas Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

Fendi Tobacco Pequin Canvas Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

By Fendi

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...

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Fendi Tobacco Pequin Canvas Small Claudia Shoulder Bag
Fendi Tobacco Pequin Canvas Small Claudia Shoulder Bag

Fendi Tobacco Pequin Canvas Small Claudia Shoulder Bag

By Fendi

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...

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Fendi Tobacco Pequin Stripe Canvas Claudia Shoulder Bag
Fendi Tobacco Pequin Stripe Canvas Claudia Shoulder Bag

Fendi Tobacco Pequin Stripe Canvas Claudia Shoulder Bag

By Fendi

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...

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Fendi Red Pequin Embossed Leather Large Claudia Shoulder Bag
Fendi Red Pequin Embossed Leather Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

Fendi Red Pequin Embossed Leather Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

By Fendi

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

This Claudia bag by Fendi has a sophisticated look. Crafted from pequin-embossed leather, the bag

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Fendi Black Pequin Embossed Leather Large Claudia Shoulder Bag
Fendi Black Pequin Embossed Leather Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

Fendi Black Pequin Embossed Leather Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

By Fendi

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

This Claudia bag by Fendi has a sophisticated look. Crafted from pequin-embossed leather, the bag

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Fendi Tobacco Canvas Large Pequin Stripe Claudia Shoulder Bag
Fendi Tobacco Canvas Large Pequin Stripe Claudia Shoulder Bag

Fendi Tobacco Canvas Large Pequin Stripe Claudia Shoulder Bag

By Fendi

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

This Claudia bag by Fendi has a sophisticated look. Crafted from pequin canvas, the bag comes with

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Fendi Black Pequin Stripe Leather Large Claudia Shoulder Bag
Fendi Black Pequin Stripe Leather Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

Fendi Black Pequin Stripe Leather Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

By Fendi

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

This Claudia bag by Fendi has a sophisticated look. Crafted from quality Pequin striped leather in

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Fendi Black Pequin Stripe Leather Large Claudia Shoulder Bag
Fendi Black Pequin Stripe Leather Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

Fendi Black Pequin Stripe Leather Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

By Fendi

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

Exhibiting an up-to-date design, this Claudia bag by Fendi has a sophisticated look. Crafted from

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Fendi Tobacco Pequin Stripe Canvas Large Claudia Shoulder Bag
Fendi Tobacco Pequin Stripe Canvas Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

Fendi Tobacco Pequin Stripe Canvas Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

By Fendi

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

This elegant Claudia shoulder bag is perfect for your next outing to town. It is made of high

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Fendi Black Stripe Embossed Leather Large Claudia Shoulder Bag
Fendi Black Stripe Embossed Leather Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

Fendi Black Stripe Embossed Leather Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

By Fendi

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 c...

Category

2010s Shoulder Bags

Fendi Black Stripe Embossed Leather Large Claudia Shoulder Bag
Fendi Black Stripe Embossed Leather Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

Fendi Black Stripe Embossed Leather Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

By Fendi

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 ...

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Fendi Black Pequin Embossed Leather Small Claudia Flap Bag
Fendi Black Pequin Embossed Leather Small Claudia Flap Bag

Fendi Black Pequin Embossed Leather Small Claudia Flap Bag

By Fendi

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

Displaying exquisite craftsmanship, this fabulous bag will certainly live up to your expectations. Featuring a chic design, it is made from luxe materials and has a roomy interior fo...

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Fendi Tobacco Pequin Stripe Canvas Large Claudia Shoulder Bag
Fendi Tobacco Pequin Stripe Canvas Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

Fendi Tobacco Pequin Stripe Canvas Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

By Fendi

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...

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Fendi Black Pequin Stripe Leather Large Claudia Shoulder Bag
Fendi Black Pequin Stripe Leather Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

Fendi Black Pequin Stripe Leather Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

By Fendi

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...

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Fendi Tobacco Pequin Canvas and Leather Small Claudia Shoulder Bag
Fendi Tobacco Pequin Canvas and Leather Small Claudia Shoulder Bag

Fendi Tobacco Pequin Canvas and Leather Small Claudia Shoulder Bag

By Fendi

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...

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Fendi Old Rose Pequin Embossed Leather Small Claudia Flap Bag
Fendi Old Rose Pequin Embossed Leather Small Claudia Flap Bag

Fendi Old Rose Pequin Embossed Leather Small Claudia Flap Bag

By Fendi

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

Marked by flawless craftsmanship and enduring appeal, this designer bag is bound to be a versatile and durable accessory. It has a spacious size. Includes: Original Dustbag

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Fendi Tobacco Pequin Canvas and Leather Small Claudia Shoulder Bag
Fendi Tobacco Pequin Canvas and Leather Small Claudia Shoulder Bag

Fendi Tobacco Pequin Canvas and Leather Small Claudia Shoulder Bag

By Fendi

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...

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Fendi Black Pequin Stripe Embossed Leather Large Claudia Shoulder Bag
Fendi Black Pequin Stripe Embossed Leather Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

Fendi Black Pequin Stripe Embossed Leather Large Claudia Shoulder Bag

By Fendi

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...

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Fendi Claudia", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Fendi Claudia For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact vintage or contemporary fendi claudia you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Many people prefer Black, but fashion is all about individuality — you can find Brown, Beige and more options on these pages. If you’re browsing our inventory for these accessories, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for men and unisex.

How Much is a Fendi Claudia?

The price for a fendi claudia starts at $255 and tops out at $1,717, and on average, selling for $907.

Fendi for sale on 1stDibs

Like other major European luxury fashion houses, Fendi started small. Adele Casagrande was an Italian creative who loved fashion and sold leather and fur accessories from a tiny workshop she opened in Rome in 1918. However, after marrying Edoardo Fendi in 1925, her business model was altered dramatically. Together, the couple changed the boutique’s name to Fendi and moved into a bigger storefront, which quickly became the favorite shop of women all over Italy’s capital city for furs and leathers, such as handbags, coats and accessories.

As time moved on for Adele and Edoardo, the couple began to distribute more responsibility to their five daughters, who assumed management of the company during the 1950s. Fendi’s audience broadened and its profitability has soared over the years, owing to the brand’s fresh perspective on fashion world happenings and innovative sensibility.

The maison also has a distinctive relationship with old-world Italian craftsmanship. The Selleria bags were the work of master saddlers in Rome, and Fendi partnered with lace artisans in southern Italy as well as craftsmen in the east trained in the intrecciato (intertwined) technique (an idea that Adele introduced during the 1940s), which, in Fendi’s case, sees an interwoven leather fabric integrated in the creation of its handbags, countering leather’s traditional rigidity with a bag that is soft, versatile and fitted with an alluring slouchy curve.

It wasn’t until 1965, however, when a young German designer named Karl Lagerfeld took the creative helm that Fendi became a world-renowned fashion house. In fact, Lagerfeld, who produced four to five collections yearly for the brand, is credited with creating Fendi’s instantly recognizable double-F logo (which stands for “Fun Furs”) in “less than five seconds.” Until Lagerfeld started designing for the brand, fur was a material mostly associated with heavy coats that few people actually wore. Lagerfeld reimagined fur in creative ways, using it as an accent on purses, cuffs on dress sleeves and collars on wool coats.

Over the ensuing years, Fendi has broken into the home-goods market with Fendi Casa and has become synonymous with luxury fashion, producing such pieces as the iconic Baguette, which was rendered ever popular on the television series Sex and the City. In fact, an entire episode during the third season was dedicated to the “original It bag,” a slim accessory tapered in a manner that recalls its namesake, designed in 1997 by Adele and Edoardo’s granddaughter Silvia Venturini Fendi, who was named creative director of accessories three years earlier.

Perhaps just as well known as its vintage Baguette handbags and creative use of fur is the brand’s devotion to its Italian roots. In 2013, Fendi donated more than 2 million euros to restore Rome’s Trevi Fountain, and when it was reopened to visitors, Fendi hosted its Autumn/Winter 2017 show on top of the landmark.

Fendi was a family-controlled brand until 1999 and is now owned by LVMH. In late 2020, British fashion designer Kim Jones was named the house’s artistic director for womens wear.

Find a wide variety of vintage Fendi handbags and purses, clothing and other accessories on 1stDibs.

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.