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 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 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 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 Vintage Black Micro GG Monogram Canvas Web Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Step into the understated elegance of Gucci's heritage with this vintage black Micro GG monogram
Gucci Vintage Ophidia Blue Monogram Canvas and Leather Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
This Gucci Ophidia Shoulder Bag is a true testament to the brand's iconic style from the 1970s
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 Beige Brown Monogram Canvas Bucket Shoulder Bag Tote
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Effortlessly chic and unmistakably Gucci, this beautiful bucket/shoulder bag is crafted from
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Brown Monogram Suede and Leather Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Step into the elegance of 1970s Italian craftsmanship with this Gucci vintage shoulder bag, a true
Gucci White Medium Horsebit 1955 Monogram Canvas Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
A contemporary icon from Gucci's GG Marmont collection, this black Chevron GG Marmont Chain
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 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 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 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 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 Brown Monogram Canvas Double Pocket Waist Belt Bum Bag
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
This Gucci Brown Monogram Canvas Waist Belt Bum Bag is designed for both function and style and it
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
$1,693
H 16.93 in W 26.38 in D 7.88 in
1970s Iconic Brown Leather and Red and Green Web Stripe Suitcase by Gucci
By Gucci
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This authentic and beautifully preserved 1970s Gucci suitcase is a classic and highly sought-after piece. Crafted in Italy, this suitcase is made from high-quality, rich brown leathe...
ROBERTO CAVALLI long dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Rubiera, RE
ROBERTO CAVALLI Long dress, black background, floral pattern, thin straps. Deep neckline on the back. 90% polyamide/nylon 10% Elastane/Spandex SIZE L Made in Italy Flat measurements:...
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...
$712Sale Price|20% Off
H 7.5 in W 3 in L 11 in
1980s Vintage GUCCI Horsebit Cowhide Leather Structured Crossbody Bag Brown
By Gucci
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage GUCCI structured crossbody bag is crafted of smooth cowhide leather in brown adorned with a massive golden horsebit at the front. Front flap magnetic snap closure opens ...
1990s Vintage GUCCI Small Bamboo Leather Handbag Metallic Brown
By Gucci
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage GUCCI small bamboo top handle bag is crafted of pigskin leather in metallic brown featuring gold toned hardware and a black bamboo handle. Front flap magnetic snap closu...
Gucci GG Supreme 1955 Horsebit Crossbody
By Gucci
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Gucci GG Supreme 1955 Horsebit Small Crossbody in Burgundy. This stylish shoulder bag is crafted of classic Gucci monogram GG supreme canvas. The bag features a looping leather shoul...
Extremely Rare Gucci Black Leather Bamboo Handle Handbag c 1970s
By Gucci
Located in University City, MO
GUCCI Italy extremely rare black leather bamboo handle handbag c 1970s The iconic vintage handbag is covered in smooth structured black leather Paired with an organic wood bamboo ha...
1980s Vintage GUCCI Nubuck Crossbody Bag Black
By Gucci
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage GUCCI crossbody bag is crafted of textured nubuck leather trimmed with smooth calfskin leather in black featuring a gold-toned horse-bit logo on the front. Front flap ma...
Gucci Enamel Logo Wallet
By Gucci
Located in New York, NY
Gucci Enamel Logo Leather Wallet from the 1990's, Italy. 4.5" x 4" closed, Gucci Anniversary Collections. Made in Italy.
$580
H 8 in W 2.5 in L 10.5 in
Vintage GUCCI Leather Shoulder Crossbody Bag Turnlock Calfskin Dark Navy
By Gucci
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage GUCCI shoulder crossbody bag is crafted of smooth calfskin leather in dark navy featuring gold toned hardware. Front flap GG turnlock closure opens to a navy leather int...
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...
1970s Vintage GUCCI Leather Shoulder Bag Kiss-Lock Black
By Gucci
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage GUCCI shoulder/crossbody bag is crafted of smooth calfskin leather in black featuring gold toned hardware and a double leather strap. Top kiss-lock closure opens to a be...
$780
H 9 in W 4 in L 11 in
1990s Vintage GUCCI Nubuck Pigskin Leather Saddle Camera Bag Green Mens Unisex
By Gucci
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage GUCCI saddle camera bag is crafted of nubuck and pigskin leather in dark green featuring matte gold toned hardware. Front flap double magnetic snap closure adorned with ...
Worn in Sex and The City 2, Iconic John Galliano Christian Dior Newsprint Dress
By John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in New York, NY
Being offered is the Iconic John Galliano for Christian Dior Autumn/Winter 2000-2001 Newsprint Dress WORN by Sarah Jessica Parker and lent by Vintage Luxury N.Y. for Sex and the Cit...
$2,970Sale Price|40% Off
S/S 1987 Gucci Documented Brown Genuine Crocodile Chain Crossbody Clutch
By Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a stunning saddle brown Gucci crocodile convertible crossbody. This beautiful bag is constructed entirely of genuine glossy crocodile leather and is finished with gold acc...
$580
H 8.5 in W 8.5 in L 12.5 in
1970s Vintage GUCCI Brown Interlocking GG Jacquard Vanity Trunk Bag Unisex
By Gucci
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage GUCCI vanity trunk is crafted of interlocking GG jacquard in brown trimmed with smooth leather in light brown. This vanity bag features three locks with one on top and o...
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.