Gucci Vintage Blue Monogram Drawstring Bucket Bag with Stripes
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Vintage Gucci Monogram Drawstring Bucket Bag crafted in signature blue GG monogram canvas with
Gucci Vintage Blue Monogram Drawstring Bucket Bag with Stripes
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Vintage Gucci Monogram Drawstring Bucket Bag crafted in signature blue GG monogram canvas with
GUCCI GG Emblem nano bucket bag Silver
By Gucci
Located in Salt Lake Cty, UT
Authentic Gucci Monogram GG Emblem Nano Bucket Bag. Features Tan GG monogram coated fabric, silver
Gucci Vintage Brown Monogram Suede and Leather Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
A beautiful expression of Gucci's refined vintage charm, this brown monogram suede and leather
RARE Gucci Black GG Monogram Canvas Sling Backpack Bag
By Gucci
Located in Philadelphia, PA
RARE Gucci black canvas sling bag in excellent condition. Black woven canvas exterior with G for
Gucci Vintage Tan Brown Micro GG Monogram Canvas Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
A true vintage treasure for lovers of classic Gucci, this Gucci Vintage Tan Brown Micro GG Monogram
Gucci Pink Monogram Canvas and Leather Luce Mini Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Bold, playful and unmistakably Gucci, this Gucci Pink Monogram Canvas and Leather Luce Mini
Gucci Vintage Blue Monogram Canvas Web Oval Small Crossbody Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Introducing the Vintage Gucci 'Ophidia' Oval Small Crossbody Bag-a true gem for vintage lovers and
Gucci Vintage Black Micro GG Monogram Canvas Leather Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
A true relic of Gucci's 1980s elegance, this black micro GG monogram shoulder bag is a perfect
Gucci Vintage Brown Micro GG Monogram Canvas Leather Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
This Gucci Vintage Micro GG Shoulder Bag is a charming example of the brand's classic style from
Gucci Vintage Blue Micro GG Monogram Canvas Handbag Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Step into the elegance of the 1980s with this Gucci Vintage Blue Micro GG Monogram Canvas Handbag
Gucci Vintage Beige Monogram Canvas Leather Small Flap Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Step back into timeless sophistication with this vintage Gucci flap shoulder bag, a true emblem of
Gucci Vintage Brown Black Monogram Canvas Front Zip Pocket Tote Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
This Gucci vintage tote captures the early 2000s spirit with a clean, structured silhouette and the
Unavailable
H 9.05 in W 3.14 in L 12.9 in
Gucci Horsebit Monogram Chain Flap 869934 Red Canvas Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Forest Hills, NY
Width (inch) : 12.9 inch(approx) Width (cm) : 33 cm(approx) Height (inch) : 9.05 inch(approx) Height (cm) : 23 cm(approx) Depth (inch) : 3.14 inch(approx) Depth (cm) : 8 cm(approx) ...
Unavailable
H 6.29 in W 3.54 in L 11.4 in
Gucci Boston Monogram Gg Charmy 868189 Pink Canvas Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Forest Hills, NY
Width (inch) : 11.4 inch(approx) Width (cm) : 29 cm(approx) Height (inch) : 6.29 inch(approx) Height (cm) : 16 cm(approx) Depth (inch) : 3.54 inch(approx) Depth (cm) : 9 cm(approx) S...
Unavailable
H 12.4 in W 4.5 in L 9.5 in
Gucci Signature Monogram Shopper Tote 230795 Black Canvas Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Forest Hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: 002 1098 002404 Measurements: Length: 9.5" Width: 4.5" Height: 12.4" Shoulder strap drop: 7.5" OVERALL GOOD CONDITION ( 7/10 or B ) Signs of Wear: Exterior: ...
Unavailable
H 10 in W 2 in L 11 in
Gucci Sherry Monogram Web Bucket Hobo 228827 Brown Canvas Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Forest Hills, NY
Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 11" Width: 2" Height: 10" Shoulder strap drop: 15" OVERALL GOOD CONDITION ( 7/10 or B ) Signs of Wear: Exterior: stiff, stains, scuffs, rubs Int...
Gucci Red Velvet GG Monogram Bucket Bag
By Gucci
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Gucci Red Velvet GG Monogram Bucket Bag SKU: 137032 Condition: Pre-owned Condition
2000s Gucci Denim and Leather Monogram Bucket Bag
By Gucci
Located in London, GB
FREE UK and WORLDWIDE DELIVERY Stunning and rare vintage GUCCI denim and leather bucket bag, GG
Gucci Vintage Beige Monogram Web Drawstring Bucket Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Vintage Gucci Monogram Darwstring bucket bag. Brown monogram canvas with Genuine leather trim and
Gucci Vintage Red Monogram Canvas Drawstring Bucket Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Vintage Gucci Monogram Darwstring bucket bag. Red monogram canvas with brown leather trim and
Gucci Vintage Beige Monogram Web Drawstring Bucket Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Vintage Gucci Monogram Darwstring bucket bag. Brown monogram canvas with Genuine leather trim and
Gucci Brown Monogram Canvas Bucket Shoulder Bag Tote
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Beautiful Gucci bucket/shoulder bag made in beige monogram canvas with brown leather trim. Open top
Gucci Vintage Blue Monogram Drawstring Bucket Bag with Stripes
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Vintage Gucci Monogram Darwstring bucket bag. Blue monogram canvas with Genuine leather trim and
Gucci Vintage Monogram Canvas Ophidia Web Bucket Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Step into the timeless elegance of Gucci with this Vintage Monogram Canvas Ophidia Web Bucket
Vintage early 2000’s GUCCI bucket bag in monogram print
By Gucci
Located in COLLINGWOOD, AU
Vintage early 2000’s monogram print GG GUCCI bucket bag in tan colour. Gold hardware detail From
Gucci Vintage White and Red Monogram Canvas Shoulder Bag Bucket
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
certificate will be provided at no further cost. Vintage Gucci bucket shoulder bag crafted in white and red
Gucci Vintage White and Red Monogram Canvas Bucket Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
certificate will be provided at no further cost. Vintage Gucci bucket shoulder bag crafted in white and red
Gucci Red GG Monogram Velvet & Black Calfskin Leather Bucket Bag
By Gucci
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Gucci Red GG Monogram Velvet & Black Calfskin Leather Bucket Bag Product Details Xupes Ref
Gucci Beige Jackie-O Monogram Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in London, GB
, it is big enough to be the perfect day to day piece. This bag comes presented in a Gucci dust bag
Gucci Beige Monogram Canvas Joliecoeur Messenger Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
certificate will be provided at no further cost. Gucci monogram 'Jolicoeur' messenger bag, crafted in beige GG
Gucci Vintage Blue Monogram Canvas Leather Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Vintage Gucci shoulder bag crafted in blue monogram canvas and leather. Gold metal Gucci signature
Gucci Vintage Beige Monogram Canvas Draped Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Vintage Gucci shoulder bag. Beige monogram canvas with beige genuine leather trim. Gold metal GG
Gucci Vintage Beige Monogram Canvas Reporter Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Vintage Gucci beige monogram canvas Reporter bag. Beige monogram canvas with brown genuine leather
Gucci Monogram Flora Canvas Ophidia Shoulder Bag White
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
GUCCI Flora Ophidia Shoulder Bag. The bag is crafted of beige GG Supreme monogram canvas with
Gucci Vintage Black Monogram Canvas Convertible Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Gucci vintage shoulder bag in black monogram canvas with black leather trim and shoulder strap. GG
Gucci Monogram Canvas Flora Ophidia Shoulder Bag White
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
GUCCI Flora Ophidia Shoulder Bag. The bag is crafted of beige GG Supreme monogram canvas with
Gucci Vintage Black Monogram Canvas Convertible Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Gucci vintage shoulder bag in black monogram canvas with black leather trim and shoulder strap. GG
Gucci Pink Monogram Canvas Mini Ophidia Crossbody Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
certificate will be provided at no further cost Beautiful GUCCI Ophidia mini crossbody bag in pink GG monogram
Gucci Pink Monogram Canvas Mini Ophidia Crossbody Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
certificate will be provided at no further cost Beautiful GUCCI Ophidia mini crossbody bag in pink GG monogram
Gucci Vintage Brown Monogram Suede Web Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Step back in time with this exquisite vintage Gucci shoulder bag, a true testament to timeless
Gucci Vintage Blue Monogram Canvas Horseshoes Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Vintage Gucci Monogram Shoulder bag. Blue monogram canvas with Genuine leather trim and leather
Gucci Vintage Black Brown Monogram Canvas Messenger Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Gucci black monogram canvas shoulder bag with brown leather shoulder strap and trim. The bag
Gucci Vintage Black Monogram Canvas Shopping Vertical Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Step into the early-2000s Gucci universe with this Gucci Black Monogram Canvas Vertical Tote
Gucci Beige Monogram Canvas Piston Lock Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Step into a world of classic luxury with this beautiful Gucci shoulder bag, a perfect blend of
Gucci Vintage Monogram Canvas Ophidia Stripes Crossbody Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
A true throwback to vintage street-smart elegance, this Gucci 'Ophidia' messenger bag captures the
Gucci Vintage Monogram Canvas Ophidia Stripes Crossbody Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
A true throwback to vintage street-smart elegance, this Gucci 'Ophidia' messenger bag captures the
Gucci Vintage Monogram Canvas Vertical Shoulder Bag with Stripes
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Vintage Gucci vertical shoulder bag. beige monogram canvas with brown genuine leather trim. Green
Gucci Vintage Black Monogram Canvas and Leather Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Classic Cool: Vintage Gucci Black Monogram Canvas Shoulder Bag This Vintage Gucci Shoulder Bag is a
Gucci Vintage Black Monogram Canvas and Leather Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Classic Cool: Vintage Gucci Black Monogram Canvas Shoulder Bag This Vintage Gucci Shoulder Bag is a
Gucci Black Denim Monogram Canvas Double Pocket Belt Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Gucci Double Pocket belt bag. Black denim GG monogram canvas with black leather trim. Black canvas
Gucci Vintage Blue Monogram Canvas and Leather Messenger Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
A true relic of understated luxury, this Gucci Vintage Blue Monogram Canvas and Leather Messenger
Gucci Vintage Burgundy Monogram Canvas and Leather Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Vintage Gucci shoulder bag in burgundy monogram canvas with burgundy genuine leather trim. Gold
Gucci Vintage Blue Monogram Canvas and Leather Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Vintage Gucci shoulder bag inblue monogram canvas with blue genuine leather trim. Gold metal Gucci
Gucci Limited Edition Monogram GG Sherry Line Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Limited edition Gucci 'GG Sherry Line' shoulder bag crafted in beige monogram canvas with light
Gucci Vintage Beige Monogram Canvas and Leather Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Vintage Gucci shoulder bag in beige monogram canvas with beige genuine leather trim. Gold metal
Gucci White Medium Horsebit 1955 Monogram Canvas Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
There's something quietly timeless about this Gucci White Medium Horsebit 1955 Monogram Canvas
Gucci Vintage Beige Monogram Canvas Small Zip Crossbody Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Charming and compact, this Small Vintage Gucci Monogram Beige Canvas Messenger Bag is a delightful
Gucci Vintage Beige Monogram Canvas and Leather Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Vintage Gucci shoulder bag in beige monogram canvas with bbeige genuine leather trim. Gold metal GG
Gucci Vintage Blue Monogram Canvas Shoulder Bag with Stripes
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Gucci vintage shoulder bag. Monogram canvas with blue genuine leather trim and shoulder strap. Fold
Gucci Vintage Blue Monogram Canvas Spur Shoulder Bag Handbag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Gucci vintage shoulder bag. Monogram canvas with blue genuine leather trim and shoulder strap. Flap
Gucci Vintage Monogram Canvas Ophidia Stripes Medium Crossbody Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Heritage on the Go: Vintage Gucci 'Ophidia' Messenger Bag A true icon from Gucci's storied past
Gucci Vintage Monogram Canvas Ophidia Stripes Medium Crossbody Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Heritage on the Go: Vintage Gucci 'Ophidia' Messenger Bag A true icon from Gucci's storied past
Gucci Vintage Beige Monogram Canvas and Leather Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
A true relic of understated luxury, this Gucci Vintage Flap Shoulder Bag in classic beige monogram
Gucci Vintage Navy Blue Monogram Canvas Shoulder Bag Tote
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
A true classic from GUCCI's elegant archives, this vintage monogram shoulder bag captures the quiet
Gucci Vintage Navy Blue Monogram Canvas Shoulder Bag Tote
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
A true classic from GUCCI's elegant archives, this vintage monogram shoulder bag captures the quiet
Gucci Vintage Navy Blue Monogram Canvas Flap Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
A true classic from GUCCI's elegant archives, this vintage monogram shoulder bag captures the quiet
Gucci Brown GG Monogram Canvas Bamboo Bullet Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Elegant Gucci 'Bullet Bag' from the Tom Ford era. It is made of beige monogram canvas and thick
Gucci Vintage Navy Blue Monogram Canvas Rounded Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
A true classic from GUCCI's elegant archives, this vintage monogram shoulder bag captures the quiet
Gucci Vintage Navy Blue Monogram Canvas Rounded Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
A true classic from GUCCI's elegant archives, this vintage monogram shoulder bag captures the quiet
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Emerald & Fancy Yellow Sapphire Ring Set In 18K Gold & S
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Emerald & Fancy Yellow Sapphire Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Emerald from Zambia - 4 carat Natural Yellow Sapphire - 2 carat This Ring is from th...
Emerald, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
$1,431Sale Price|20% Off
Gucci Horsebit 1955 Cloth Black Monogram Red Web Large Shoulder bag
By Gucci
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Gucci Horsebit 1955 Cloth Black Monogram Red Web Large Shoulder bag These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. Make a statement with this large Tom F...
Christian Dior Vintage Trotter Diorissimo Shopper Bag Blue Beige
By Christian Dior
Located in Port Hope, ON
Very well known, this is a trotter pattern Christian Dior Diorissimo Shopper bag. It is made of canvas with leather trim, and the colors are blue and beige. There is another version ...
$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...
Avant Garde Brutalist Mixed Metal Artisan Handbag ca 1970s
Located in University City, MO
Avant garde brutalist mixed metal artisan handbag ca 1970s The unique handmade shoulder bag is adorned with sinuous three dimensional mixed metal work designs on the black leather f...
Authenthic Gucci Crystal Handbag
By Gucci
Located in 10707, DE
Very well preserved original Gucci Crystal handbag with shoulder strap
$297Sale Price|40% Off
New Fendi Tortoise with FF Sides Sunglasses With Case
By Fendi
Located in Conroe, TX
New Fendi Sunglasses with Case Brand New Brown Sunglasses FF Detail at Sides Lightweight Scratch and Impact Resistant Made in Italy 100% UVA/UVB Protection With Case & Cleaning Clo...
$4,009
H 13.39 in W 18.51 in D 10.63 in
Large Louis Vuitton Bag, Large Louis Vuitton Duffle Bag, Vuitton Boston Bag
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Saint-ouen, FR
This bag is a very unusual model. Horizontally, it opens on a rigid compartment to put fragile items like make up, perfume bottles, after shave and so on. There is a separation betwe...
$620
H 14 in W 7.75 in L 10.5 in
1980s Vintage GUCCI Nubuck Bucket Drawstring Shoulder Bag Caramel Large
By Gucci
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage GUCCI bucket bag is crafted of grained nubuck calfskin leather in caramel brown and smooth calfskin leather featuring gold toned hardware. Top drawstring closure opens t...
2008/2009 Gucci Medium Brown Guccissima Leather Hysteria Hobo Bag
By Gucci
Located in Toronto, Ontario
2008/2009 Gucci Hysteria hobo bag in rich dark brown Guccissima leather. Designed with soft pleating and a slouchy silhouette, it features Gucci’s iconic embossed GG monogram through...
Rare GUCCI Iconic Golden GG Monogram Beaded Bag Purse with Bamboo Handles
By Gucci
Located in Switzerland, CH
A limited edition bag by Gucci From the early 2000s years A signature piece in the famous GG Monogram Beautiful beaded Gucci bag in golden color Gucci Bamboo design handles and closu...
$12,920
H 10.5 in W 19 in L 6 in
Chanel Limited Edition Vintage Duffel Tote Black and White Leather Weekend Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Oversized Chanel quilted logo letters duffel bag leather travel tote. 1992 {VINTAGE 30 Years} White lamb "CHANEL" lettering stitched on both sides Quilted supple black lambskin Tw...
Fendi Bag Peekaboo Mint Crocodile Medium Satchel Pastel Ice Blue
By Karl Lagerfeld for Fendi, Fendi
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a Fendi Peekaboo Crocodile bag featured in Mint (Pale Ice Blue). This beautiful pastel medium Peekaboo bag is on trend for the season! Modified top frame with gold ...
$960Sale Price|20% Off
H 4 in L 6.25 in
Harry Rosenfeld Opulent Gilt Metal Lion Evening Bag Made in Italy c 1970
By Harry Rosenfeld Made in Italy, Harry Rosenfeld
Located in University City, MO
HARRY ROSENFELD Opulent gilt metal lion evening bag Made in Italy The lavish gold metal cylinder evening bag is adorned with a pair of ornate lion emblems on each exterior side ...
Louis Vuitton Vintage Monogram Mini Lin Speedy 30 Bag
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Louis Vuitton Vintage Monogram Mini Lin Speedy 30 is crafted from iconic Ebene monogram canvas, complemented by dark brown leather trim and dual rounded handles. Measuring 11.8" ...
$963Sale Price|20% Off
Dior Flight Mini Clutch Bag Black Leather
By Christian Dior
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Dior Flight Mini Clutch Bag Black Leather These are professional photos of the actual bag. This Dior Flight Mini Clutch Bag in black leather is the epitome of effortless cool. Standi...
Long before trend-bucking creative director Alessandro Michele brought his hallucinatory “Utopian Fantasy” campaign to Gucci, it was a modest Italian leather shop. Today, it’s an internationally renowned luxury house with an iconic logo, and vintage Gucci clothing, handbags and shoes are among high fashion's most covetable goods.
Guccio Gucci (1881–1953) admired the stylish suitcases he saw wealthy guests arrive with at the Savoy Hotel in London, where he worked as a bellhop. So, in 1921, after a stint at Franzi, a luggage company in his hometown of Florence, he opened a leather goods shop of his own.
At first, Gucci’s Florence business specialized in equestrian accessories. But as its reputation flourished, particularly among the English aristocracy, so too did its footprint. In 1938, he brought three of his sons — Aldo, Vasco and Rodolfo — into the business and expanded it to Rome and later Milan. In the mid-1930s, a League of Nations embargo against Italy pushed Gucci to experiment with alternatives to imported leather. Its woven hemp fabric from Naples, adorned with the brand’s signature diamond print, was a hit, especially among A-list celebrities. The material was first used on suitcases before finding enduring popularity on handbags. (No list of revered designer purses would be complete without Gucci.)
In the 1950s, Elizabeth Taylor carried one of Gucci’s bamboo-handled tote bags, another adaptation to material rationing. After Jackie Kennedy was seen sporting a slouchy Gucci tote in 1961, it was renamed for the First Lady. Then Grace Kelly, on a visit to the boutique in Milan, inspired Rodolfo Gucci to work with Italian illustrator and Gucci textile designer Vittorio Accornero on the Flora print in 1966. Taking cues from Sandro Botticelli’s Primavera, with its pattern of flora and insects, it was painted entirely by hand and featured no fewer than 37 colors.
In 1953, just 15 days after opening his first store on New York’s 5th Avenue, Guccio passed away at 72. The early 1970s saw store openings in Tokyo and Hong Kong, but by the late 1980s, Gucci was floundering. Rodolfo Gucci took charge in 1982, but family drama and lawsuits ensued. In 1993, Rodolfo’s son, Maurizio, transferred his shares in the company to Investcorp, ending the family’s involvement in Gucci. Dawn Mello, then-president of Bergdorf Goodman, joined as creative director in 1989. But it was Tom Ford, who took over as creative director in 1994, who ultimately revived the brand.
Ford’s racy ads, shot by photographers such as Mario Testino, stirred controversy. And his potent vision of sexed-up femininity — with “jewel-toned satin shirts unbuttoned to there,” as Vogue described his breakthrough 1995 runway show — was wildly successful. The new millennium brought new ownership — Pinault Printemps Redoute in 2004 — and a more toned-down vision from Frida Giannini, who became sole creative director in 2006. Alessandro Michele was named creative director in 2015, and the storied brand took a giant leap forward.
Find vintage Gucci clothing and 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.
Created during Alessandro Michele's tenure at the brand, this sparkling, whimsical minaudière feels just right for a night out.
When the name of a bag is as well-known as its brand, you know it's a classic.