Fendi Mamma Baguette Purple Suede Leather
By Fendi
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Fendi Mamma Baguette Purple Suede Leather These are professional photos of the actual bag offered
Fendi Mamma Baguette Purple Suede Leather
By Fendi
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Fendi Mamma Baguette Purple Suede Leather These are professional photos of the actual bag offered
$1,221Sale Price|20% Off
Fendi Mamma Baguette Black Suede Leather Red Buckle
By Fendi
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Fendi Mamma Baguette Black Suede Leather These are professional photos of the actual bag offered
Fendi Brown Suede Mamma Forever Baguette 106f3
By Fendi
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: 2454/26425/89 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 13" Width: 3.5" Height: 10" Shoulder Handle Drop: 8.5" OVERALL VERY GOOD CONDITION ( 8/10 or AB ) S...
Fendi Mamma Baguette Large Brown Suede Leather Zipper Opening
By Fendi
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Fendi Mamma Baguette Large Brown Suede Leather Zipper Opening These are professional photos of the
Fendi Baguette Light Camel Brown Suede Leather Shoulder Bag
By Fendi
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Fendi Baguette Light Camel Brown Suede Leather Shoulder Bag These are professional photos of the
Fendi Baguette Selleria Suede Leather Crossbody Bag Medium Caramel Tan
By Fendi
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Fendi Baguette Selleria Suede Leather Crossbody Bag Medium Caramel Tan These are professional
Fendi 1990s Purple Suede Baguette Shoulder Bag with Gold Hardware
By Fendi
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Fendi Circa 1990s Purple Suede & Gold-Tone Baguette Shoulder Bag. FENDI Suede Calfskin Shoulder
$1,800Sale Price|20% Off
Fendi Baguette Selleria Suede Leather Crossbody Bag Medium Teal Blue
By Fendi
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Experience luxury and style with the Fendi Baguette in durable calfskin Leather Crossbody Bag
$1,800Sale Price|20% Off
Fendi Baguette Selleria Suede Leather Crossbody Bag Medium Teal Blue
By Fendi
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Experience luxury and style with the Fendi Baguette in durable calfskin Leather Crossbody Bag
$2,238
H 5.52 in W 10.24 in D 1.58 in
Vintage Fendi Black Suede Baguette Bag w/ Brown Leather Strap Silver Hardware
By Fendi
Located in London, GB
VINTAGE FENDI BLACK SUEDE BAGUETTE BAG WITH DARK BROWN LEATHER STRAP AND SILVER HARDWARE Iconic
Purple Fendi Suede & Python Baguette Bag
By Fendi
Located in New York, NY
Product details: Purple suede Baguette shoulder bag by Fendi. Trimmed with python skin. Accented
Fendi Brown Suede Mamma Forever Baguette 106f3
By Fendi
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: 2454/26425/89 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 13" Width: 3.5" Height: 10" Shoulder Handle Drop: 8.5" OVERALL VERY GOOD CONDITION ( 8/10 or AB ) S...
Vintage Fendi 1990's Black Suede Baguette Bag
By Fendi
Located in London, GB
Vintage Fendi 1990’s shoulder baguette bag. Features a black suede body fabric, adjustable black
Fendi 2012 Pony Hair Suede Snakeskin Baguette Bag
By Fendi
Located in Wembley, GB
Interdite Vintage represents a Fendi 2012 Pony Hair Suede Snakeskin Baguette Bag This striking
Fendi Baguette Coffee Brown Suede Leather Shoulder Bag
By Fendi
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Baguette Size: Medium Exterior Material: Suede Exterior Color: Coffee Brown Strap Material: Leather
FENDI Mamma Baguette Flap Bag in Brown Suede
By Fendi
Located in Paris, FR
This pretty FENDI baguette bag, Mamma model, is made of brown suede. The interior is lined in brown
Fendi Baguette Mini Brown Suede Gold Hardware Crossbody Bag
By Fendi
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
. DETAILS FENDI Baguette Size: mini Dimensions: Width 18cm x Height 12cm x Depth 4cm Top handle length
Fendi Baguette Black Suede Leather Red Buckle Shoulder Bag
By Fendi
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Fendi Baguette Black Suede Leather Red Buckle Shoulder Bag These are professional photos of the
Fendi Beige Suede Calfskin Mama Forever Baguette 27f517s
By Fendi
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: 2348-26325-099 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 11" Width: 4.5" Height: 8.5" Shoulder Handle Drop: 5.5" OVERALL VERY GOOD CONDITION ( 7.5/10 or B+ )...
Fendi Mamma Baguette Forever Black Suede Leather Red Buckle
By Fendi
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Fendi Mamma Baguette Black Suede Leather These are professional photos of the actual bag offered
Fendi Baguette Mini Brown Suede Gold Hardware Crossbody Bag
By Fendi
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
. DETAILS FENDI Baguette Size: mini Dimensions: Width 18cm x Height 12cm x Depth 4cm Top handle length
Fendi Baguette Mini Purple Suede Gold Hardware Crossbody Bag
By Fendi
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
. DETAILS FENDI Baguette Size: mini Dimensions: Width 18cm x Height 12cm x Depth 4cm Top handle length
Fendi Baguette Mini Purple Suede Gold Hardware Crossbody Bag
By Fendi
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
. DETAILS FENDI Baguette Size: mini Dimensions: Width 18cm x Height 12cm x Depth 4cm Top handle length
Fendi Baguette Mini Brown Suede Gold Hardware Crossbody Bag
By Fendi
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
. DETAILS FENDI Baguette Size: mini Dimensions: Width 18cm x Height 12cm x Depth 4cm Top handle length
Fendi Baguette Dark Chocoalte Brown Suede Leather Shoulder Bag
By Fendi
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Baguette Size: Medium Exterior Material: Suede Exterior Color: dark chocolate Brown Strap Material
Fendi Black Suede Mama Baguette Shoulder Flap Bag 1115f15
By Fendi
Located in Dix hills, NY
Fendi Black Suede Mama Baguette Shoulder Flap Bag 1115f15 Date Code/Serial Number: 2308-26325-5089
Fendi Baguette Selleria Suede Leather Crossbody Bag Medium Caramel Tan
By Fendi
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Fendi Baguette Selleria Suede Leather Crossbody Bag Medium Caramel Tan These are professional
Fendi Baguette Selleria Suede Leather Crossbody Bag Medium Caramel Tan
By Fendi
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Fendi Baguette Selleria Suede Leather Crossbody Bag Medium Caramel Tan These are professional
Fendi Brown Suede Mamma Forever Baguette Flap Bag 928ff84
By Fendi
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: 2288-26325-009 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 11" Width: 4.5" Height: 8" Shoulder Handle Drop: 7.5" OVERALL GOOD CONDITION ( 7/10 or B ) Accesso...
Fendi Brown Suede Mamma Forever Baguette Flap Bag 928ff84
By Fendi
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: 2288-26325-009 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 11" Width: 4.5" Height: 8" Shoulder Handle Drop: 7.5" OVERALL GOOD CONDITION ( 7/10 or B ) Accesso...
Fendi Brown Suede Mamma Forever Baguette Flap Bag 2ff518a
By Fendi
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: 2288-26325-009 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 11" Width: 4.5" Height: 8" Shoulder Handle Drop: 7.5" OVERALL GOOD CONDITION ( 7/10 or B ) Accessori...
Fendi Baguette Mini Turquoise Blue Suede Gold Hardware Crossbody Bag
By Fendi
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
. DETAILS FENDI Baguette Size: mini Dimensions: Width 18cm x Height 12cm x Depth 4cm Top handle length
Fendi Circa 1990s Purple Suede & Gold-Tone Baguette Shoulder Bag
By Fendi
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Fendi Circa 1990s Purple Suede & Gold-Tone Baguette Shoulder Bag is a stunning example of
Fendi x Versace Baguette Black Suede With Multi-color Crystal Embellishment
By Fendi
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Fendi x Versace Baguette Black Suede With Multi-color Crystal Embellishment These are professional
Fendi Brown Suede Leather Trimmed Cage Baguette Shoulder Bag circa 2019
By Fendi
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Fendi Brown Suede Leather Trimmed Cage Baguette Shoulder Bag from circa 2019 epitomizes
Sold
H 11.03 in W 13.39 in D 3.15 in
FENDI Mamma Baguette brown suede brown enamel FF buckle flap shoulder bag
By Fendi
Located in Hong Kong, NT
FENDI Mamma Baguette brown suede brown enamel FF buckle flap shoulder bag Reference: GIYG/A00094
Sold
H 11.03 in W 13.39 in D 3.15 in
FENDI Mamma Baguette brown suede brown enamel FF buckle flap shoulder bag
By Fendi
Located in Hong Kong, NT
FENDI Mamma Baguette brown suede brown enamel FF buckle flap shoulder bag Reference: GIYG/A00094
Fendi Mamma Baguette Black Suede Leather
By Fendi
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Fendi Mamma Baguette Black Suede Leather These are professional photos of the actual bag offered
Fendi Baguette Black Suede Leather Shoulder Bag
By Fendi
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Fendi Baguette Black Suede Leather Shoulder Bag These are professional photos of the actual bag
Fendi Mamma Baguette Black Suede Leather Red Buckle
By Fendi
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
This exquisite Fendi Mamma Baguette is expertly crafted from premium lambskin leather, providing a
Fendi Baguette Large Dark Brown Suede Leather Shoulder Bag
By Fendi
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Fendi Baguette Large Dark Brown Suede Leather Shoulder Bag These are professional photos of the
Fendi Baguette Selleria Suede Leather Crossbody Bag Large Caramel Tan
By Fendi
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Fendi Baguette Selleria Suede Leather Crossbody Bag Medium Caramel Tan These are professional
Fendi Baguette Selleria Suede Leather Crossbody Bag Medium Caramel Tan
By Fendi
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Fendi Baguette Selleria Suede Leather Crossbody Bag Medium Caramel Tan These are professional
Fendi Baguette Selleria Suede Leather Crossbody Bag Medium Caramel Tan
By Fendi
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Fendi Baguette Selleria Suede Leather Crossbody Bag Medium Caramel Tan These are professional
rare FENDI Baguette Vintage pink suede blue flower crystals leather bag
By Fendi
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare FENDI Baguette Vintage pink suede blue flower crystals leather bag Reference: TGAS/E00079
Fendi Tabacco Brown & Creme Zucca and Pequin Canvas & Suede Convertible Baguette
By Fendi
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Fendi Tabacco Brown & Creme Zucca and Pequin Canvas & Suede Convertible Baguette SKU
Fendi Black Suede Baguette
By Fendi
Located in Atlanta, GA
RARE Fendi Baguette. We love the red glitter accent on the center hardware. In black suede with
Fendi Baguette Suede Large
By Fendi
Located in NY, NY
Measurements: Height 5", Width 11.5", Depth 0.5", Strap Drop 18.5" Designer: Fendi Model: Baguette Suede Large
Fendi Baguette Bag Suede
By Fendi
Located in NY, NY
", Height 6", Width 10", Depth 1.5" Designer: Fendi Model: Baguette Bag Suede Exterior Material: Suede
Fendi Mamma Baguette suede handbag
By Fendi
Located in Rīga, LV
FENDI Suede Mamma Baguette Shoulder Bag – Goldhardware – Black suede and black leather trim
Fendi Baguette Bag Embellished Suede
By Fendi
Located in NY, NY
Bag Measurements: Handle Drop 6.5", Height 6", Width 10", Depth 1.5" Designer: Fendi Model: Baguette
Fendi Black Suede Mamma Baguette
By Fendi
Located in Orlando, FL
The Mamma Baguette features a suede leather body, a flat leather strap, gold-tone hardware, a front
Fendi Baguette NM Bag Suede Large
By Fendi
Located in NY, NY
", Strap Drop 16" Designer: Fendi Model: Baguette NM Bag Suede Large Exterior Material: Suede Exterior
Fendi Baguette NM Bag Suede Large
By Fendi
Located in NY, NY
", Height 8", Width 13", Depth 2", Strap Drop 15" Designer: Fendi Model: Baguette NM Bag Suede Large
Fendi Baguette NM Bag Suede Medium
By Fendi
Located in NY, NY
Drop 4", Height 5.5", Width 10", Depth 1.5", Strap Drop 16-19" Designer: Fendi Model: Baguette NM Bag
Fendi Baguette NM Bag Suede Large
By Fendi
Located in NY, NY
Drop 15.5" Designer: Fendi Model: Baguette NM Bag Suede Large Exterior Material: Suede Exterior Color
Fendi Baguette NM Bag Suede Large
By Fendi
Located in NY, NY
Drop 15.5" Designer: Fendi Model: Baguette NM Bag Suede Large Exterior Material: Suede Exterior Color
Fendi Baguette Suede and Zucchino Canvas Medium
By Fendi
Located in NY, NY
This Fendi Baguette Suede and Zucchino Canvas Medium, crafted from black suede and zucchino canvas
FENDI Brown suede & leather large baguette purse
By Fendi
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Barely used, Fendi Italy 100% pig skin suede baguette with leather bound rope handle top. Yellow
Fendi Baguette Suede and Zucchino Canvas Medium
By Fendi
Located in NY, NY
" Designer: Fendi Model: Baguette Suede and Zucchino Canvas Medium Exterior Material: Canvas Plain, Suede
Fendi Baguette Suede and Zucchino Canvas Medium
By Fendi
Located in NY, NY
: Fendi Model: Baguette Suede and Zucchino Canvas Medium Exterior Material: Canvas Plain, Suede Exterior
Fendi Dark Brown Suede and Leather Mama Baguette Bag
By Fendi
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
The Baguette was created by Silvia Venturini Fendi in 1997 and it was an instant rage! Cease the
Fendi Baguette Zucca and Pequin Canvas with Zucca Suede Large
By Fendi
Located in NY, NY
Model: Baguette Zucca and Pequin Canvas with Zucca Suede Large Exterior Material: Canvas Plain, Leather
Sold
W 7.88 in D 3.55 in L 5.12 in
Vintage Authentic Fendi Black Suede Leather Metal Baguette Italy SMALL
By Fendi
Located in Orlando, FL
This baguette features a suede body, metal link strap, a top zip closure and interior zip pocket
Fendi Red Suede Mamma Baguette
By Fendi
Located in Orlando, FL
This Mamma Baguette features a suede body, flat leather strap, top flap with flat strap and
Sold
H 6 in W 10.5 in D 3.5 in
Iconic Fendi Black Suede Baguette Bag With Gold Tone Zucchino Logo Closure
By Fendi
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Fendi Black Baguette Bag is a must for connoisseurs of fine handbags in general and Fendi in
Vintage Bon Gout Black Crocodile Bag
By Bon Gout
Located in London, GB
A chic vintage crocodile bag by Bon Gout . This super shiny crocodile bag is large enough for todays essentials, measuring Width 13'', height 7 1/2 '', and depth 3''. The bag has a ...
John Galliano for Christian Dior Pink Silk Flower Dress
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful blush pink silk dress with green and bright pink flowers by John Galliano for Christian Dior. It has ruched straps forming a front V, the skirt falls in gentle folds to ...
$5,597Sale Price|20% Off
Size: IT40
VALENTINO BOUTIQUE Vintage Floral Beaded Black Silk Gown Ruffle Maxi Dress
By Valentino
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Valentino Boutique Vintage 100% silk Jet black silk with beautiful beads, sequins, and threading to create a romantic floral cascading pattern Double v-neck front and back with delic...
$2,495
Size: 44 / US 10 - 12
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Sz 44 Black Corset / Bustier Dress YSL
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Drop dead gorgeous vintage Yves Saint Laurent 'Rive Gauche' YSL black dress! Quite possibly the most flattering dress I have ever seen! This rare beauty does wonders for the body! Co...
John Galliano for Christian Dior Silk Ruffle Hem Dress
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous silk dress by John Galliano for Christian Dior in brightly colored flowers on a navy and burgundy background. The spaghetti strap bodice is semi fitted and adorned on one ...
2004 Christian Dior Galliano D’Trick Red Leather Leopard Pointed Kitten Heels
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in Sheffield, GB
2004 Christian Dior by John Galliano D’Trick Red Leather & Leopard Pointed Court Shoe Heels, named in homage to Marlene Dietrich featuring perforated leather, Chrome ‘D’ Buckles and...
Fendi Mamma Baguette Raffia Crochet Shoulder Bag with Flower
By Fendi
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Fendi Mamma Baguette Raffia Crochet Shoulder Bag with Flower These are professional photos of the actual bag. This Fendi Baguette is made from Raffia material that’s similar to s...
CHRISTIAN DIOR taupe FOX FUR Winter Coat Sz. F38 / M
By Christian Dior
Located in Zürich, CH
Christian Dior coat in off-white, brown, and taupe fox fur with wide collar. Two side pockets. Opens with two hooks on the front. Lined in black silk. Has been worn and is in excelle...
FABULOUS Thierry Mugler Couture SS 2001 Les Solaris Blouse Top Sheer Net Leather
By Thierry Mugler Couture
Located in Berlin, BE
Stunning Thierry Mugler Couture creation, SS2001 Les Solarisées Collection. Extremely rare and fabulous vintage Couture piece, documented seen on the Runway. Dripping in celestial se...
$845
Size: Recommended UK 8
1990’s CHLOÉ by Stella McCartney Silk Floral Leopard print Ruffle slip dress
By Stella McCartney, Chloé
Located in Sheffield, GB
A beautiful late 1990’s Chloé by Stella McCartney slip dress crafted from pure silk. Featuring spaghetti straps, a ballet slipper pink and sage green floral blossom design that tromp...
Fendi Baguette Raffia Straw Beige and Brown Leather Shoulder Bag
By Fendi
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
This exquisite Fendi Mamma Baguette is expertly crafted from premium lambskin leather, providing a luxuriously soft and lightweight feel. The addition of a gold color and sparkling c...
Alexander McQueen New Khaki Pants with Hip Lacing S/S 2002
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Water Mill, NY
Fabulous khaki cotton pants from Alexander McQueen. They have full straight legs with curved panels over the back hips with a fan of laces meeting and buttoning on the front sides at...
$2,500
Size: please refer to measurements
DAVID FIELDEN 2017 Runway Sample Ivory Lace Bridal Gown Maxi Ethereal Dress
By DAVID FIELDEN
Located in Leonardo, NJ
David Fielden Sposa Sample dress — the design made it to the runway, but the dress you're buying is an actual sample No size or comp tag please see measurements below Ivory Lace Exce...
F/W 1999 Gucci Tom Ford Runway Embellished Green Leather Flare Pants Documented
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible pair of embroidered green leather Gucci pants designed by Tom Ford. These flare pants debuted from the Fall/Winter 1999 collection on the season's runway. Th...
$4,688
H 6.11 in D 0.79 in L 7.88 in
Hermès Vintage Pola Purse Clutch Evening Bag 2 ways Black Ostrich Golden Hdw
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Purse "Pola" Made in France No stamp but vintage Made of Ostrich Leather and Golden Hardware Ostrich is it a resistant leather, and less sub...
Fendi Orange Mini Mama Zucchino Baguette Bag circa Y2K
By Fendi
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Fendi Orange Mini Mama Zucchino Baguette Bag from the Y2K era is a quintessential accessory that captures the playful yet luxurious spirit of early 2000s fashion. Crafted with Fe...
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.
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.
Iconic Italian fashion houses Fendi and Versace teamed up on this delightfully outrageous Fendace reimagining.
When the name of a bag is as well-known as its brand, you know it's a classic.