Mcm Pink Tote
20th Century Top Handle Bags
People Also Browsed
Vintage 1950s Italian Chain Bracelets
Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
1970s Italian Shoulder Bags
1970s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
1970s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
1970s A-Line Skirts
1970s American Coats
1960s Italian Scarves
Late 20th Century Italian Tote Bags
1970s Evening Bags and Minaudières
1970s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
1970s Italian Tech Accessories and Cases
2010s Italian Tote Bags
1970s Italian Scarves
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Block Heel
2010s Italian Tote Bags
2010s Italian Wallets
Recent Sales
20th Century Unknown Tote Bags
2010s Italian Tote Bags
2010s German Tote Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Tote Bags
21st Century and Contemporary German Tote Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Tote Bags
1990s German Tote Bags
Finding the Right tote-bags for You
From classic medium-sized Louis Vuitton leather tote bags to authentic cube-like Loewe shoulder bags woven in raffia, the large selection of vintage and designer tote bags on 1stDibs offers something for special occasions as well as everyday needs.
Although part of a modern look, tote bags have been roomy and versatile accessories since at least 1944, with the launch of L.L.Bean’s “ice bag.” The Maine retailer, then largely known for rugged field coats and hunting shoes, had introduced a big, durable canvas bag that was initially intended to carry firewood or ice. In those days, to keep produce and other foods cool in refrigerators, consumers had to regularly replace the blocks of ice that were doing all the work in their bulky appliances. There was no better bag to help haul big blocks of ice from the trunk of your car to your front door and, subsequently, to your kitchen.
Years later, during the 1960s, L.L.Bean’s Boat and Tote was introduced as an overhauled structured canvas version of the ice bag. Tested to lug up to 500 pounds, the Boat and Tote became a best seller. Also during the 1960s, American designer Bonnie Cashin created the Cashin Carry for Coach. Cashin was Coach’s first lead designer, and she liked leather, large pockets and earth tones. Her modern interpretation of the tote bag introduced a touch of elegance to this increasingly ubiquitous accessory.
In the subsequent decades, more brands debuted their own iterations of the tote bag, from Tory Burch’s Perry leather tote bag to Goyard’s luxurious Saint Louis.
Pay tribute to this long and interesting history of a well-loved accessory by browsing the vintage and designer tote bags on 1stDibs.