Gucci Python Pelham Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Gucci Python Pelham Shoulder Bag in very good condition. natural python exterior with cream leather
Gucci Python Pelham Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Gucci Python Pelham Shoulder Bag in very good condition. natural python exterior with cream leather
Gucci brown and black python skin horsebit shoulder bag
By Gucci
Located in Capri, IT
Gucci brown and black python skin horsebit shoulder bag gold tone horsebit and hardware comes with
GUCCI burgundy 2014 PYTHON SOFT JACKIE FLAP Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Gucci Jackie Soft Flap shoulder bag in burgundy python snakeskin featuring silver
New Gucci Real Python Multi Color Shoulder Bag Collectible
By Gucci
Located in Brossard, QC
The shoulder bag ıs crafted in multicoloured leather. The flap closure is completed with an
GUCCI beige & grey PYTHON SOHO CHAIN STRAP Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Gucci Soho shoulder bag in beige, brown and taupe python. Features a GG patch on the
Gucci Silvye light blue black python skin gold hardware shoulder bag
By Gucci
Located in Capri, IT
Gucci Silvye light blue black python skin gold hardware shoulder bag totally made in italy
New Gucci Sylvie 1969 Real Python Mini Shoulder Bag in Burgundy Collectible
By Gucci
Located in Brossard, QC
The small shoulder bag in burgundy python skin is defined by a narrow gold-toned metal chain fitted
S/S2013 Gucci python-print Jackie bag
By Gucci
Located in Milano, Lombardia
An exceptional archival masterpiece, this Gucci Jackie bag from the Spring/Summer 2013 collection
Tom Ford for Gucci Black Python Skin Jeweled Dragon Bamboo Chain Shoulder Bag
By Tom Ford, Gucci
Located in Montgomery, TX
Tom Ford for Gucci Limited Edition Runway Python Dragon Brooch Shoulder Bag F/W 2004 Runway
$2,791Sale Price|35% Off
$4295 New Gucci Python Bamboo Medium Daily Bag Cruise 2015
By Gucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Brand New with Tags Cruise 2015 Gucci $4295 Neutral Python Silver-Tone Hardware Bamboo & Leather
F/W 1996 Gucci by Tom Ford Ad Genuine Python Skin Black Medium Shoulder Bag
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From Gucci’s Fall/Winter 1996 collection by Tom Ford, this medium shoulder bag is crafted from
Gucci Bamboo 1947 Night Mini Python Snake Skin Evening Bag with Chain
By Gucci
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Gucci Bamboo 1947 Night Mini Python Snake Skin Evening Bag with Chain These are professional photos
Vintage Gucci Jackie bag, in python
Located in Carnate, IT
Vintage Gucci Jackie bag, in python With chain handle, silver hardware, and the classic iconic
Gucci by Tom Ford rare F/W 1999 green python ad campaign bag
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in PARIS, FR
Gucci by Tom Ford rare F/W 1999 collection green python ad campaign bag. Amazing structure and item.
Gucci Dionysus Blue, Red & White Python Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Sydney, New South Wales
Brand: Gucci Product: Dionysus Shoulder Bag Size: L 26 X H 17 X D 7 Cm Colour: Blue, Red
$3,999Sale Price|20% Off
UNWORN Exotic XL Gucci Camouflage Green Python Skin Tote Shoulder Bag Hobo
By Gucci
Located in Switzerland, CH
Stunning Gucci Python Skin Handbag XL size Made of finest exotic python skin A real eye catcher
GUCCI black leather & PYTHON NEW BAMBOO Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
Gucci 'The New Bamboo' handbag in black python with bamboo turn-lock and bamboo handle. Has a
Gucci GG Ring Shoulder Bag Python Medium
By Gucci
Located in NY, NY
Measurements: Height 8.5", Width 12", Depth 3.5", Strap Drop 14-18" Designer: Gucci Model: GG Ring Shoulder Bag
Gucci GG Python Embroider Bamboo with Tassels Leather Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Downey, CA
Gucci GG Python Embroider Bamboo with Tassels Leather Shoulder Bag Coming from the house of Gucci
Unavailable
H 12 in W 5 in L 18 in
Gucci Suede Fringe Large Tote 5gz0911 Black Python Skin Leather Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Forest Hills, NY
: 12" Handle drop: 6" OVERALL VERY GOOD CONDITION ( 7.5/10 or B+ ) Includes Box and Shopping Bag Retail
Gucci 85th Anniversary Python Hobo Bag
By Gucci
Located in Roslyn, NY
single flat python skin adjustable shoulder strap, a Gucci horse bit accent, an "85th anniversary" metal
Gucci Multicolor Python Soho Large Tote Bag
By Gucci
Located in Roslyn, NY
. Dual flat shoulder straps. Detachable python tassel. Off White leather interior. One large interior
GUCCI Python 85th Anniversary Hobo Bag in Brown, Green and Beige skin.
By Gucci
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Offered for sale is this 85th Anniversary Horse bit hobo by GUCCI in tri-color Python with light
Gucci Sylvie 1969 Shoulder Bag Python Mini
By Gucci
Located in NY, NY
" Designer: Gucci Model: Sylvie 1969 Shoulder Bag Python Mini Exterior Material: Python Exterior Color: Pink
Unavailable
Gucci by Tom Ford Python Clutch Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in San Diego, CA
Feminine, fashionable and attractive, this golden colored handbag by Gucci is an ideal pick for
Gucci Natural Python Shoulder-bag
Located in Bozeman, MT
anniversary this November. See you there! Natural python skin in a flat shoulder-bag
Gucci Soho python shoulder bag
By Gucci
Located in Capri, IT
Gucci Soho python shoulder bag Measurements: 15 * 20 cm depth 8 cm
Gucci 85th Anniversary multicolour python shoulder bag
By Gucci
Located in Capri, IT
Gucci 85th Anniversary multicolour python shoulder bag Beije, brown and green bag totally made in
Gucci green python shoulder bag NWOT
By Alessandro Michele, Gucci
Located in Capri, IT
Gucci green and black python leather with silver hardware shoulder bag Totally made in Italy
Gucci Python Print Embossed Leather Chain Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Amman, JO
Gucci Python Print Embossed Leather Chain Shoulder Bag – Tassel Detail Make a bold fashion
Gucci Monogram Crocodile and Python Skin Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Capri, IT
Gucci Monogram Crocodile and Python Skin Shoulder Bag Totally made in italy Total handle lenght
Gucci Limited Edition python skin Dionysus shoulder bag
By Gucci
Located in Capri, IT
Gucci Limited Edition python skin Dionysus shoulder bag perfect conditions embellished with
Gucci Earthtone Python Shoulder Bag with Bamboo Handle
By Gucci
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Gucci Earthtone Python Shoulder Bag with Bamboo Handle. This bag features a golden color python, a
GUCCI light brown PYTHON PELHAM Hobo Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Zürich, CH
Gucci 'Pelham' horsebit shoulder bag made from light to medium brown python with dark brown leather
Gucci Brown Python bag
By Gucci
Located in Capri, IT
Gucci Brown Python bag Chain collection, gold tone chain on the front with 2 fringes unworn
Gucci Python Hobo Bag
By Gucci
Located in Athens, GA
Gucci Python Hobo Bag with bamboo tassel. Excellent condition. Bag has longer strap and can worn
1990s Gucci monogram python skin bag
By Gucci
Located in Capri, IT
1990s Gucci monogram python skin bag Unique, rage amazing bag by Gucci in monogram and python
Gucci Jackie bag in Python Leather
By Gucci
Located in Bressanone, Trentino-Alto Adige
Gucci Jackie bag in python leather color beige. Condition: Really good. Packing/accessories
2000s Gucci python skin monogram dragon bag
By Gucci
Located in Capri, IT
2000s Gucci python skin monogram dragon bag Amazing and unique bag by Gucci with python skint
1990s Gucci Chain purple python skin bag
By Gucci
Located in Capri, IT
1990s Gucci purple python skin bag
Gucci Jackie bag in Python Leather
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Bressanone, Trentino-Alto Adige
Gucci Jackie bag in pink python leather + leather color black, silver hardware. Condition: Really
Gucci Bamboo 1947 Night Mini Python Evening Bag with Chain
By Gucci
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Gucci Bamboo 1947 Night Mini Python Evening Bag with Chain These are professional photos of the
Gucci Natural Python Leather Vintage Peggy Bamboo Hobo Bag
By Gucci
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Gucci Natural Python Leather Vintage Peggy Bamboo Hobo Bag Brand- Gucci Model- Peggy Bamboo Hobo
F/W 1999 Gucci by Tom Ford Runway Black Genuine Python Acrylic Ring Shoulder Bag
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This exquisite bucket bag from Gucci's Fall/Winter 1999 collection, designed by Tom Ford, is
GUCCI Bag SoHo Tote Exotic Colours Python Hobo Lush Tassel nwt
By Gucci
Located in Miami, FL
Python hobo style tote in rich hues of blues, warm medium browns and black. Zipper pull is a lush
Gucci Tom Ford FW 2004 Dragon Pearl Jeweled Purple Python Snake Bag
By Gucci
Located in Switzerland, CH
EXTREMELY RARE GUCCI BY TOM FORD GORGEOUS FULL PYTHON SNAKE SKIN EVENING BAG WITH GORGEOUS
Vintage 1996 Gucci By Tom Ford Python Bucket Crossbody Bag
By Gucci
Located in London, GB
Vintage 1996 Gucci by Tom Ford python leather tote . This Gucci tote bag is crafted from luxurious
Gucci Jackie Mini Python-skin Leather Bag with Adjustable Strap Size Multicolor
By Gucci
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Gucci Jackie 1961 Mini Python-skin Leather Bag with Adjustable Strap Size Multicolor These are
GUCCI Caramel Python Leather Mini Round Ophidia Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
GUCCI Caramel Python Leather Mini Round Ophidia Shoulder Bag Xupes Reference: HB5220 Serial Number
Gucci Soho Chain Tote 18gk1220 Black Python Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Dix hills, NY
" Height: 10" Shoulder strap drop: 11" OVERALL GOOD CONDITION ( 7/10 or B ) Signs of Wear: Exterior
Sold
Size: 16 H x 26 W x 7.5 D cm
1stdibs Exclusive Gucci GG Marmont Shoulder Bag Braided Wicker & Python Trim
By Gucci
Located in Sydney, New South Wales
1stdibs Exclusives From Three Over Six Brand: Gucci Style: Marmont Size: 16 H x 26 W x 7.5 D cm
Gucci Green nude tone Python Skin Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Capri, IT
Gucci Green nude tone Python Skin Shoulder Bag Gold tone G logo Totally made in italy total
GUCCI army green PYTHON GREENWICH Hobo Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Zürich, CH
Gucci 'Greenwich' shoulder bag in rifle green leather and olive green snakeskin. Lined in oatmeal
GUCCI dark brown PYTHON INDY LARGE Hobo Bag
By Gucci
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Gucci Indy hobo in dark brown python skin is a striking blend of exotic luxury
Tom Ford for Gucci Large Iridescent Python Jackie Hobo Bag circa 1990s
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Tom Ford for Gucci Large Iridescent Python Jackie Hobo Bag from the circa 1990s is a stunning
Sold
H 9 in W 9.5 in D 8.5 in
S/S 1996 Gucci by Tom Ford Kate Moss Burgundy Python Bamboo Crossbody Bag Runway
By Gucci, Tom Ford
Located in West Hollywood, CA
TheRealList presents: a fabulous burgundy python skin two-way Gucci bag, designed by Tom Ford. This
NEW Exotic XL Gucci Black Python Skin Tote Shoulder Bag with Gucci Crest Logo
By Gucci
Located in Switzerland, CH
Stunning Gucci Python Skin Handbag XL size Made of finest exotic python skin Treated in a very
New Gucci Nouveau Python Fringe Bamboo Runway Bag in Red $3100
By Gucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Gucci Brand New With Tags $3100 A Rare Find New Stunning Plum Python Gucci Shoulder Bag Red Python
Gucci Britt Shoulder Bag Python
By Gucci
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Gucci Britt Shoulder Bag Python showcases the brand's classic design with subtle
Gucci Arli Shoulder Bag Python Small
By Gucci
Located in NY, NY
This Gucci Arli Shoulder Bag Python Small, crafted from genuine red python, features an adjustable
Gucci Pelham Shoulder Bag Python Medium
By Gucci
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Gucci Pelham Shoulder Bag Python Medium is perfect for any casual or sophisticated
Gucci Zumi Shoulder Bag Python Mini
By Gucci
Located in NY, NY
Model: Zumi Shoulder Bag Python Mini Exterior Material: Python Exterior Color: Brown Interior Material
Gucci Soho Shoulder Bag Python Large
By Gucci
Located in NY, NY
: Gucci Model: Soho Shoulder Bag Python Large Exterior Material: Python, Exotic Exterior Color: Multicolor
Gucci Padlock Shoulder Bag Python Small
By Gucci
Located in NY, NY
" Designer: Gucci Model: Padlock Shoulder Bag Python Small Exterior Material: Python, Exotic Exterior Color
Gucci Pelham Shoulder Bag Python Medium
By Gucci
Located in NY, NY
Drop 8", Height 12", Width 19", Depth 5" Designer: Gucci Model: Pelham Shoulder Bag Python Medium
Gucci Osiride Shoulder Bag Python Small
By Gucci
Located in NY, NY
: Osiride Shoulder Bag Python Small Exterior Material: Exotic, Python Exterior Color: Brown Interior
GUCCI -1973 Python Metallic Brown Python / Gold Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in Sanford, FL
Gucci - Excellent - 1973 Python Metallic Accent Shoulder - Brown - Handbag Description Fall
Gucci Padlock Shoulder Bag Python Small
By Gucci
Located in NY, NY
This Gucci Padlock Shoulder Bag Python Small, crafted in genuine multicolor python, features chain
Gucci Pelham Shoulder Bag Python Medium
By Gucci
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Gucci Pelham Shoulder Bag Python Medium is a stylish bag perfect for everyday use
Gucci Padlock Shoulder Bag Python Small
By Gucci
Located in NY, NY
" Designer: Gucci Model: Padlock Shoulder Bag Python Small Exterior Material: Python, Exotic Exterior Color
Gucci Zumi Shoulder Bag Python Mini
By Gucci
Located in NY, NY
1.5", Strap Drop 20" Designer: Gucci Model: Zumi Shoulder Bag Python Mini Exterior Material: Python
Gucci Osiride Shoulder Bag Python Small
By Gucci
Located in NY, NY
: Height 6", Width 7.5", Depth 2", Strap Drop 16-19" Designer: Gucci Model: Osiride Shoulder Bag Python
Gucci Jackie Original Shoulder Bag Python Medium
By Gucci
Located in NY, NY
This Gucci Jackie Original Shoulder Bag Python Medium, crafted from genuine yellow python, features
Gucci Jackie Original Shoulder Bag Python Medium
By Gucci
Located in NY, NY
This Gucci Jackie Original Shoulder Bag Python Medium, crafted from genuine yellow python, features
Gucci Jackie Vintage Camel Python Leather Rare
By Gucci
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Gucci Jackie Vintage Camel Python Leather Rare These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. CONDITION: VERY GOOD This preloved Gucci item is in very good condi...
$24,000Sale Price|20% Off
H 7.88 in W 2.96 in L 9.06 in
Very Rare 1990s Chanel Coco Mark Black Patent Vanity Heart Bag
By Chanel
Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta
Collector’s item chanel vintage heart vanity in black patent with gold hardware. Original condition. No touch ups or recoloring. Slight cloudiness to the patent surface due to storag...
Versace SS 2005 Madonna Ad Campaign Backless Silk Dress
By Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous light yellow stretch silk dress as featured in Versace's notable 2005 ad campaign. It has a shirt collar, fold up elbow length sleeves with functional tabs, 2 chest flap p...
CHANEL black grained leather CLASSIC 11.12 MEDIUM Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel Classic 11.12 Medium double flap bag in black grained calfskin Caviar leather epitomizes timeless elegance. Accented with silver-tone hardware, it features...
Hermes Sunset Rainbow Sellier Birkin 35 Rare Limited Edition Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare, limited edition Hermes 35 Birkin Sellier bag featured in Sunset Rainbow. This exquisite bag is a collectors treasures and very rare to market in new, never...
CHANEL black leather 2022 22C DUBAI BEECHWOOD VANITY Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel Small Vanity bag in beige beechwood with black leather trims and antique gold-tone hardware. Rare limited edition. Opens with a logo clasp closure and is lined ...
Vintage Gucci F/W 2004 Green Velvet Dragon Clutch
By Gucci
Located in London, GB
Gucci by Tom Ford Fall Winter 2004 green velvet clutch. Features embellished dragon centre with pearl centre, green leather panel and velvet jacquard body, gold detachable shoulder c...
2000s Burberry Navy Blue Shoulder Bag
By Burberry
Located in Arnhem, NL
Burberry shoulder bag made of blue navy textured leather with gold toned hardware. The interior is lined with black fabric and navy blue leather, and next to the major compartment it...
Versace Silk Cut out Back Dress
By Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful pink silk dress from Versace. It is is a simple sleeveless sheath from the front. The back is exposed from the shoulders to low back with the exception of draping framin...
BADGLEY MISCHKA Vintage Iridescent Lilac Beaded Evening Bag
By Badgley Mischka
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Badgley Mischka Vintage Heavily embellished with sequins, crystals, and beading Iridescent lilac purple with pinks Ornate silver hardware and unique chain Pristine Measurements in in...
Tom Ford for Gucci New Silk Velvet Dress F/W 2001
By Gucci, Tom Ford
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous black silk velvet dress from Gucci as worn in a 2001 ad campaign. It has a square neckline with the center bust highlighted with sheer areas which contrast with the rich v...
$33,232Sale Price|20% Off
H 7.49 in W 3.08 in L 9.26 in
Exceptional Hermès Passe Guide Bag Shiny Ebene Porosus Crocodile Ghw RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
There's the Kelly, the Birkin, the Constance, and the PASSE-GUIDE Bag ...! To me, the most beautiful Purse Ever! Here is a rare opportunity to get an exceptional Authentic Hermès P...
Giorgio Armani Vintage Dress Hand Beaded Fleurette on Tulle Formal Gown 40
By Giorgio Armani
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare and vintage Giorgio Armani gown so divinely exquisite that it can take you from the Red Carpet to the White House. Breathtaking and the epitome of the Giorgi...
Yves Saint Laurent SS 2008 Kate Moss Sz 40 / 8 One Shoulder Silk Rasperry Gown
By Yves Saint Laurent, Stefano Pilati
Located in San Diego, CA
Spectacular and rare YVES SAINT LAURENT, by STEFANO PILATI Documented Spring Summer / Printemps Ete 2008 ad campaign one shoulder raspberry pink silk evening dress! Who could forget ...
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Cotton Off-Shoulders Top F/W 2001 Fr. 34 US 2/4
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Montgomery, TX
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Fall/Winter 2001 Ready-to-Wear Collection Size - France 34 (US - 2,4) Measurements: Length - 24 inches, Bust - 30" and up. because of styl...
UNWORN Rare Gucci by Tom Ford SS 1996 Black Lace Mini Dress Gown 38
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Switzerland, CH
Stunning Gucci by Tom Ford lace dress From his SS 1996 collection for Gucci Finest black lace Fully lined with nude silk Made in Italy Dry Clean Only Size 38 Seen in the AD campaig...
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.