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Jige Elan 29

Hermès Jige Elan 29 Epsom Black Leather Clutch
Hermès Jige Elan 29 Epsom Black Leather Clutch

Hermès Jige Elan 29 Epsom Black Leather Clutch

By Hermès

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Hermès Jige Elan 29 Epsom Black Leather Clutch A refined example from the 2019 Collection, the Hermès Jige Elan 29 is rendered in supple black Epsom leather and distinguished by the...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Clutches

Hermès Swift Jige Elan 29 Clutch Etoupe
Hermès Swift Jige Elan 29 Clutch Etoupe

Hermès Swift Jige Elan 29 Clutch Etoupe

By Hermès

Located in West Hollywood, CA

This Hermès Swift Jige Elan 29 Clutch in Etoupe features softly grained calfskin leather in grey.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches

Hermès Jige Elan 29 Clutch Rose Confetti
Hermès Jige Elan 29 Clutch Rose Confetti

Hermès Jige Elan 29 Clutch Rose Confetti

By Hermès

Located in West Hollywood, CA

This Hermès Jige Elan 29 Clutch in rose confetti is crafted of luxurious epsom leather.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Evening Bags and Minaudières

Hermès Jige Elan 29 Clutch in Swift Red Leather
Hermès Jige Elan 29 Clutch in Swift Red Leather

Hermès Jige Elan 29 Clutch in Swift Red Leather

By Hermès

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Hermès Jige Elan 29 Clutch in Swift Red Leather 2019 Collection Crafted in supple Swift leather of a vivid red hue, this elegant Hermès Jige Elan 29 features the iconic H-logo, wi...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Clutches

Hermès Mimosa Veau Doblis & Craie Swift Jige Elan 29
Hermès Mimosa Veau Doblis & Craie Swift Jige Elan 29

Hermès Mimosa Veau Doblis & Craie Swift Jige Elan 29

Located in New York, NY

Listing Title: Hermès Mimosa Veau Doblis & Craie Swift Jige Elan 29 SKU: 156642 Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Excellent Condition Comments: Excellent Condition.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Clutches

Hermès Vintage Shiny Niloticus Crocodile Jige Elan 29 Clutch
Hermès Vintage Shiny Niloticus Crocodile Jige Elan 29 Clutch

Hermès Vintage Shiny Niloticus Crocodile Jige Elan 29 Clutch

By Hermès

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

This vintage Hermes Shiny Niloticus Crocodile Jige Elan 29 Clutch is the most elegant way to organize your essentials like your bills, currency, credit cards and is great for nights ...

Category

Early 2000s French Clutches

Hermes Rouge Braise Lizard Leather & Silk Jige Elan 29
Hermes Rouge Braise Lizard Leather & Silk Jige Elan 29

Hermes Rouge Braise Lizard Leather & Silk Jige Elan 29

By Hermès

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

Hermès Rouge Braise Lizard Leather & Silk Jige Elan 29 Product Details Xupes Ref: HB4154 Brand: Hermès Model: Jige Elan 29 Type: Clutch Serial Number: [O] Age: 2011 Colour: Roug...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches

Hermès 2020 Rose Texas Evercolour Leather Jige Elan 29 Women's Clutch
Hermès 2020 Rose Texas Evercolour Leather Jige Elan 29 Women's Clutch

Hermès 2020 Rose Texas Evercolour Leather Jige Elan 29 Women's Clutch

By Hermès

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

Hermès Rose Texas Evercolour Leather Jige Elan 29 Product Details Xupes Ref: HB5984 Brand: Hermès Model: Jige Elan 29 Type: Clutch Serial Number: Y Age: 2020 RRP: £3,360 Accompanied...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches

Hermes Jige Elan 29 Clutch Swift Lime Green Leather
Hermes Jige Elan 29 Clutch Swift Lime Green Leather

Hermes Jige Elan 29 Clutch Swift Lime Green Leather

By Hermès

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Hermès Lime Green Swift Leather Jige Élan Clutch A striking statement of understated elegance, this Hermès Jige Élan Clutch is rendered in vibrant lime green Swift leather—renowned ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Clutches

Hermès Jige Elan 29 Craie Lime Swift Leather Clutch for Women, 2022
Hermès Jige Elan 29 Craie Lime Swift Leather Clutch for Women, 2022

Hermès Jige Elan 29 Craie Lime Swift Leather Clutch for Women, 2022

By Hermès

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

THE STORY BEHIND: A wedding gift from Jean Guerrand, Émile Hermès’ son-in-law, to one of his future daughters-in-law, this day-to-night clutch has a full-grained leather H heart. Nam...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches

Hermès Jige Elan Black Swift
Hermès Jige Elan Black Swift

Hermès Jige Elan Black Swift

By Hermès

Located in West Hollywood, CA

This Hermès Swift Jige Elan 29 Clutch in black features swift calfskin leather in black.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches

Hermès Black Swift Lizard Jige Elan Touch 29
Hermès Black Swift Lizard Jige Elan Touch 29

Hermès Black Swift Lizard Jige Elan Touch 29

By Hermès

Located in New York, NY

Listing Title: Hermès Black Swift Lizard Jige Elan Touch 29 SKU: Z149958 Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Excellent Condition Comments: Item is in excellent condition and dis...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Clutches

Hermès Jige Elan Leather Clutch Night Blue 29
Hermès Jige Elan Leather Clutch Night Blue 29

Hermès Jige Elan Leather Clutch Night Blue 29

By Hermès

Located in Palm Beach, FL

This sumptuous night blue leather clutch includes a flap and strap that cross over and tuck beneath the "H" emblem. Its inside is lined with night blue leather and can accommodate yo...

Category

2010s French Clutches

Hermès Jige Elan Swift Ombre Lizard
Hermès Jige Elan Swift Ombre Lizard

Hermès Jige Elan Swift Ombre Lizard

By Hermès

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Hermès black leather 2020 Noir Swift Ombre Varanus Salvator Lizard Jige Elan Touch 29 clutch bag. The date stamp shows a D.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Clutches

Recent Sales

Hermes Jige Clutch Craie Swift 29 cm
Hermes Jige Clutch Craie Swift 29 cm

Hermes Jige Clutch Craie Swift 29 cm

By Hermès

Located in London, GB

BNIB Jige Elan 29 cm made in craie swift leather. This authentic clutch comes with dust bag in box with ribbon.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches

Hermes Jige Rouge Vermillon Swift
Hermes Jige Rouge Vermillon Swift

Hermes Jige Rouge Vermillon Swift

By Hermès

Located in London, GB

BNIB Jige Elan 29 cm made in rouge vermillon swift leather.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches

Hermès Black Swift  Jige Elan 29
Hermès Black Swift  Jige Elan 29

Hermès Black Swift Jige Elan 29

Sold

H 6 in D 1 in L 11.4 in

Hermès Black Swift Jige Elan 29

By Hermès

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Hermès Black Swift Calfskin Jige Elan 29- New; never carried The penultimate clutch for any occasion, it is a must have for any sophisticated wardrobe.

Category

2010s French Clutches

Hermès Gold Epsom Leather Jige Elan 29
Hermès Gold Epsom Leather Jige Elan 29

Hermès Gold Epsom Leather Jige Elan 29

Sold

H 5.91 in W 11.42 in D 1.19 in

Hermès Gold Epsom Leather Jige Elan 29

By Hermès

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

Hermès Gold Epsom Leather Jige Elan 29 Model- Jige Elan 29 Product Type- Clutch Serial Number- * Age- Circa 2020 Accompanied By- Hermès Dust Bag, Box, Protective Felt, Care Booklet,...

Category

2010s French Clutches

Hermès Rouge Swift Jige Elan 29 Clutch
Hermès Rouge Swift Jige Elan 29 Clutch

Hermès Rouge Swift Jige Elan 29 Clutch

Sold

H 6 in D 1 in L 11.4 in

Hermès Rouge Swift Jige Elan 29 Clutch

By Hermès

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Hermès Red Swift Jige Elan 29- NEW; Never Carried The penultimate clutch for any occasion, it is a must have for any sophisticated wardrobe.

Category

2010s French Clutches

Hermès Turquoise Chévre Jige Elan 29
Hermès Turquoise Chévre Jige Elan 29

Hermès Turquoise Chévre Jige Elan 29

By Hermès

Located in New York, NY

Listing Title: Hermès Turquoise Chévre Jige Elan 29 SKU: 121376 Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Very Good Condition Comments: Very Good Condition.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Clutches

Hermès Blue Jean Swift Leather Jige Elan 29
Hermès Blue Jean Swift Leather Jige Elan 29

Hermès Blue Jean Swift Leather Jige Elan 29

Sold

H 5.91 in W 11.42 in D 0.4 in

Hermès Blue Jean Swift Leather Jige Elan 29

By Hermès

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

Hermès Blue Jean Swift Leather Jige Elan 29 CONDITION NOTES The exterior is in excellent condition with minimal signs of use.

Category

2010s French Clutches

Hermès Black Shiny Mississippiensis Alligator Leather Jige Elan 29
Hermès Black Shiny Mississippiensis Alligator Leather Jige Elan 29

Hermès Black Shiny Mississippiensis Alligator Leather Jige Elan 29

By Hermès

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

Hermès Black Shiny Mississippiensis Alligator Leather Jige Elan 29 Brand- Hermès Model- Jige Elan 29 Product Type- Clutch Serial Number- * Age- Circa 2018 Accompanied By- Hermès Dus...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches

2013 Hermes Flamingo Epsom Leather Jige Elan 29
2013 Hermes Flamingo Epsom Leather Jige Elan 29

2013 Hermes Flamingo Epsom Leather Jige Elan 29

Sold

H 5.91 in W 11.42 in D 1.19 in

2013 Hermes Flamingo Epsom Leather Jige Elan 29

By Hermès

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

HERMÈS Flamingo Epsom Leather Jige Elan 29 This HERMÈS Jige Elan 29 is in Excellent Pre-Owned Condition accompanied by Hermes Dust Bag, Box, Care Card.

Category

2010s French Clutches

Hermès Black Swift Leather & Niloticus Lizard Leather Jige Elan 29
Hermès Black Swift Leather & Niloticus Lizard Leather Jige Elan 29

Hermès Black Swift Leather & Niloticus Lizard Leather Jige Elan 29

By Hermès

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

Hermès Black Swift Leather & Niloticus Lizard Leather Jige Elan 29 CONDITION NOTES The exterior is in excellent condition with light signs of use throughout.

Category

2010s French Clutches

Hermès Anemone Evercolour Leather Jige Elan 29
Hermès Anemone Evercolour Leather Jige Elan 29

Hermès Anemone Evercolour Leather Jige Elan 29

Sold

H 5.91 in W 11.42 in D 0.4 in

Hermès Anemone Evercolour Leather Jige Elan 29

By Hermès

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

Hermès Anemone Evercolour Leather Jige Elan 29 Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1331 Brand: Hermès Model: Jige Elan 29 Type: Clutch Serial Number: D Age: 2019 Accompanied By: Hermès Dus...

Category

2010s French Clutches

HERMÈS Etain Swift Leather Jige Elan 29
HERMÈS Etain Swift Leather Jige Elan 29

HERMÈS Etain Swift Leather Jige Elan 29

Sold

H 5.91 in W 11.42 in D 0.4 in

HERMÈS Etain Swift Leather Jige Elan 29

By Hermès

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

HERMÈS Etain Swift Leather Jige Elan 29 Xupes Reference: HB5119 Serial Number: X Age (Circa): 2016 Accompanied By: Hermès Dust Bag, Box, Care Booklet Authenticity Details: Date Stam...

Category

2010s French Clutches

HERMES Jige Elan 29 blue taupe H logo swift leather loop through clutch bag
HERMES Jige Elan 29 blue taupe H logo swift leather loop through clutch bag

HERMES Jige Elan 29 blue taupe H logo swift leather loop through clutch bag

By Hermès

Located in Hong Kong, NT

HERMES Jige Elan 29 blue taupe H logo swift leather loop through clutch bag Reference: AAWC/A00943 Brand: Hermes Model: Jige Elan 29 Material: Leather Color: Blue, Brown Pattern: Sol...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Evening Bags and Minaudières

Hermès Jige Elan 29 Red Epsom Leather Clutch
Hermès Jige Elan 29 Red Epsom Leather Clutch

Hermès Jige Elan 29 Red Epsom Leather Clutch

By Hermès

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

This gorgeous Hermès Jige Elan 29 Red Epsom Leather Clutch is the most elegant way to organize your essentials like your cash, currency, credit cards and is great for a night out.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Evening Bags and Minaudières

2017 Hermes Blue Colvert Swift Leather Jige Elan 29
2017 Hermes Blue Colvert Swift Leather Jige Elan 29

2017 Hermes Blue Colvert Swift Leather Jige Elan 29

By Hermès

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

HERMÈS Blue Colvert Swift Leather Jige Elan 29 Reference: HB2515 Serial Number: A Age (Circa): 2017 Accompanied By: Hermès Dust Bag, Box, Protective Felt, Care Booklet, Invoice Auth...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Clutches

2015 Hermes Blue Celeste Swift Leather Jige Elan 29
2015 Hermes Blue Celeste Swift Leather Jige Elan 29

2015 Hermes Blue Celeste Swift Leather Jige Elan 29

By Hermès

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

"HERMÈS Blue Celeste Swift Leather Jige Elan 29 Reference: HB2492 Serial Number: X Age (Circa): 2015 Accompanied By: Hermès Dust Bag Authenticity Details: Date Stamp (Made in France...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches

2015 Hermès Blue Celeste Swift Leather Jige Elan 29
2015 Hermès Blue Celeste Swift Leather Jige Elan 29

2015 Hermès Blue Celeste Swift Leather Jige Elan 29

By Hermès

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

HERMÈS Blue Celeste Swift Leather Jige Elan 29 Reference: HB2492 Serial Number: X Age (Circa): 2015 Accompanied By: Hermès Dust Bag Authenticity Details: Date Stamp (Made in France)...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches

HERMÈS Natural Sable Swift Leather Jige Elan 29
HERMÈS Natural Sable Swift Leather Jige Elan 29

HERMÈS Natural Sable Swift Leather Jige Elan 29

By Hermès

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

HERMÈS Natural Sable Swift Leather Jige Elan 29 Xupes Reference: HB4716 Serial Number: X Age (Circa): 2016 Accompanied By: Hermès Dust Bag Authenticity Details: Date Stamp (Made in ...

Category

2010s French Clutches

Hermès Black Quilted Swift Leather Jige Elan 29
Hermès Black Quilted Swift Leather Jige Elan 29

Hermès Black Quilted Swift Leather Jige Elan 29

By Hermès

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

HERMÈS Black Quilted Swift Leather Jige Elan 29 Xupes Reference: HB3364 Serial Number: T Age (Circa): 2015 Authenticity Details: Date Stamp (Made in France) Gender: Ladies Type: Clu...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches

2015 Hermès Glycine Evercolour Leather Jige Elan 29
2015 Hermès Glycine Evercolour Leather Jige Elan 29

2015 Hermès Glycine Evercolour Leather Jige Elan 29

By Hermès

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

HERMÈS Glycine Evercolour Leather Jige Elan 29 Xupes Reference: HB2997 Serial Number: T Age (Circa): 2015 Accompanied By: Hermès Dust Bag, Care Booklet Authenticity Details: Date St...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches

HERMÈS Black Niloticus Crocodile Leather Jige Elan 29
HERMÈS Black Niloticus Crocodile Leather Jige Elan 29

HERMÈS Black Niloticus Crocodile Leather Jige Elan 29

By Hermès

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

HERMÈS Black Niloticus Crocodile Leather Jige Elan 29 Serial Number: X Age (Circa): 2016 Accompanied By: Hermès Dust Bag Authenticity Details: Date Stamp (Made in France) Gender: La...

Category

2010s French Clutches

2015 Hermès Glycine Evercolour Leather Jige Elan 29
2015 Hermès Glycine Evercolour Leather Jige Elan 29

2015 Hermès Glycine Evercolour Leather Jige Elan 29

By Hermès

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

HERMÈS Glycine Evercolour Leather Jige Elan 29 Xupes Reference: HB2997 Serial Number: T Age (Circa): 2015 Accompanied By: Hermès Dust Bag, Care Booklet Authenticity Details: Date St...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches

Hermes 2018 Magnolia Pink Swift Leather Jige Elan 29 H Clutch Bag
Hermes 2018 Magnolia Pink Swift Leather Jige Elan 29 H Clutch Bag

Hermes 2018 Magnolia Pink Swift Leather Jige Elan 29 H Clutch Bag

By Hermès

Located in New York, NY

Hermes Magnolia Swift Leather Jige Elan 29 Clutch Made In: France Year of Production: 2018 Color: Magnolia pink Hardware: None Materials: Swift leather Lining: Leather Closure/openi...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches

Hermès Jige Elan 29 Noir Swift Leather Clutch Bag
Hermès Jige Elan 29 Noir Swift Leather Clutch Bag

Hermès Jige Elan 29 Noir Swift Leather Clutch Bag

By Hermès

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

This gorgeous Hermès Jige Elan 29 Noir Swift Leather Clutch is the most elegant way to organize your essentials like your cash, currency, credit cards and is great for a night out.

Category

2010s French Clutches

2010 Hermes Blue Aztec Lambskin & Brighton Blue Lizard Jige Elan 29
2010 Hermes Blue Aztec Lambskin & Brighton Blue Lizard Jige Elan 29

2010 Hermes Blue Aztec Lambskin & Brighton Blue Lizard Jige Elan 29

By Hermès

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

HERMÈS Blue Aztec Lambskin & Brighton Blue Lizard Jige Elan 29 This HERMÈS Jige Elan 29 is in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition accompanied by Hermes Dust Bag, Box, Care Card.

Category

2010s French Clutches

Hermes Black Leather Swift Jige Elan 29 Evening Bag Clutch
Hermes Black Leather Swift Jige Elan 29 Evening Bag Clutch

Hermes Black Leather Swift Jige Elan 29 Evening Bag Clutch

By Hermès

Located in Salt Lake Cty, UT

Authentic, pre-loved Hermes Swift Jige Elan 29 Clutch in black. The clutch bag features swift calfskin leather in black.

Category

2010s Clutches

2013 Hermes Rouge Garance Epsom Leather Jige Elan 29
2013 Hermes Rouge Garance Epsom Leather Jige Elan 29

2013 Hermes Rouge Garance Epsom Leather Jige Elan 29

By Hermès

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

HERMÈS Rouge Garance Epsom Leather Jige Elan 29 Xupes Reference: CB387 Serial Number: [Q] Age (Circa): 2013 Accompanied By: Hermès Dust Bag, Box, Authenticity Details: Date Stamp (M...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches

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Jige Elan 29 For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the vintage or contemporary jige elan 29 you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Black is a pretty popular color, but we also have Blue, Brown, Pink and more in stock now. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking these accessories, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a Jige Elan 29?

The price for a jige elan 29 starts at $780 and tops out at $27,473, and on average, selling for $3,360.

Hermès for sale on 1stDibs

For Hermès, what began as a maker of leather equestrian goods for European noblemen would eventually grow into one of the most storied fashion labels in the world. In 1837, German-born French entrepreneur Thierry Hermès opened a saddle and harness purveyor in Paris. Gradually, the house extended into accessories and luggage for its riders, and today, in paying homage to its origins, the family-run luxury brand resurfaces horse motifs in everything from clothing and modernist jewelry to pillows and handbags.

The first top-handled bag ever produced by Hermès was the Haut à courroies, which made its debut in 1892. A tall bag secured with a folded leather flap (fastened with bridle-inspired straps), it was designed to transport riding boots and a harness.

As the world made the switch from horse to automobile, the bag adapted, becoming a multifunctional travel satchel instead of a designated saddlebag. Today, 120 years later, the HAC remains in Hermès’s line — and its distinctive flap and clasping straps have laid the groundwork for some of the house’s other iconic bags.

In the 1930s, Robert Dumas (son-in-law to Émile-Maurice Hermès, Thierry’s grandson) designed a smaller, trapezoidal take on the flap bag with a handle and two side straps. Later, actress Grace Kelly, then engaged to Prince Rainier of Monaco, is said to have used one of these bags to conceal her pregnancy during the 1950s. Because she was photographed constantly, the coverage catapulted her handbag to international popularity.

In 1977, Hermès officially renamed the model for her, and the Kelly bag was born. Each Kelly bag takes between 18 and 25 hours to produce, and its 680 hand stitches owe solely to one Hermès artisan.

Robert Dumas was also responsible for another one of the brand’s most iconic offerings: the launch of its first silk scarf on the occasion of Hermès’s 100th anniversary in 1937. Based on a woodblock designed by Dumas and printed on Chinese silk, the accessory was an immediate hit.

Today, vintage Hermès scarves, typically adorned in rich colors and elaborate patterns, serve many functions, just as they did back then. Well-heeled women wear it on their heads, around their necks and, in a genius piece of cross-promotion, tied to the straps of their Hermès bags. Kelly even once used one as a sling for her broken arm.

In 1981, Robert Dumas’s son Jean-Louis Dumas, then Hermès chairman, found himself sitting next to French actress and musician Jane Birkin on a plane, where she was complaining about finding a suitable carryall for the necessary accoutrements of motherhood. After the two travelers were properly introduced, Birkin helped design Jean-Louis’s most famous contribution to the Hermès canon: the Birkin bag, a roomy, square catchall with the HAC’s trademark leather flap top and the addition of a lock and key.

Owing to the brand’s legendary commitment to deft, handcrafted construction, the Birkin is an investment that is coveted by collectors everywhere.

While the Kelly and Birkin may be standouts, gracing the arms of everyone from royal heiresses to hip-hop stars in the past few decades, the handbags are but a small part of Hermès’s fashion offerings.

Since the 1920s, the brand has produced some of the most desirable leather goods in the world. There’s the Constance bag, a favorite of Jacqueline Kennedy, the recently relaunched 1970s-era Evelyne and, on the vintage market, a slew of designs dating back to the 1920s.

Good design never goes out of style. Find a variety of vintage Hermès handbags, day dresses, shoes and more on 1stDibs.

Finding the Right Clutches for You

Vintage and designer clutches are the perfect size to hold exactly what you need. While they’re typically small purses, Chanel clutches, Gucci clutches and other kinds of clutches can make a big impact on an outfit. They also have a fascinating history.

Clutches are handbags without handles that are carried by hand. One of the oldest known clutches was made in Mosul, Iraq, in the 14th century. It was made of brass and inlaid with gold and silver in geometric patterns. Although the loops on the side indicate it likely had handles to wear as a shoulder bag, manuscripts show a similar example being carried by hand.

Fashion designers often made clutches to reflect the wealth of the holder. In Medieval Europe, men and women securely carried items in small bags hidden inside their clothing as tie-on pockets. Women carried their possessions, scented and secreted, in the folds of their voluminous skirts. Pockets eventually became integral to garment design, but bigger sacks were needed to carry books and documents. When women’s clothing became lighter, consisting of fewer layers, it could no longer easily hide their handbags or pockets.

Changes in fashion led to handbags becoming a popular fashion accessory, and today, even as we’re overwhelmed by options from a variety of high-end brands, iconic luxury handbags still rule. The highly decorative bags of the 19th century faded from popularity when women entered the workforce and the clutch became the dominant business accessory. Flappers in the 1920s, clad in the dazzling Art Deco jewelry of the era, also loved the freedom of carrying clutches as they didn’t get in the way of dancing.

The simplicity of the clutch remains stylish today. Once made to be carried on special occasions, they are now an accessory for everyday use. Find a collection of vintage and designer clutches from Dior, Hermès, Louis Vuitton and more on 1stDibs.