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20thC 'Metafora' Coffee Table By Lella & Massimo Vignelli For Casigliani c.1980
20thC 'Metafora' Coffee Table By Lella & Massimo Vignelli For Casigliani c.1980

20thC 'Metafora' Coffee Table By Lella & Massimo Vignelli For Casigliani c.1980

By Lella & Massimo Vignelli for Casigliani

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

This husband-and-wife couple made important contributions to graphic design and industrial design in the U.S. and Europe during the last half of the 20th century. Whether it is the i...

Category

20th Century Italian Other Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Muller Van Severen x KASSL Edition Rare "Pillow Sofa"
Muller Van Severen x KASSL Edition Rare "Pillow Sofa"

Muller Van Severen x KASSL Edition Rare "Pillow Sofa"

By BD Barcelona Design, Muller Van Severen

Located in Los Angeles, CA

The green, black, and white color released in 2020 was inspired by the iconic KASSL Edition pillow bag. This sofa is fully modular and can be arranged in a number of configurations.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Post-Modern Sectional Sofas

Materials

Cotton, Upholstery, Wood, Coating

Bottega Veneta Padded Cassette Black Leather
Bottega Veneta Padded Cassette Black Leather

Bottega Veneta Padded Cassette Black Leather

By Bottega Veneta

Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR

Boasting an iconic design, this amped-up bag features a padded intrecciato finish for a touch of decadence.

Category

2010s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags

Roberta Balsamo Beige Lizard Snakeskin Bucket Handbag
Roberta Balsamo Beige Lizard Snakeskin Bucket Handbag

Roberta Balsamo Beige Lizard Snakeskin Bucket Handbag

By Roberta Balsamo

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

This standout piece from Roberta Balsamo is truly iconic. This bag was made for my client and is one of a kind.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Novelty Bags

Chanel Jumbo Matte Ombre Alligator Timeless Double Flap
Chanel Jumbo Matte Ombre Alligator Timeless Double Flap

Chanel Jumbo Matte Ombre Alligator Timeless Double Flap

By Chanel

Located in London, GB

Rare Item - Chanel Jumbo Matte Ombre Alligator Timeless Double Flap Bag iconic handbag crafted in Alligator skin and silver hardware.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Shoulder Bags

Bottega Veneta Padded Cassette Burgundy Red Leather
Bottega Veneta Padded Cassette Burgundy Red Leather

Bottega Veneta Padded Cassette Burgundy Red Leather

By Bottega Veneta

Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR

Boasting an iconic design, this amped-up bag features a padded intrecciato finish for a touch of decadence.

Category

2010s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags

Bottega Veneta Jodie Mini Gold Leather Rare
Bottega Veneta Jodie Mini Gold Leather Rare

Bottega Veneta Jodie Mini Gold Leather Rare

By Bottega Veneta

Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR

Its mini size serves as a great everyday bag, while the iconic Intrecciato weave provides a fashionable statement.

Category

2010s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags

FENDI new pink sequins baguette 2024
FENDI new pink sequins baguette 2024

FENDI new pink sequins baguette 2024

By Fendi

Located in Rubiera, RE

FENDI New pink sequins baguette 2024 Iconic medium-sized Baguette bag, finely embroidered all-over with pink sequins in different shapes and sizes for a 3D effect and decorated with ...

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Chanel palazzo trousers
In wool and cashmere
Chanel palazzo trousers
In wool and cashmere

Chanel palazzo trousers In wool and cashmere

Located in Carnate, IT

Leather inserts on the waist. Iconic closure like the bag. The leather insert recalls the stitching of the classic Chanel bags.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pants

Chanel Caviar Quilted Jumbo Double Flap Black
Chanel Caviar Quilted Jumbo Double Flap Black

Chanel Caviar Quilted Jumbo Double Flap Black

By Chanel

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Introducing the Chanel Caviar Quilted Jumbo Double Flap Black Shoulder Bag, an icon of timeless elegance and sophistication.

Category

2010s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags

Chanel Ombre Pink Patent Leather Medium Classic
Chanel Ombre Pink Patent Leather Medium Classic

Chanel Ombre Pink Patent Leather Medium Classic

By Chanel

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

This iconic medium-sized bag features a stunning ombre pink color, making it a standout accessory.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Structured Shoulder Bags

Saint Laurent Lipstick Red and Gold-Tone Chain Crossbody Handbag
Saint Laurent Lipstick Red and Gold-Tone Chain Crossbody Handbag

Saint Laurent Lipstick Red and Gold-Tone Chain Crossbody Handbag

By Saint Laurent

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Made from luxurious leather, the bag features the iconic "YSL" logo prominently displayed on the front flap, adding a touch of glamour.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags

Pink Fourre-Tout Leather Handbag
Pink Fourre-Tout Leather Handbag

Pink Fourre-Tout Leather Handbag

By Bottega Veneta

Located in London, GB

Featuring the brand's iconic intrecciato signature, this tote bag offers both durability and elegance. 

Category

2010s Tote Bags

2008 Hèrmes Birkin 35 Hevercalf Trench Top Handle
2008 Hèrmes Birkin 35 Hevercalf Trench Top Handle

2008 Hèrmes Birkin 35 Hevercalf Trench Top Handle

By Hermès

Located in Torre Del Greco, IT

Iconic Hermès bag, Birkin model size 35, made in Trench-colored Hevercalf leather with silver hardware.

Category

Early 2000s Top Handle Bags

Brass Magazine Holder or Trashcan Wastebasket after Willy Rizzo
Brass Magazine Holder or Trashcan Wastebasket after Willy Rizzo

Brass Magazine Holder or Trashcan Wastebasket after Willy Rizzo

By Gio Ponti

Located in New York, NY

This iconic 'tote bag' piece is lacquered brass plated (no polishing required), with brass hardware, and brass rope handles.

Category

Late 20th Century Modern Decorative Baskets

Materials

Brass

Vintage Chanel Lagerfeld Era Statement Matelassé CC Logo Brooch 1980s
Vintage Chanel Lagerfeld Era Statement Matelassé CC Logo Brooch 1980s

Vintage Chanel Lagerfeld Era Statement Matelassé CC Logo Brooch 1980s

By Chanel

Located in Wilmslow, GB

A Vintage Chanel CC Brooch with the iconic matelassé design. The matelassé, or quilted pattern, is symbolic of the House since February 1955 when Coco Chanel launched her iconic 2.5...

Category

Vintage 1980s French Brooches

Vintage 1994 CHANEL Lucky Charm Leather Chain Necklace Belt
Vintage 1994 CHANEL Lucky Charm Leather Chain Necklace Belt

Vintage 1994 CHANEL Lucky Charm Leather Chain Necklace Belt

By Chanel

Located in Kingersheim, Alsace

Measurements: Charms Height: 1.77 inches (4.5 cm) Total Length: 43.30 inches (110 cm) Adjustable Features: - 100% Authentic CHANEL. - Iconic Chanel leather and chain necklace/ belt ...

Category

1990s French Belts

Hermes 1990s Kelly Watch
Hermes 1990s Kelly Watch

Hermes 1990s Kelly Watch

By Hermès

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Crafted in homage to the iconic Kelly Bag, this watch is not just a timekeeping accessory; it's a piece of Hermès history.

Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

Bottega Veneta Hobo Bag Lambskin leather Dark Navy Medium 47cm
Bottega Veneta Hobo Bag Lambskin leather Dark Navy Medium 47cm

Bottega Veneta Hobo Bag Lambskin leather Dark Navy Medium 47cm

By Bottega Veneta

Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR

Experience ultimate luxury with this Bottega Veneta Hobo Bag Large in lambskin leather. Featuring the iconic Intrecciato weave, this bag offers ample space for all your essentials.

Category

1990s Italian Hobo Bags

Louis Vuitton Satin Monogram Mini Papillon Black
Louis Vuitton Satin Monogram Mini Papillon Black

Louis Vuitton Satin Monogram Mini Papillon Black

By Louis Vuitton

Located in Neguri, Vizcaya

This mini Papillon Accessories Pochette is the shrunken down version of the iconic Papillon bag. This adorable miniature bag is perfect to toss into your tote or to use as an evening...

Category

1990s French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags

1960's Gucci Jackie O Bag
1960's Gucci Jackie O Bag

1960's Gucci Jackie O Bag

Unavailable|$1,200

1960's Gucci Jackie O Bag

By Gucci

Located in New York City, NY

The iconic bag beloved by Jackie O, this 1960's leather Gucci bag carries an aura of timeless style and sophistication.

Category

1960s Italian Handbags and Purses

Paco Rabanne '69 Icon Shiny Gold Aluminum Chain Mail Bag
Paco Rabanne '69 Icon Shiny Gold Aluminum Chain Mail Bag

Paco Rabanne '69 Icon Shiny Gold Aluminum Chain Mail Bag

By Paco Rabanne

Located in New York City, NY

Paco Rabanne's original '69 Icon chain mail bag in shiny gold aluminum (crafted from metal used in lavatories).

Category

1960s Handbags and Purses

1970s Judith Leiber Chocolate Brown Leather Evening Bag
1970s Judith Leiber Chocolate Brown Leather Evening Bag

1970s Judith Leiber Chocolate Brown Leather Evening Bag

Located in New York City, NY

We love the unique shape of this smart leather mini purse by iconic bag designer Judith Leiber. Double clasps allow for both sides to swing open, so unique!

Category

1970s Evening Bags and Minaudières

1960's Gucci Jackie O Bag
1960's Gucci Jackie O Bag

1960's Gucci Jackie O Bag

Unavailable|$1,300

1960's Gucci Jackie O Bag

By Gucci

Located in New York City, NY

The iconic bag beloved by Jackie O, this 1960's leather Gucci bag carries an aura of timeless style and sophistication.

Category

1960s Italian Handbags and Purses

Louis Vuitton Monogram Mirror Keepall Bandouliere 50 Bag
Louis Vuitton Monogram Mirror Keepall Bandouliere 50 Bag

Louis Vuitton Monogram Mirror Keepall Bandouliere 50 Bag

By Louis Vuitton

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

The Louis Vuitton Monogram Mirror Keepall Bandouliere 50 Bag is a striking embodiment of luxury travel. This iconic bag features the classic Louis Vuitton monogram in a reflective mi...

Category

2010s Duffel Bags and Carry-On Bags

EXCEPTIONAL Croc" Paloma" Bag at Loewe Madrid  / EDITION LIMITED
EXCEPTIONAL Croc" Paloma" Bag at Loewe Madrid  / EDITION LIMITED

EXCEPTIONAL Croc" Paloma" Bag at Loewe Madrid / EDITION LIMITED

By Loewe

Located in VERGT, FR

EXCEPTIONAL Paloma Bag at Loewe Madrid Black crocodile leather / hand-worn and hollow arm Gold plated Hadware Dimensions: W 29 X H 20 X D 8 Price of the new bag: about 10.500 € A let...

Category

1990s Unknown Top Handle Bags

Fendi Baguette, 2000s
Fendi Baguette, 2000s

Fendi Baguette, 2000s

Unavailable|$295

Fendi Baguette, 2000s

By Fendi

Located in Rome, IT

Fendi Baguette, 2000s This icon bag by Fendi is made of dark grey leather and silver details. 24W x 13H x 3L cm

Category

Early 2000s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags

2013 - Celine Phantom Luggage Medium Tote Bag in Blue
2013 - Celine Phantom Luggage Medium Tote Bag in Blue

2013 - Celine Phantom Luggage Medium Tote Bag in Blue

By Celine

Located in Westmount, Quebec

Celine's most recognizable and iconic bag, the Phantom Luggage. This piece has metal studs on the bottom to protect itself from daily use and has an easy, open top for easy access ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Tote Bags

Moschino Brown Fudge The Fashionistas Let Them Eat Cake Bag
Moschino Brown Fudge The Fashionistas Let Them Eat Cake Bag

Moschino Brown Fudge The Fashionistas Let Them Eat Cake Bag

By Moschino

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Moschino redwall brown ivory dripping chocolate Ba Be retro cool using this vintage Moschino bag ! This iconic bag has been featured in several fashion books on the Moschino brand.

Category

1990s Italian Top Handle Bags

2013 - Celine Phantom Luggage Medium Tote Bag in Taupe
2013 - Celine Phantom Luggage Medium Tote Bag in Taupe

2013 - Celine Phantom Luggage Medium Tote Bag in Taupe

By Celine

Located in Westmount, Quebec

Celine's most recognizable and iconic bag, the Phantom Luggage. This piece is from the current season, as the colour scheme was updated from Nude to Taupe to fit the changing times a...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Tote Bags

Dior Multicolor Cannage Leather Medium Lady Dior Tote
Dior Multicolor Cannage Leather Medium Lady Dior Tote

Dior Multicolor Cannage Leather Medium Lady Dior Tote

By Christian Dior

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

A timeless status and great design mark the Lady Dior tote. It is an iconic bag that people continue to invest in to this day.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Tote Bags

Dior Dark Blue Cannage Leather Large Lady Dior Tote
Dior Dark Blue Cannage Leather Large Lady Dior Tote

Dior Dark Blue Cannage Leather Large Lady Dior Tote

By Christian Dior

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

A timeless status and great design mark the Lady Dior tote. It is an iconic bag that people continue to invest in to this day.

Category

2010s Tote Bags

Chanel Crossbody Bag / WOC - Lipstick Charm - Rare
Chanel Crossbody Bag / WOC - Lipstick Charm - Rare

Chanel Crossbody Bag / WOC - Lipstick Charm - Rare

By Chanel

Located in Boca Raton, FL

This iconic bag from Chanel Paris was produced in extremely limited release and is no longer available and highly collectible.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags

Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis Leather Limited Edition Sticker Pochette Wristlet
Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis Leather Limited Edition Sticker Pochette Wristlet

Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis Leather Limited Edition Sticker Pochette Wristlet

By Louis Vuitton

Located in Miami, FL

Originally designed to partner with a bucket bag, arbiters of fashion soon declared the Pochette Accessoires to be an iconic bag in its own right.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Clutches

Fendi  Iconic Selleria Peekaboo Bag Leather Mini
Fendi  Iconic Selleria Peekaboo Bag Leather Mini

Fendi Iconic Selleria Peekaboo Bag Leather Mini

By Fendi

Located in NY, NY

Accessories: With Strap Measurements: Height 5.5", Width 9", Depth 3.5" Designer: Fendi Model: Iconic Selleria Peekaboo Bag Leather Mini Exterior Material: Leather Exterior Color: Bl...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags

Iconic Chanel 1999 Wool "Millenium 2005" Bag
Iconic Chanel 1999 Wool "Millenium 2005" Bag

Iconic Chanel 1999 Wool "Millenium 2005" Bag

By Chanel

Located in Paris, FR

Reallyy nice and iconic of a period the bag Millenium fom the 1999 runway fom Chanel.

Category

1990s Shoulder Bags

Paco Rabanne Rare and iconic metal bag.
Paco Rabanne Rare and iconic metal bag.

Paco Rabanne Rare and iconic metal bag.

By Paco Rabanne

Located in Paris, FR

Paco Rabanne Rare and iconic metal bag.In excellent vintage condition, circa 1968.

Category

1960s French Structured Shoulder Bags

Midcentury Modern Floor Lamp in Brass by Carl Moor for Bag Turgi, Switzerland
Midcentury Modern Floor Lamp in Brass by Carl Moor for Bag Turgi, Switzerland

Midcentury Modern Floor Lamp in Brass by Carl Moor for Bag Turgi, Switzerland

By BAG Turgi

Located in Le Grand-Saconnex, CH

The Bag Turgi lamp designed by Carl Moor, is a vintage mid-century modern floor lamp created in the 1950s by the Swiss manufacturer BAG Turgi.

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Brass

GUCCI Black Guccissima Large Icon Bit Hobo Bag
GUCCI Black Guccissima Large Icon Bit Hobo Bag

GUCCI Black Guccissima Large Icon Bit Hobo Bag

By Gucci

Located in Tampa, FL

This is an authentic Gucci bag. Done in beautiful black Guccissima leather, with silver-toned hardware. This bag features horsebit accents, a flat handle and a detachable shoulder st...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Handbags and Purses

Chanel iconic cracked patent leather 2.55 bag, 2006/2008
Chanel iconic cracked patent leather 2.55 bag, 2006/2008

Chanel iconic cracked patent leather 2.55 bag, 2006/2008

By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel

Located in Paris, FR

CHANEL (Made in France) Iconic 2.55 bag in brown/black cracked patent leather, with gilded metal hardware.

Category

Early 2000s French Top Handle Bags

Iconic Judith Leiber Alligator Bag with Jewel Encrusted Frame
Iconic Judith Leiber Alligator Bag with Jewel Encrusted Frame

Iconic Judith Leiber Alligator Bag with Jewel Encrusted Frame

By Judith Leiber

Located in Teaneck, NJ

Spectacular Judith Leiber handbag in black alligator with a jewel encrusted frame. Can be worn as a clutch or shoulder bag.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Evening Bags and Minaudières

1990s Chanel ICONIC CC vintage navy blue drawstring bucket bag
1990s Chanel ICONIC CC vintage navy blue drawstring bucket bag

1990s Chanel ICONIC CC vintage navy blue drawstring bucket bag

Located in Miami, FL

Navy Blue extremely rare color ONLY ONE on the market! Gently used with minor scratches to CC hardware Minimal wear on bottom corner barely noticeable other areas are in excellent ...

Category

20th Century Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags

Chanel 'Vert Emerald' Caviar  Shoulder Bag- Iconic 'CC' Globes - Pristine - Rare
Chanel 'Vert Emerald' Caviar  Shoulder Bag- Iconic 'CC' Globes - Pristine - Rare

Chanel 'Vert Emerald' Caviar Shoulder Bag- Iconic 'CC' Globes - Pristine - Rare

By Chanel

Located in London, GB

This rare colour Chanel shoulder bag is finished in Emerald Green Caviar calf-skin leather, complemented with gold hardware, accented with iconic signature Chanel globes.

Category

Late 20th Century French Structured Shoulder Bags

Chanel Orange & Purple Patent Leather Chain Strap Iconic 'CC' Flap Bag
Chanel Orange & Purple Patent Leather Chain Strap Iconic 'CC' Flap Bag

Chanel Orange & Purple Patent Leather Chain Strap Iconic 'CC' Flap Bag

By Chanel

Located in Chicago, IL

Released circa 2000-2002. Comes in a dust bag. Iconic "Classic" bag re-imagined in a color-block patent leather featuring a flap front with an interlocking 'CC' detail and ...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags

CHANEL Iconic black satin embroidered evening pumps size 8 and matching bag
CHANEL Iconic black satin embroidered evening pumps size 8 and matching bag

CHANEL Iconic black satin embroidered evening pumps size 8 and matching bag

By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel

Located in Newark, DE

CHANEL, by Karl Lagerfeld , Paris, circa fall 1985 Iconic CHANEL black satin evening pumps, the toe embroidered with black tubular beads.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French High Heels

Chanel Vintage Caviar Black Leather Timeless Shopping Tote Bag (1990's) ICONIC
Chanel Vintage Caviar Black Leather Timeless Shopping Tote Bag (1990's) ICONIC

Chanel Vintage Caviar Black Leather Timeless Shopping Tote Bag (1990's) ICONIC

By Chanel

Located in Montreal, Quebec

This Vintage Leather Triple Coco Shopping Bag Tote from the 1990’s is crafted in black leather. Featuring a triple interlocking CC logo embroidered on the front, a gold toned chain i...

Category

1990s Italian Tote Bags

1994 CHANEL Vintage Iconic Coco CC Bag Clover Perfume Angel Shoes Charm Bracelet
1994 CHANEL Vintage Iconic Coco CC Bag Clover Perfume Angel Shoes Charm Bracelet

1994 CHANEL Vintage Iconic Coco CC Bag Clover Perfume Angel Shoes Charm Bracelet

Located in Westmount, Quebec

This is a collectible Chanel vintage charm bracelet. Chanel Iconic classic charm toggle bracelet The charms include Coco perfume bottle, cupid, turtle, shoe, bag, clover and came...

Category

Late 20th Century French Charm Bracelets

Chanel Hidden Icons Flap
Chanel Hidden Icons Flap

Chanel Hidden Icons Flap

Unavailable|$2,825

Chanel Hidden Icons Flap

By Chanel

Located in San Diego, CA

NEW Chanel Limited Edition ‘Hidden Icons’ Flap bag in stunning red will be a sure staple to your Chanel collection!

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Handbags and Purses

Hermes Kelly Danse Rose Dragee Swift Leather with Palladium HDW
Hermes Kelly Danse Rose Dragee Swift Leather with Palladium HDW

Hermes Kelly Danse Rose Dragee Swift Leather with Palladium HDW

By Hermès

Located in New York, NY

The Kelly Danse is quite similar to the Kelly iconic bag, but in the form of a shoulder strap. It comes with a long detachable strap, remove it and hide inside your bag to change int...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Shoulder Bags

Hermes Black Bag, 1940s
Hermes Black Bag, 1940s

Hermes Black Bag, 1940s

Unavailable|$4,700

Hermes Black Bag, 1940s

By Hermès

Located in Litchfield County, CT

Foundational rarer 1940s design, part of the history which led to the current iconic styles. Pre-Kelly bag. The "Kelly" bag, which we still know today became famous in 1956 when Grac...

Category

1950s Top Handle Bags

Louis Vuitton Monogram Drouot Crossbody Bag
Louis Vuitton Monogram Drouot Crossbody Bag

Louis Vuitton Monogram Drouot Crossbody Bag

By Louis Vuitton

Located in Indianapolis, IN

Crafted from the iconic Monogram canvas, the structured bag features a sleek, dome-shaped design that adds a touch of elegance to any outfit.

Category

2010s French Structured Shoulder Bags

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Iconic Bag For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact vintage or contemporary iconic bag you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. If you’re looking for an option in Black and you’re unable to find the right fit, there are plenty of variations in Brown, Beige and more. Finding the perfect iconic bag may mean sifting through those that were made during different time periods — popular versions were made as early as the 20th Century and a newer one, made as recently as the 21st Century, can also be found on the site. Finding an appealing accessory such as this — no matter the origin — is easy, but Versace, Donatella Versace and Chanel each produced a popular version that is worth a look. 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 Iconic Bag?

Prices for an iconic bag can differ depending upon size, designer and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $192 and can go as high as $65,000, while, on average they fetch $1,200.

Finding the Right Handbags-purses-bags 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.

Questions About Iconic Bag
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    While the opinion of the most iconic Louis Vuitton bag is largely contested, one bag has stood the test of time. The Speedy bag, originally made in the 1930s, was designed in response to advances in transportation and was a departure for the fashion house from its usual steamer trunk collection. Shop a variety of vintage and modern Louis Vuitton bags on 1stDibs.