Hermès Lindy 34 Coral Clemence PHW
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
This Hermès 34cm Lindy bag, first released in Spring/Summer 2007 show, features two different versions of shoulder straps and two exterior slip pockets. It opens up to a spacious mai...
Hermes Lindy 34 Shoulder Bag in Taurillon Clemence Rouge Pivoine
By Hermès
Located in Toronto, ON
Hermes Lindy 34 Shoulder Bag. Grained taurillon clemence leather with palladium hardware in bright orangish red Rouge Pivoine.
Hermes Lindy 34 Noir Taurillon Clemence Leather Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Kowloon, HK
Color: Noir (designer color) / Black Material: Taurillon Clemence Leather Condition: Rank A Overall: Good, few minor defects Surface: Good Corners: Good Edges: Good Handles/Strap: ...
Hermes Lindy 34 Soleil Yellow Clemence Leather Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Kowloon, HK
Color: Yellow / Soleil (designer color) Material: Clemence Leather Condition: Rank A Overall: Good, few minor defects Surface: Minor Scratches & Stains Corners: Minor Scratches...
Hermes Lindy Bag Clemence 34
By Hermès
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Handle Drop 5", Height 9", Width 13.5", Depth 6", Strap Drop 15" Designer: Hermes Model: Lindy Bag Clemence 34 Exterior Material: Leather Ex...
Hermes Lindy 34 Orange Bag
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Lindy 34 Orange Bag. Clemence leather. Palladium hardware.
Hermes Bag Lindy 34 Rouge Clemence Palladium
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful rich Rouge Hermes Lindy 34 Bag. Carry by hand, or shoulder, and the bag changes it whole look in one move!
2006 Hermes Black Togo Leather Lindy 34
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
HERMES Black Togo Leather Lindy 34 This HERMÈS Lindy 34 is in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition.
Hermès Lindy 34 Gold Clemence Leather Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
If you're in search of a handbag that seamlessly blends iconic design with unrivaled versatility, your quest ends here. The Hermès Lindy 34 Gold Clemence Leather Shoulder Bag is the ...
Hermès Lindy Hand Bag 2 ways Light Brown Swift Leather PHW 34 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Beautiful Authentic Hermès Bag "LINDY" Can be carried both Hand or Shoulder Made in France Stamp M in a square (2009) Made of Swift Leather and Palladium Plated Hardware (Silver...
Hermes Etoupe Swift Palladium Lindy Bag 34cm
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes Lindy bag 34 cm in troupe swift leather and palladium hardware.
Hermès Lindy 34 Bubblegum
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
All plastics on hardware are still sealed. This Lindy 34 has a Sales number under Made In France.
Hermes Black Clemence Lindy 34 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta
Classic lindy 34 in black Clemence leather with palladium hardware.
2007 Hermes Gold Clemence Lindy 34 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta
Classic lindy 34 in gold clemence with palladium hardware.
Hermes Gris Tourtelle Clemence Lindy 34 Bag
Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta
Classic hermes lindy 34 bag in gris tourtelle clemence leather with palladium hardware.
2012 Hermes Blue Ciel Clemence Lindy 34 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta
Classic Lindy 34 in blue ciel clemence with gold hardware.
Hermes Red Taurillon Clemence Leather Lindy 34 Shoulder Bag
Located in Irvine, CA
Hermes Red Taurillon Clemence Leather Lindy 34 Shoulder Bag with leather, gold-tone hardware, trim leather, shoulder strap and zipper closure. 51326MSC
2008 Hermes Gold Clemence Leather Lindy 34 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta
Classic lindy 34 in gold clemence with palladium hardware.
Hermes Red Taurillon Clemence Leather Lindy 34 Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Irvine, CA
Hermes Red Taurillon Clemence Leather Lindy 34 Shoulder Bag with leather, gold-tone hardware, trim leather, shoulder strap and zipper closure. 51326MSC
Hermès Orange Togo Leather Palladium Finish Lindy 34 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
An example of exemplary craftsmanship, the Hermès Lindy 34 bag sweetly embodies ladylike elegance!
Hermes Chocolate Swift Leather Palladium Finish Lindy 34 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Here we have a fashion-meets-functionality piece crafted with precision. The Hermes Lindy 34 has been equipped with a well-sized interior that can easily fit your essentials.
Sold
H 9.06 in W 6.7 in L 13.39 in
Hermes Tabac Taurillion Clemence Leather Palladium Finish Lindy Lindy 34 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
An example of exemplary craftsmanship, the Hermès Lindy 34 bag sweetly embodies ladylike elegance!
Sold
H 9.06 in W 6.7 in L 13.39 in
Hermès Gris Tourterelle Taurillion Clemence Leather Palladium Finish Lindy 34
By Hermès
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
An example of exemplary craftsmanship, the Hermès Lindy 34 bag sweetly embodies ladylike elegance!
Hermes Lindy 34 Blue Jean Taurillon Clemence Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Company: Hermes Style : Shoulder Bag Materials: Blue Jean Taurillon Clemence Leather Handles: Stiff Taurillon Clemence Leather Handles; Drop 13" Measurements: 13.3" x 6.5" x 9" ...
Hermes RARE ROSE DRAGEE Lindy 34
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
We have this gem on offer in the spectacular super light pink 'rose dragee' made of butter soft swift leather and finished with palladium hardware. Never used. Like new. All plastic ...
Hermes Electric Bleu Togo Leather Lindy 34 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
The Hermes Lindy was first designed in 2006 and it is recognized worldwide for its relaxed design. A creation of excellent craftsmanship, the Lindy sweetly embodies ladylike elegance...
Hermes Brown Taurillon Clemence Leather Lindy 34 Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Irvine, CA
Brown Taurillon Clemence leather Hermes Lindy shoulder bag with leather, palladium plated hardware, trim leather, shoulder strap and zipper closure. 51327MSC
Hermes Brown Taurillon Clemence Leather Lindy 34 Shoulder Bag
Located in Irvine, CA
Brown Taurillon Clemence leather Hermes Lindy shoulder bag with leather, palladium plated hardware, trim leather, shoulder strap and zipper closure. 51327MSC
Hermes Rubis Clemence Leather Palladium Hardware Lindy 34 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
The Hermes Lindy was first designed in 2006 and it is recognized worldwide for its relaxed design. A creation of exemplary craftsmanship, the Lindy sweetly embodies ladylike elegance...
Hermes Orange Clemence Leather Palladium Hardware Lindy 34 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
The Hermes Lindy was first designed in 2006 and it is recognized worldwide for its relaxed design. A creation of exemplary craftsmanship, the Lindy sweetly embodies ladylike elegance...
Hermes Cacao Togo Leather Palladium Hardware Lindy 34 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
The Hermes Lindy was first designed in 2006 and it is recognized worldwide for its relaxed design. A creation of exemplary craftsmanship, the Lindy sweetly embodies ladylike elegance...
Hermes Etoupe Togo Leather Palladium Finish Lindy 34 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
The Hermes Lindy was first designed in 2006 and it is recognized worldwide for its relaxed design. A creation of exemplary craftsmanship, the Lindy sweetly embodies ladylike elegance...
Hermes Lindy 34 Bleu Jean Clemence Leather Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Kowloon, HK
Color: Blue / Bleu Jean ( Designer Color ) Material: Clemence Leather Condition: Rank B Overall: Fair. Few defects Surface: Good Corners: Obvious Scratches Edges: Minor Scratches H...
Sold
H 8.27 in W 6.7 in L 13.39 in
Hermes Gold Taurillon Clemence Leather Palladium Finished Lindy 34 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
The Hermes Lindy was first designed in 2006 and it is recognized worldwide for its relaxed design. A creation of excellent craftsmanship, the Lindy sweetly embodies ladylike elegance...
Sold
H 8.27 in W 6.7 in L 13.39 in
Hermes Black Taurillon Clemence Leather Palladium Hardware Lindy 34 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
The Hermes Lindy was first designed in 2006 and it is recognized worldwide for its relaxed design. A creation of exemplary craftsmanship, the Lindy sweetly embodies ladylike elegance...
Hermes Rouge Vif Clemence Leather Gold Hardware Lindy 34 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
The Hermes Lindy was first designed in 2006 and it is recognized worldwide for its relaxed design. A creation of exemplary craftsmanship, the Lindy sweetly embodies ladylike elegance...
Sold
H 8.27 in W 6.7 in L 13.39 in
Hermes Tosca Taurillon Clemence Leather Palladium Finished Lindy 34 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
The Hermes Lindy was first designed in 2006 and it is recognized worldwide for its relaxed design. A creation of exemplary craftsmanship, the Lindy sweetly embodies ladylike elegance...
Hermes Rouge Vif Clemence Leather Gold Hardware Lindy 34 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
The Hermes Lindy was first designed in 2006 and it is recognized worldwide for its relaxed design. A creation of exemplary craftsmanship, the Lindy sweetly embodies ladylike elegance...
Hermes Lindy 34 Bleu Jean Blue Clemence Leather Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Kowloon, HK
Color: Blue / Bleu Jean (designer color) Material: Clemence Leather Condition: Rank B Overall: Fair, few defects. Surface: Minor Stains Corners: Obvious Scratches & Stains ...
Hermes Lindy 34 Rouge Pivoine Taurillon Clemence Leather SHW SHoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in Kowloon, HK
Color: Light Red / Rouge Pivoine (designer color) Material: Taurillon Clemence Leather Condition: Rank B Overall: Fair. Few defects Surface:Minor Stains Corners:Minor Stains Edges...
Hermès White Taurillion Togo Leather Palladium Finish Lindy 34 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Hermès handbags are known for their unique designs that emanate the labels elegant flair and the labels immaculate craftsmanship makes their creations last season after season. Here ...
Lindy Bag Clemence 34
By Hermès
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Dust Bag Measurements: Handle Drop 5", Height 8.5", Width 13", Depth 6", Strap Drop 15" Designer: Hermes Model: Lindy Bag Clemence 34 Exterior Material: Leather Exterior...
Hermes Lindy Clemence 34
By Hermès
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Hermes Lindy Clemence 34 in beautiful soleil yellow clemence leather is the perfect understated accessory for the modern woman.
Hermes Lindy Bag Swift 34
By Hermès
Located in NY, NY
This Hermes Lindy Bag Swift 34, crafted from Havane red swift leather, features dual rolled handles, two side slip pockets, and Palladium-tone hardware.
Hermes Lindy Handbag Clemence 34
By Hermès
Located in NY, NY
This Hermes Lindy Handbag Clemence 34, crafted from Orange Poppy orange Clemence leather, features dual rolled handles with a connecting long strap, two side slip pockets, protective...
Hermes Lindy Handbag Swift 34
By Hermès
Located in NY, NY
This Hermes Lindy Handbag Swift 34, crafted from Malachite Evercolor leather, features dual rolled handles, two side slip pockets, and palladium-tone hardware.
Hermes Lindy Handbag Clemence 34
By Hermès
Located in NY, NY
This Hermes Lindy Handbag Clemence 34, crafted from Mykonos blue Clemence leather, features dual rolled handles with a connecting long strap, two side slip pockets, protective base s...
Hermes Lindy Handbag Clemence 34
By Hermès
Located in NY, NY
This Hermes Lindy Handbag Clemence 34, crafted from Mykonos blue Clemence leather, features dual rolled handles with a connecting long strap, two side slip pockets, protective base s...
Hermes Lindy Handbag Clemence 34
By Hermès
Located in NY, NY
This Hermes Lindy Handbag Clemence 34, crafted from Gris Tourterelle neutral Clemence leather, features dual rolled handles with a connecting long strap, two side slip pockets, prote...
Hermes Lindy Bag Swift 34
By Hermès
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Dust Bag, Lock, Keys Measurements: Handle Drop 5", Height 9", Width 13", Depth 6.5", Strap Drop 15" Designer: Hermes Model: Lindy Bag Swift 34 Exterior Material: Leathe...
Hermes Lindy Bag Clemence 34
By Hermès
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Handle Drop 5.5", Height 9", Width 13", Depth 6", Strap Drop 16" Designer: Hermes Model: Lindy Bag Clemence 34 Exterior Material: Leather ...
Hermes Lindy Bag Clemence 34
By Hermès
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Handle Drop 5", Height 9", Width 13", Depth 6", Strap Drop 15" Designer: Hermes Model: Lindy Bag Clemence 34 Exterior Material: Leather Ex...
Hermes Lindy Handbag Clemence 34
By Hermès
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Hermes Lindy Handbag Clemence 34 is a hard-to-find bag made for Hermes lovers.
Hermes Lindy Handbag Clemence 34
By Hermès
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Hermes Lindy Handbag Clemence 34 is the perfect understated accessory for the modern woman.
Hermes Lindy Handbag Clemence 34
By Hermès
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Hermes Lindy Handbag Clemence 34 is a hard-to-find bag made for Hermes lovers.
Hermes Lindy Handbag Evercolor 34
By Hermès
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Hermes Lindy Handbag Evercolor 34 is the perfect understated accessory for the modern woman.
Hermes Lindy Bag Clemence 34
By Hermès
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Dust Bag Measurements: Handle Drop 5", Height 9", Width 13", Depth 6", Strap Drop 15" Designer: Hermes Model: Lindy Bag Clemence 34 Exterior Material: Leather Exterior C...
Hermes Lindy Bag Clemence 34
By Hermès
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Dust Bag Measurements: Handle Drop 5.5", Height 8.5", Width 13", Depth 6.5", Strap Drop 14" Designer: Hermes Model: Lindy Bag Clemence 34 Exterior Material: Leather Exte...
VAN CEEF & ARPELS Magic Alhambra MOP Onyx 6 Motif Yellow Gold Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels necklace from the iconic Magic Alhambra collection features a 6-motif design of beaded clovers crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with Mother-of-Pea...
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$32,307
H 10.04 in W 13.78 in D 5.12 in
Hermès 2011 SO Black Box Calf Leather Kelly 35cm Retourne Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Black Box Calf Leather SO Black Kelly 35cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1453 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 35cm Type: Top Handle Serial Number: [O] Age: 2011 Accompanie...
Antique Fernch Floral Diamond Platinum Wedding Tiara
Located in Miami, FL
Antique French Floral Design Platinum Diamond Tiara with Detachable Brooch This magnificent French tiara, crafted in luxurious platinum, is a masterpiece of elegance and refinement....
Diamond, Platinum
$91,719
H 9.06 in W 11.82 in D 6.3 in
Hermès Birkin 30 Crocodile Porosus Lisse Cassis Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Berlin, DE
Hermès Birkin 30 in cassis and shiny crocodile porosus leather with palladium hardware. The bag is unworn and comes as full set including the original receipt and Cites. Stamp Y (2020)
Syna Blue Topaz Yellow Gold Ring with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Blue Topaz 7 carats approx. Diamonds 0.04 carat approx. Ring size US 7, can be sized Limited edition About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Draw...
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emilio Jewelry GIA Certified 12.00 Carat Light Pure Pink Diamond Ring
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
From the Museum Vault at Emilio Jewelry New York, Main stone: Gia certified natural 12.00 carat Light Pink diamond with no overtone. Emilio jewelry specializes in creating masterpie...
Pink Diamond
Hermes Birkin 25 Gold Togo Leather Gold Hardware 2025 Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This Birkin is in Gold Togo leather with Gold hardware and features a front flap, two straps, a clochette with lock, and double-rolled handles. The interior is lined with tonal Chèvr...
Hermes Kelly 20 Mini Sellier Rose Scheherazade Alligator Bag Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a Limited Edition Hermes Kelly 20 Sellier bag featured in stunning Rose Scheherazade alligator. Accentuated with crisp with palladium hardware. Timeless and highly ...
Hermes Helium Hac 50 Travel Bag Alezan Togo Aluminum Hardware Very Rare
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare Hermes Helium 50 HAC bag (Haut a Courroies) featured in Alezan togo leather. Limited edition accentuated with Aluminum hardware. Chic and timeless. Th...
Antique Victorian Tiara with Diamond Star - c.1890
Located in London, GB
We are exceptionally delighted to offer this spectacular Victorian diamond star tiara made c.1890. The tiara will come in a fully fitted presentation case as photographed. Upon pond...
Diamond, Gold
Unavailable|$6,500
Hermès Fauve Crocodile Niloticus Lisse Mini Jige Clutch
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Hermès Fauve Crocodile Niloticus Lisse Mini Jige Clutch SKU: Z137990 Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Very Good Condition Comments: Item is in very good condit...
Hermes Kelly 25 Retourne Bag Black Matte Alligator Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly 25 Retourne bag presented in classic Black Matte Alligator. Timeless and chic, this gorgeous Kelly bag only grows more beautiful as it ages, showcas...
$124,220
H 14.57 in W 19.69 in D 10.24 in
Hermès Havane Shiny Porosus Crocodile Leather Birkin 50cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Havane Shiny Porosus Crocodile Leather Birkin 50cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1486 Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin 50cm Type: Tote Serial Number: [P] Age: 2012 Accomp...
HERMES black Box leather KELLY 25 SELLIER Bag Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier bag in Noir (black) Veau Box leather is a true collector's piece, crafted from one of Hermès' most coveted and rare leathers. Veau Box lea...
Hermes Birkin 25 Bag Verso Vert Verone Rose Lipstick Novillo Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Birkin Verso 25 bag featured in Vert Verone with Rose Lipstick interior. This beautiful clear green is accentuated in the gorgeous Novillo leather. A smal...
Hermès Birkin 30 Verso Bamboo Togo
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Hermès Birkin 30 verso custom order. Bamboo green Togo leather with satin gold hardware, contrast pink stitching, a front flap, two straps with center toggle closure, a clochet...
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.
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.
What these styles lack in name recognition they more than make up for in cachet.
Before the Birkin there was the Haut à Courroies, which has become the chic carryall of choice for the league's most stylish athletes.
Does wicker get more high-end than this?
Find out why this under-the-radar piece is so exceptional.
The iconic Birkin bag is much coveted — and often copied. Find out how to tell the real deal from a convincing fake. Of course, you don't have to worry about this on 1stDibs, where every seller is highly vetted.
More than a fashion statement, this iconic style continually appreciates in value.
A symbol of luxury and elegance, the design has a storied past and a legion of devoted collectors.
When the name of a bag is as well-known as its brand, you know it's a classic.