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Figural Handbag

Asian Figure Motif Brocade Clutch with Painted Figures Tile Top 1930s
Asian Figure Motif Brocade Clutch with Painted Figures Tile Top 1930s

Asian Figure Motif Brocade Clutch with Painted Figures Tile Top 1930s

Located in Water Mill, NY

A stunning silk brocade clutch with intricately painted tiles of people along the top. The patterned brocade has Asian figures, birds and flowers in beige, olive, orange and brown. ...

Category

1930s Clutches

Mid Century Italian Straw and Raffia Figural Bag
Mid Century Italian Straw and Raffia Figural Bag

Mid Century Italian Straw and Raffia Figural Bag

Located in New York, NY

Super Unusual Italian Straw and Raffia Figural Bag from the 1950's. Designed in a triangular form

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1950s Italian Novelty Bags

Jean Bernard Figural Black Suede Bag, Paris 1950's
Jean Bernard Figural Black Suede Bag, Paris 1950's

Jean Bernard Figural Black Suede Bag, Paris 1950's

Located in New York, NY

Charming Jean Bernard Figural black suede bag from Paris, 1950's. Black fluted half moon shape with

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1950s French Novelty Bags

Charming 1960's Woven Figural Fish Bag
Charming 1960's Woven Figural Fish Bag

Charming 1960's Woven Figural Fish Bag

Located in New York, NY

Charming collectible 1960's Woven Figural Fish Bag hand made in Hong Kong of white and gold

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1960s Hong Kong Top Handle Bags

Vintage Judith Leiber Stick Figure Floral Print Minaudiere
Vintage Judith Leiber Stick Figure Floral Print Minaudiere

Vintage Judith Leiber Stick Figure Floral Print Minaudiere

By Judith Leiber

Located in Philadelphia, PA

red, pink, purple and orange stick figure flowers along both front and back sides. Top button closure

Category

1980s Evening Bags and Minaudières

Victorian Microbead Figural Swan Bag
Victorian Microbead Figural Swan Bag

Victorian Microbead Figural Swan Bag

Located in New York, NY

Incredible micro seed bead bag with figural panels of swans in floral beaded vignettes. The

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Late 19th Century French Victorian Pouches and Wristlets

Whiting & Davis Figural Face Flower Frame Mesh Chainmail Gold Purse Evening Bag
Whiting & Davis Figural Face Flower Frame Mesh Chainmail Gold Purse Evening Bag

Whiting & Davis Figural Face Flower Frame Mesh Chainmail Gold Purse Evening Bag

By Whiting & Davis

Located in Miami Beach, FL

Rare vintage Whiting & Davis Co. gold mesh chainmail purse with frame that features a centralized face among leaves and flowers. It has a gold chain that is approximately 15" from t...

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Mid-20th Century American Evening Bags and Minaudières

Recent Sales

Anne-Marie Black Suede Handbag Shaped Like a Folding Fan
Anne-Marie Black Suede Handbag Shaped Like a Folding Fan

Anne-Marie Black Suede Handbag Shaped Like a Folding Fan

Unavailable

H 15.13 in W 13 in D 2.5 in

Anne-Marie Black Suede Handbag Shaped Like a Folding Fan

By Anne-Marie

Located in Chicago, IL

This sweet figural handbag is shaped like a folding hand fan. It's done in a fine, black suede on a

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1950s French Novelty Bags

Jeanne Bernard of Paris Black Suede Coffee Grinder Shaped Handbag
Jeanne Bernard of Paris Black Suede Coffee Grinder Shaped Handbag

Jeanne Bernard of Paris Black Suede Coffee Grinder Shaped Handbag

Located in Chicago, IL

This charming figural handbag is shaped like an old fashioned coffee grinder. It's covered in a

Category

1950s French Novelty Bags

1940's Volupte Figural Hand Compact
1940's Volupte Figural Hand Compact

1940's Volupte Figural Hand Compact

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage compact from Volupte dates to the 1940's and is made in gold-toned metal with a white enamel lacy glove. Compact opens to reveal a mirror and a powder puff with face powder....

Category

1940s Wallets and Small Accessories

1960s Suede Handbag with Figural Clasp
1960s Suede Handbag with Figural Clasp

1960s Suede Handbag with Figural Clasp

Located in Alford, MA

Unique and wonderful handbag in black suede featuring an oblong gold metal figural clasp on its

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1960s Indian Novelty Bags

Avant-Garde Figural Wicker Frog Design Handbag c 1960s
Avant-Garde Figural Wicker Frog Design Handbag c 1960s

Avant-Garde Figural Wicker Frog Design Handbag c 1960s

Located in University City, MO

Whimsical figural wicker frog design handbag c 1960s The quirky handmade artisan handbag is

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1960s Unknown Novelty Bags

Amusing French Straw Figural Bag 1950's.
Amusing French Straw Figural Bag 1950's.

Amusing French Straw Figural Bag 1950's.

Sold

H 15 in W 11 in D 2.5 in

Amusing French Straw Figural Bag 1950's.

Located in New York, NY

Charming French straw beach bag from the 1950's. Embroidered straw with plastic gusset and trim.
A collector's piece, not for use.

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1950s French Handbags and Purses

Figural "Book" Bag
Figural "Book" Bag

Figural "Book" Bag

Located in New York, NY

Charming figural "book" bag in black satin with embroidered crest and detailing. Flap opens in

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1980s American Shoulder Bags

Unique Figural Metal Woman Evening Bag c 1980
Unique Figural Metal Woman Evening Bag c 1980

Unique Figural Metal Woman Evening Bag c 1980

Located in University City, MO

Unique figural metal woman evening bag c 1980s The art deco inspired metal evening bag is designed

Category

1980s Novelty Bags

Charming Figural Beaded Change Purse, Belgium
Charming Figural Beaded Change Purse, Belgium

Charming Figural Beaded Change Purse, Belgium

Located in New York, NY

Charming Figural Beaded Change Purse with crewel work embroidery of a couple having a "moment

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1950s Belgian Wallets and Small Accessories

Rare Volupte 'Golden Gesture' Figural Compact.  1940's.
Rare Volupte 'Golden Gesture' Figural Compact.  1940's.

Rare Volupte 'Golden Gesture' Figural Compact. 1940's.

Located in University City, MO

This is one of the most iconic and sought after of all vintage figural compacts. The Volupte

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1940s American Evening Bags and Minaudières

Rare Figural Chair Compact by Robert Demario. Early 1950's
Rare Figural Chair Compact by Robert Demario. Early 1950's

Rare Figural Chair Compact by Robert Demario. Early 1950's

Located in University City, MO

This is one of the most sought after of all vintage vanity items. This exquisite Robert Demario powder compact chair is encrusted with hand set faux pearls and pastes. The lid opens...

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1950s American Cosmetic Bags

TIMMY WOODS Beverly Hills Rare Artisan Equine Handbag
TIMMY WOODS Beverly Hills Rare Artisan Equine Handbag

TIMMY WOODS Beverly Hills Rare Artisan Equine Handbag

Located in University City, MO

handbag is designed with wood from fallen acacia tress in the Philippines Each of the figural

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21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Novelty Bags

TIMMY WOODS Beverly Hills Whimsical Wood Labrador Handbag
TIMMY WOODS Beverly Hills Whimsical Wood Labrador Handbag

TIMMY WOODS Beverly Hills Whimsical Wood Labrador Handbag

By Timmy Woods

Located in University City, MO

figural handbag is a well dressed Labrador named Jeeves. The wood handbag was made in the Philippines

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21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Evening Bags and Minaudières

Unique Needlepoint Figural Harpist Handbag c 1970
Unique Needlepoint Figural Harpist Handbag c 1970

Unique Needlepoint Figural Harpist Handbag c 1970

Located in University City, MO

Unique needlepoint figural harpist vintage handbag c 1970 The vintage one of a kind hand stitched

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1970s Unknown Novelty Bags

1940's Figural Suede Bag
1940's Figural Suede Bag

1940's Figural Suede Bag

By Rosenfeld

Located in New York, NY

Unusual black suede doeskin wrist bag by Rosenfeld NY. Charming and novel shape with a four curled points on the base. Handle 8", Bag 6" tall by 8" wide x 4.5" depth.

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1940s American Handbags and Purses

Large 1950's Figural Straw Novelty Beach Bag
Large 1950's Figural Straw Novelty Beach Bag

Large 1950's Figural Straw Novelty Beach Bag

Located in Atlanta, GA

Adorable! You will have the best beach companions with this 1950's straw beach bag complete with Mr. & Mrs. Nassau along for the ride. The large cylinder shaped bag opens at the to...

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1950s Bahamian Novelty Bags

Opulent Gilt Metal Figural Woman Evening Bag c 1970
Opulent Gilt Metal Figural Woman Evening Bag c 1970

Opulent Gilt Metal Figural Woman Evening Bag c 1970

Located in University City, MO

Opulent gilt metal figural woman evening bag c 1970 The elegant minaudiere is adorned with a

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1970s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières

Judith Leiber Exquisite Crystal Encrusted Figural Woman Minaudière circa 1980s
Judith Leiber Exquisite Crystal Encrusted Figural Woman Minaudière circa 1980s

Judith Leiber Exquisite Crystal Encrusted Figural Woman Minaudière circa 1980s

By Judith Leiber

Located in University City, MO

Judith Leiber Exquisite crystal encrusted figural woman minaudiere' The opulent gilt metal figural

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Late 20th Century American Evening Bags and Minaudières

Whiting and Davis Silver Mesh Evening Bag Minaudière w Figural Frame, late 1940s
Whiting and Davis Silver Mesh Evening Bag Minaudière w Figural Frame, late 1940s

Whiting and Davis Silver Mesh Evening Bag Minaudière w Figural Frame, late 1940s

By Whiting & Davis

Located in Tucson, AZ

An evening bag that bridges decades, this liquid silver mesh purse looks equally appropriate with a mid-century sheath as it does with a slithery disco halter dress. In scarce and sp...

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1940s American Evening Bags and Minaudières

Anne-Marie Carousel Handbag
Anne-Marie Carousel Handbag

Anne-Marie Carousel Handbag

By Anne-Marie

Located in Chicago, IL

"frivolities". She is best known for the wonderfully detailed, surrealist, figural handbags that she designed

Category

1940s French Novelty Bags

1940's Volupte Figural Hand Compact
1940's Volupte Figural Hand Compact

1940's Volupte Figural Hand Compact

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage compact from Volupte dates to the 1940's and is made in gold-toned metal with a silver-toned rhinestone ring. Compact opens to reveal a mirror and a powder puff with face pow...

Category

1940s Wallets and Small Accessories

Rodo Black Satin Figural Cat Evening Bag
Rodo Black Satin Figural Cat Evening Bag

Rodo Black Satin Figural Cat Evening Bag

Located in New York, NY

Amusing black satin evening bag in the shape of a cat! The body of the bag is black sating. The clasp which is the outline of the kittys head is blackened metal encrusted in rhinesto...

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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières

Anne-Marie Paris Figural Sugar Bowl Novelty Handbag Red Leather
Anne-Marie Paris Figural Sugar Bowl Novelty Handbag Red Leather

Anne-Marie Paris Figural Sugar Bowl Novelty Handbag Red Leather

By Anne-Marie

Located in Chicago, IL

, perfume and "frivolities". She is best known for the wonderfully detailed, surrealist, figural handbags

Category

1950s French Novelty Bags

Anne-Marie Cocktail Bar Handbag
Anne-Marie Cocktail Bar Handbag

Anne-Marie Cocktail Bar Handbag

By Anne-Marie

Located in Chicago, IL

"frivolities". She is best known for the wonderfully detailed, surrealist figural handbags

Category

1940s French Novelty Bags

Anne-Marie Hand of Cards Handbag
Anne-Marie Hand of Cards Handbag

Anne-Marie Hand of Cards Handbag

By Anne-Marie

Located in Chicago, IL

"frivolities". She is best known for the wonderfully detailed, surrealist figural handbags

Category

1950s French Novelty Bags

Anne-Marie Chesterfield Cigarettes Handbag
Anne-Marie Chesterfield Cigarettes Handbag

Anne-Marie Chesterfield Cigarettes Handbag

By Anne-Marie

Located in Chicago, IL

;frivolities". She is best known for the wonderfully detailed, surrealist figural handbags that she

Category

1950s French Novelty Bags

Anne-Marie Champagne Bucket Handbag
Anne-Marie Champagne Bucket Handbag

Anne-Marie Champagne Bucket Handbag

By Anne-Marie

Located in Chicago, IL

wonderfully detailed, surrealist figural handbags that she designed and sold in the post-WWII era. These days

Category

1950s French Novelty Bags

Anne-Marie Paris Poker Dice Novelty Handbag Red Leather
Anne-Marie Paris Poker Dice Novelty Handbag Red Leather

Anne-Marie Paris Poker Dice Novelty Handbag Red Leather

By Anne-Marie

Located in Chicago, IL

wonderfully detailed, surrealist figural handbags that she designed and sold in the post-WWII era. These days

Category

1950s French Novelty Bags

Jeanne Bernard of Paris Black Suede Clock Shaped Handbag
Jeanne Bernard of Paris Black Suede Clock Shaped Handbag

Jeanne Bernard of Paris Black Suede Clock Shaped Handbag

Located in Chicago, IL

This marvelous figural handbag is shaped like an alarm clock. It's covered in a fine, black suede

Category

1950s French Evening Bags and Minaudières

1930s Figural Leather Puppy Clutch Purse
1930s Figural Leather Puppy Clutch Purse

1930s Figural Leather Puppy Clutch Purse

Located in New York, NY

Fresh from a French collection this extraordinary novelty handbag comes from the 1920s-30s, made

Category

1930s Unknown Novelty Bags

1950s Walborg Beaded Figural Cat Purse
1950s Walborg Beaded Figural Cat Purse

1950s Walborg Beaded Figural Cat Purse

By Walborg

Located in New York, NY

Fresh from a French collection this extraordinary novelty handbag by Walborg was retailed at a chic

Category

1950s Novelty Bags

Rosenfeld Figural Purse Fish Italy, 1960s
Rosenfeld Figural Purse Fish Italy, 1960s

Rosenfeld Figural Purse Fish Italy, 1960s

By Harry Rosenfeld

Located in Lambertville, NJ

This iconic bag has been in one of our customer's collection for years. She is downsizing and is sharing her collection with our 1stdibs collectors. We first sold this piece at a N...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Novelty Bags

1930s Hermes Figural Plush Puppy Clutch Purse
1930s Hermes Figural Plush Puppy Clutch Purse

1930s Hermes Figural Plush Puppy Clutch Purse

By Hermès

Located in New York, NY

Fresh from a French collection this extraordinary novelty handbag was retailed by Hermes in the

Category

1930s French Novelty Bags

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1990s Vintage Todd Oldham Snakeskin Print Denim Brown + Black Jean Jacket
1990s Vintage Todd Oldham Snakeskin Print Denim Brown + Black Jean Jacket

1990s Vintage Todd Oldham Snakeskin Print Denim Brown + Black Jean Jacket

By Todd Oldham

Located in San Diego, CA

Amazing 1990s Todd Oldham snakeskin print denim jacket! Classic snakeskin print in brown and black, with signature silver buttons down the front, at cuffs, pockets and at adjusting b...

Category

1990s American Jackets

Pierre Cardin Iconic 1960s Dress
Pierre Cardin Iconic 1960s Dress

Pierre Cardin Iconic 1960s Dress

By Pierre Cardin

Located in Water Mill, NY

An iconic 1960s yellow linen dress from Pierre Cardin. It has a stand up collar and cap sleeves with trapunto embroidery around them, the hem and front pocket. It has a handstitched...

Category

1960s French Day Dresses

1990s Ralph Lauren Pink Silk Maxi Dress with Crystal Straps
1990s Ralph Lauren Pink Silk Maxi Dress with Crystal Straps

1990s Ralph Lauren Pink Silk Maxi Dress with Crystal Straps

By Ralph Lauren

Located in London, GB

This Y2K Ralph Lauren silk maxi dress is just about the closest design we have ever seen to the brand's custom made gown for Gwyneth Paltrow to attend the 71st Academy Awards where s...

Category

1990s American Evening Dresses

Vintage Bon Gout Black Crocodile Bag
Vintage Bon Gout Black Crocodile Bag

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 ...

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1950s Danish Structured Shoulder Bags

1990’s Moschino Vintage Red Leather Heart Bag seen on The Nanny
1990’s Moschino Vintage Red Leather Heart Bag seen on The Nanny

1990’s Moschino Vintage Red Leather Heart Bag seen on The Nanny

By Moschino

Located in Concord, NC

Iconic rare Moschino Redwall vintage rare patent leather red heart shoulder bag from 1995 as seen on Fran Dresher from The Nanny. Made in Italy Features bright red leather with gold...

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1990s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags

New Fendi Aspen Shearling and Suede FF Brown Hobo Tote Bag
New Fendi Aspen Shearling and Suede FF Brown Hobo Tote Bag

New Fendi Aspen Shearling and Suede FF Brown Hobo Tote Bag

$1,320Sale Price|20% Off

H 9 in D 3.5 in L 16 in

New Fendi Aspen Shearling and Suede FF Brown Hobo Tote Bag

By Fendi

Located in Conroe, TX

Rare Fendi Shearling Aspen Bag Brand New * Stunning Rare Shearling Bag * Rich Soft Chocolate Brown * Full Shearling Lining and Piping * Rope Braided & Leather Strap * Two Front Snap...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Shoulder Bags

LES HABITUDES 90's Vintage Black Floral Evening Gown Maxi Dress
LES HABITUDES 90's Vintage Black Floral Evening Gown Maxi Dress

LES HABITUDES 90's Vintage Black Floral Evening Gown Maxi Dress

Located in Leonardo, NJ

Les Habitudes Vintage 1990's Jet black Pullover Delicate floral pattern Comp tag missing feels like silk blend Size tag missing please see measurements below Great vintage condition,...

Category

1990s Evening Gowns

Alexander McQueen black off-shoulder bustled evening dress, ss 2002
Alexander McQueen black off-shoulder bustled evening dress, ss 2002

Alexander McQueen black off-shoulder bustled evening dress, ss 2002

By Alexander McQueen

Located in London, GB

▪ Alexander McQueen black off-shoulder mid-length evening dress ▪ 57% Cotton, 43% Polyamide ▪ Diamond cut panels around torso ▪ Floral brocade bustled skirt at back ▪ Built-in cor...

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Early 2000s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

Vintage Azzedine Alaia 1980s  Black + Nude Viscose 80s Mini Sweater Dress Tunic
Vintage Azzedine Alaia 1980s  Black + Nude Viscose 80s Mini Sweater Dress Tunic

Vintage Azzedine Alaia 1980s Black + Nude Viscose 80s Mini Sweater Dress Tunic

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in San Diego, CA

Sexy vintage 1980s AZZEDINE ALAIA black and nude viscose micro mini sweater dress / tunic! Features the most luxurious soft viscose rayon that drapes the body so beautifully. Dolman ...

Category

1980s Italian Mini Dress

Unusual Triple Kiss Lock Pebbled Leather Bag
Unusual Triple Kiss Lock Pebbled Leather Bag

Unusual Triple Kiss Lock Pebbled Leather Bag

Located in New York, NY

Charming and Unusual Triple Kiss Lock Pebbled Leather Bag in deep navy. Transformable chain handle to use as hand held or shoulder length. 2 side pouches are attached to a main compa...

Category

1960s American Novelty Bags

Unique Thespian Needlepoint Comedy and Tragedy Handbag c 1960
Unique Thespian Needlepoint Comedy and Tragedy Handbag c 1960

Unique Thespian Needlepoint Comedy and Tragedy Handbag c 1960

$245Sale Price|34% Off

H 11 in D 3.5 in L 11.5 in

Unique Thespian Needlepoint Comedy and Tragedy Handbag c 1960

Located in University City, MO

Unique thespian needlepoint comedy and tragedy handbag The stylish large scale retro handbag is designed with comedy and tragedy mask on both exterior sides The theatrical ma...

Category

1960s American Novelty Bags

Roberto Cavalli 2000s Silk Tiger Print Bias-Cut Dress
Roberto Cavalli 2000s Silk Tiger Print Bias-Cut Dress

Roberto Cavalli 2000s Silk Tiger Print Bias-Cut Dress

By Roberto Cavalli

Located in CAPELLE AAN DEN IJSSEL, ZH

A show-stopping vintage Roberto Cavalli dress, featuring the designer’s iconic tiger print, as seen on Cindy Crawford on the early 2000s runway. Crafted from fluid silk, this maxi dr...

Category

Early 2000s Evening Dresses and Gowns

Brass Etched Openwork Filigree Cube Purse w MOP Lucite Lid and Clear Base, 1950s
Brass Etched Openwork Filigree Cube Purse w MOP Lucite Lid and Clear Base, 1950s

Brass Etched Openwork Filigree Cube Purse w MOP Lucite Lid and Clear Base, 1950s

Located in Tucson, AZ

Simultaneously delicate and sturdy, this unusual box purse provides a glimpse of its contents via openwork filigree sides, while a clear Lucite platform base shows their entirety fro...

Category

1950s Unknown Novelty Bags

DONNA KARAN 2009 Vintage Gold Draped Cowl Neck Evening Gown
DONNA KARAN 2009 Vintage Gold Draped Cowl Neck Evening Gown

DONNA KARAN 2009 Vintage Gold Draped Cowl Neck Evening Gown

By Donna Karan

Located in Leonardo, NJ

Donna Karan 2009 Vintage Metallic gold Large draped cowl neck Pullover Lined Size Medium NWT's, priced at $3,800 2 tiny imperceivable snags only noticeable upon super close-up inspec...

Category

Early 2000s Evening Gowns

NWT's BADGLEY MISCHKA Vintage Embroidered Evening Beaded Bag Bridal Wedding
NWT's BADGLEY MISCHKA Vintage Embroidered Evening Beaded Bag Bridal Wedding

NWT's BADGLEY MISCHKA Vintage Embroidered Evening Beaded Bag Bridal Wedding

By Badgley Mischka

Located in Leonardo, NJ

Badgley Mischka Vintage Yellow gold hardware and ornate chain Beige tones Embroidered bag with floral design and clear beads Long fringes with a bead placed at each end NWT's Comes w...

Category

1990s Evening Bags and Minaudières

Ferragamo Black Evening bag
Ferragamo Black Evening bag

Ferragamo Black Evening bag

$490Sale Price|30% Off

Ferragamo Black Evening bag

By Salvatore Ferragamo

Located in Brisbane, QLD

FERRAGAMO SALVATORE. Black evening bag.. Vintage elegant evening bag in black suede, to be worn hanging on the wrist, arm or hand with a clutch effect thanks to the particular blac...

Category

1990s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières

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Figural Handbag For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact vintage or contemporary figural handbag you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Black is a pretty popular color, but we also have Beige, Gray, Brown and more in stock now. Finding the perfect figural handbag may mean sifting through those that were made during different time periods — popular versions were made as early as the 19th Century and a newer one, made as recently as the 20th Century, can also be found on the site. An accessory like this designed by Anne Klein, Anne-Marie and Hermès — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured item — is worth considering. 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 Figural Handbag?

On average, a figural handbag on 1stDibs sells for $398, while they’re typically $183 on the low end and $3,500 for the highest priced versions of this item.

Finding the Right Handbags And Purses for You

An integral part of fashion, handbags and purses have been indispensable accessories ever since we began to carry around personal items. Level of craftsmanship, style and shape matters — from coin purses in ancient Greece to early 20th-century opera bags and onward, handbags have evolved considerably over the years to meet our needs and desires, whether or not you happen to be prioritizing functionality over a flashy exterior.

Once, a single “It” handbag ruled each fashion season. No more. Today, lovers of vintage handbags are savvier and have a wider range of shopping options. Nevertheless, classics created by the likes of Louis Vuitton, Dior and Balenciaga still rule.

“It is not a fashion bag — it is a statement bag,” says Mightychic's Debra Kent of Hermès's widely beloved accessories. “When you carry an iconic Hermès bagBirkin, Kelly, Constance — no one knows how long you have been into this culture or if you are a newbie. Your status is validated immediately.”

First released in 1997, Fendi's Baguette rose to fame along with Carrie Bradshaw, the Sex and the City character portrayed by Sarah Jessica Parker. Recently, the design has seen such a resurgence in popularity that Fendi has reissued it.

They are part of design history, so owning a handbag has meaning. As New York–based fashion historian Sarah C. Byrd says, “You have made the choice to invest in this piece because you understand the value of it in the past and in the future to come.”

From a 1980s Chanel black leather quilted mini buckle bag to the rare Hermès Birkin 30cm Himalayan with diamond hardware to a range of 19th-century bags, find a rich variety of vintage and designer handbags and purses spanning numerous brands on 1stDibs — seasonal “It” designation no longer needed.