Skip to main content

Miu Miu Crystal Bag

Recent Sales

Miu Miu Metallic Silver Iconic Crystal Cloquè Large Bag
Miu Miu Metallic Silver Iconic Crystal Cloquè Large Bag

Miu Miu Metallic Silver Iconic Crystal Cloquè Large Bag

By Miu Miu

Located in Palm Beach, FL

This authentic Miu Miu Metallic Silver Crystal Cloquè Large Bag is in pristine condition.

Category

2010s Structured Shoulder Bags

MIU MIU Matelasse yellow leather crystal rhinestone chain turn lock clutch bag
MIU MIU Matelasse yellow leather crystal rhinestone chain turn lock clutch bag

MIU MIU Matelasse yellow leather crystal rhinestone chain turn lock clutch bag

By Miu Miu

Located in Hong Kong, NT

MIU MIU Matelasse yellow leather crystal rhinestone chain turn lock clutch bag Reference: CELG/A00002 Brand: Miu Miu Designer: Miuccia Prada Model: Crystal matelasse shoulder bag...

Category

2010s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières

MIU MIU Matelasse yellow leather crystal rhinestone chain turn lock clutch bag
MIU MIU Matelasse yellow leather crystal rhinestone chain turn lock clutch bag

MIU MIU Matelasse yellow leather crystal rhinestone chain turn lock clutch bag

By Miu Miu

Located in Hong Kong, NT

MIU MIU Matelasse yellow leather crystal rhinestone chain turn lock clutch bag Reference: CELG/A00002 Brand: Miu Miu Designer: Miuccia Prada Model: Crystal matelasse shoulder bag...

Category

2010s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières

Miu Miu Blue Matelassé Leather Shoulder Bag with Crystal Turn-Lock Closure
Miu Miu Blue Matelassé Leather Shoulder Bag with Crystal Turn-Lock Closure

Miu Miu Blue Matelassé Leather Shoulder Bag with Crystal Turn-Lock Closure

By Miu Miu

Located in Amman, JO

Miu Miu Blue Matelassé Leather Shoulder Bag with Crystal Turn-Lock Closure An iconic statement of Italian craftsmanship, this Miu Miu Matelassé leather shoulder bag in a striking bl...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Shoulder Bags

MIU MIU Matelasse Nappa crystal chain silver leather crossbody bucket bag
MIU MIU Matelasse Nappa crystal chain silver leather crossbody bucket bag

MIU MIU Matelasse Nappa crystal chain silver leather crossbody bucket bag

By Miuccia Prada, Miu Miu

Located in Hong Kong, NT

MIU MIU Matelasse Nappa crystal chain silver leather crossbody bucket bag Reference: TGAS/C01754 Brand: Miu Miu Designer: Miuccia Prada Model: Matelasse Nappa Material: Leather ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières

Miu Miu Crystal Shoulder Bag Matelasse Denim Medium
Miu Miu Crystal Shoulder Bag Matelasse Denim Medium

Miu Miu Crystal Shoulder Bag Matelasse Denim Medium

By Miu Miu

Located in NY, NY

This Miu Miu Crystal Shoulder Bag Matelasse Denim Medium, crafted in blue matelasse denim, features a chain and crystal strap, frontal flap and silver-tone hardware.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Shoulder Bags

Miu Miu Crystal Crossbody Bag Embellished Jacquard Small
Miu Miu Crystal Crossbody Bag Embellished Jacquard Small

Miu Miu Crystal Crossbody Bag Embellished Jacquard Small

By Miu Miu

Located in NY, NY

This Miu Miu Crystal Crossbody Bag Embellished Jacquard Small, crafted in printed embellished jacquard, features a chain link strap with pearl inserts, long crossbody strap, and silv...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags

Miu Miu White Leather Crystal Foldover Shoulder Bag
Miu Miu White Leather Crystal Foldover Shoulder Bag

Miu Miu White Leather Crystal Foldover Shoulder Bag

By Miu Miu

Located in London, GB

Miu Miu White Leather Crystal Foldover Shoulder Bag -Leather, white -Crystal strap -Crystal and sliver metal hardware closure on flap compartment -Zip opening on main compartment ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Shoulder Bags

Miu Miu Black Matelasse Leather Crystal Shoulder Bag
Miu Miu Black Matelasse Leather Crystal Shoulder Bag

Miu Miu Black Matelasse Leather Crystal Shoulder Bag

By Miu Miu

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

This gorgeous bag by Miu Miu will carry your essentials with ease.

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Miu Miu White Matelasse Leather Crystal Shoulder Bag
Miu Miu White Matelasse Leather Crystal Shoulder Bag

Miu Miu White Matelasse Leather Crystal Shoulder Bag

By Miu Miu

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

Miu Miu's pretty white bag comes made of cloquet leather.

Category

2010s Italian Hobo Bags

Miu Miu White Matelasse Leather Crystal Shoulder Bag
Miu Miu White Matelasse Leather Crystal Shoulder Bag

Miu Miu White Matelasse Leather Crystal Shoulder Bag

By Miu Miu

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

Carry this Miu Miu shoulder bag to flaunt a sophisticated look.

Category

2010s Turkish Shoulder Bags

Miu Miu Lavinder Leather Crystal-Embellished Shoulder Bag
Miu Miu Lavinder Leather Crystal-Embellished Shoulder Bag

Miu Miu Lavinder Leather Crystal-Embellished Shoulder Bag

By Miu Miu

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

To make a brilliant vogue statement, this handbag by Miu Miu is just what you need! Make an amazing appearance by adorning this rich and classy leather bag.

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Miu Miu Blue Leather Matelasse Crystal Shoulder Bag
Miu Miu Blue Leather Matelasse Crystal Shoulder Bag

Miu Miu Blue Leather Matelasse Crystal Shoulder Bag

By Miu Miu

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

This stylish bag from Miu Miu has been crafted from leather. It opens to a capacious interior that can easily hold your everyday essentials. The bag is finished with gold-tone hardwa...

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Miu Miu Pink Matelassé Leather Crystal Shoulder Bag
Miu Miu Pink Matelassé Leather Crystal Shoulder Bag

Miu Miu Pink Matelassé Leather Crystal Shoulder Bag

By Miu Miu

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

Carry everything you need in style thanks to this Miu Miu bag. Crafted from the best materials, this is an accessory that promises enduring style and usage. Includes: Original Dustb...

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Miu Miu Beige Matelasse Fabric Crystal Mini Bag
Miu Miu Beige Matelasse Fabric Crystal Mini Bag

Miu Miu Beige Matelasse Fabric Crystal Mini Bag

Sold

H 5.12 in W 1.78 in L 8.67 in

Miu Miu Beige Matelasse Fabric Crystal Mini Bag

By Miu Miu

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

This top-notch and classy bag by Miu Miu will surely leave you spellbound with its simple designs. Casually sling this beige-hued bag to flaunt your contemporary styling choices. Inc...

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Miu Miu Crystal Flap Shoulder Bag Matelasse Leather Medium
Miu Miu Crystal Flap Shoulder Bag Matelasse Leather Medium

Miu Miu Crystal Flap Shoulder Bag Matelasse Leather Medium

By Miu Miu

Located in NY, NY

This authentic Miu Miu Crystal Flap Shoulder Bag Matelasse Leather Medium is perfect for day to night looks.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Shoulder Bags

Miu Miu Blue Matelasse Leather Crystal Shoulder Bag
Miu Miu Blue Matelasse Leather Crystal Shoulder Bag

Miu Miu Blue Matelasse Leather Crystal Shoulder Bag

Sold

H 7.88 in W 1.38 in L 13.39 in

Miu Miu Blue Matelasse Leather Crystal Shoulder Bag

By Miu Miu

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

For a look that is complete with style, taste, and a touch of luxe, this designer bag is the perfect addition. Flaunt this beauty on your shoulder and revel in the taste of luxury it...

Category

2010s Turkish Shoulder Bags

Miu Miu Madras Crystal Buckle Shoulder Bag Leather Small
Miu Miu Madras Crystal Buckle Shoulder Bag Leather Small

Miu Miu Madras Crystal Buckle Shoulder Bag Leather Small

By Miu Miu

Located in NY, NY

This Miu Miu Madras Crystal Buckle Shoulder Bag Leather Small, crafted in black leather, features an adjustable leather shoulder strap, crystal-embellished giant buckle, and gold-ton...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Shoulder Bags

Miu Miu Crystal Zip Crossbody Bag Matelasse Leather Small
Miu Miu Crystal Zip Crossbody Bag Matelasse Leather Small

Miu Miu Crystal Zip Crossbody Bag Matelasse Leather Small

By Miu Miu

Located in NY, NY

This authentic Miu Miu Crystal Zip Crossbody Bag Matelasse Leather Small is chic and stylish in design ideal for night outs.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags

Miu Miu Madras Crystal Flap Crossbody Bag Leather Small
Miu Miu Madras Crystal Flap Crossbody Bag Leather Small

Miu Miu Madras Crystal Flap Crossbody Bag Leather Small

By Miu Miu

Located in NY, NY

This Miu Miu Madras Crystal Flap Crossbody Bag Leather Small, crafted in pale pink leather, features chain link strap with leather, crystal-embellished giant buckle, and gold-tone ha...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags

Miu Miu Black Leather Crystal Fold Over Clutch Bag
Miu Miu Black Leather Crystal Fold Over Clutch Bag

Miu Miu Black Leather Crystal Fold Over Clutch Bag

Sold

H 8.27 in D 1.58 in L 13.39 in

Miu Miu Black Leather Crystal Fold Over Clutch Bag

By Miu Miu

Located in London, GB

Miu Miu Black Leather Crystal Fold Over Clutch Bag This Miu Miu Cristal strap shoulder bag features a beautiful black nappa leather body with silver tone hardware and a beautiful cr...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Clutches

Miu Miu Madras Crystal Buckle Shoulder Bag Wool Small
Miu Miu Madras Crystal Buckle Shoulder Bag Wool Small

Miu Miu Madras Crystal Buckle Shoulder Bag Wool Small

By Miu Miu

Located in NY, NY

This Miu Miu Madras Crystal Buckle Shoulder Bag Wool Small, crafted in green wool, features an adjustable leather shoulder strap, crystal-embellished giant buckle, and gold-tone hard...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Structured Shoulder Bags

Miu Miu Madras Crystal Buckle Shoulder Bag Leather Small
Miu Miu Madras Crystal Buckle Shoulder Bag Leather Small

Miu Miu Madras Crystal Buckle Shoulder Bag Leather Small

By Miu Miu

Located in NY, NY

This Miu Miu Madras Crystal Buckle Shoulder Bag Leather Small, crafted in light pink leather, features an adjustable leather shoulder strap, crystal-embellished giant buckle, and gol...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Shoulder Bags

Miu Miu White Matelasse Nappa Leather Crystal Shoulder Bag
Miu Miu White Matelasse Nappa Leather Crystal Shoulder Bag

Miu Miu White Matelasse Nappa Leather Crystal Shoulder Bag

By Miu Miu

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

This gorgeous bag by Miu Miu will carry your essentials with ease.

Category

2010s Turkish Shoulder Bags

Miu Miu Dahlia Crossbody Bag Crystal Embellished Leather Small
Miu Miu Dahlia Crossbody Bag Crystal Embellished Leather Small

Miu Miu Dahlia Crossbody Bag Crystal Embellished Leather Small

By Miu Miu

Located in NY, NY

This Miu Miu Dahlia Crossbody Bag Crystal Embellished Leather Small, crafted from black leather, features an adjustable leather shoulder strap, front and back metal studs, front flap...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags

Miu Miu Madras Crystal Buckle Shoulder Bag Leather Small
Miu Miu Madras Crystal Buckle Shoulder Bag Leather Small

Miu Miu Madras Crystal Buckle Shoulder Bag Leather Small

By Miu Miu

Located in NY, NY

This Miu Miu Madras Crystal Buckle Shoulder Bag Leather Small, crafted in black leather, features an adjustable leather shoulder strap, crystal-embellished giant buckle, and aged gol...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Shoulder Bags

Miu Miu Crystal Zip Crossbody Bag Matelasse Leather Small
Miu Miu Crystal Zip Crossbody Bag Matelasse Leather Small

Miu Miu Crystal Zip Crossbody Bag Matelasse Leather Small

By Miu Miu

Located in NY, NY

This Miu Miu Crystal Zip Crossbody Bag Matelasse Leather Small, crafted in mauve mattelasse leather, features a long crossbody strap and silver-tone hardware.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags

Miu Miu Blue Matelassé Leather Crystal Flap Shoulder Bag
Miu Miu Blue Matelassé Leather Crystal Flap Shoulder Bag

Miu Miu Blue Matelassé Leather Crystal Flap Shoulder Bag

By Miu Miu

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

This gorgeous bag by Miu Miu will carry your essentials with ease.

Category

2010s Turkish Shoulder Bags

Miu Miu Madras Crystal Buckle Shoulder Bag Wool Small
Miu Miu Madras Crystal Buckle Shoulder Bag Wool Small

Miu Miu Madras Crystal Buckle Shoulder Bag Wool Small

By Miu Miu

Located in NY, NY

This authentic Miu Miu Madras Crystal Buckle Shoulder Bag Wool Small is a gorgeous bag perfect for the modern fashionista.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Shoulder Bags

Miu Miu Madras Crystal Buckle Shoulder Bag Leather Small
Miu Miu Madras Crystal Buckle Shoulder Bag Leather Small

Miu Miu Madras Crystal Buckle Shoulder Bag Leather Small

By Miu Miu

Located in NY, NY

This Miu Miu Madras Crystal Buckle Shoulder Bag Leather Small is crafted in blue leather and features an adjustable leather shoulder strap, crystal-embellished giant buckle, and gold...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Structured Shoulder Bags

Miu Miu Fuchsia Matelassé Leather Crystal Flap Shoulder Bag
Miu Miu Fuchsia Matelassé Leather Crystal Flap Shoulder Bag

Miu Miu Fuchsia Matelassé Leather Crystal Flap Shoulder Bag

By Miu Miu

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

This gorgeous bag by Miu Miu will carry your essentials with ease.

Category

2010s Turkish Shoulder Bags

Miu Miu Silver Matelassé Leather Crystal Flap Shoulder Bag
Miu Miu Silver Matelassé Leather Crystal Flap Shoulder Bag

Miu Miu Silver Matelassé Leather Crystal Flap Shoulder Bag

By Miu Miu

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

Miu Miu has exclusively made this stylish shoulder bag.

Category

2010s Turkish Shoulder Bags

Miu Miu Black Matelassé Leather Crystal Flap Shoulder Bag
Miu Miu Black Matelassé Leather Crystal Flap Shoulder Bag

Miu Miu Black Matelassé Leather Crystal Flap Shoulder Bag

By Miu Miu

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

This gorgeous bag by Miu Miu will carry your essentials with ease.

Category

2010s Turkish Shoulder Bags

Miu Miu Black Matelassé Nappa Leather Crystal Shoulder Bag
Miu Miu Black Matelassé Nappa Leather Crystal Shoulder Bag

Miu Miu Black Matelassé Nappa Leather Crystal Shoulder Bag

By Miu Miu

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

Exude style with this Miu Miu shoulder bag that features a gorgeous crystal-detailed lock on the flap!

Category

2010s Turkish Shoulder Bags

Miu Miu Beige Matelassé Leather Crystal Flap Shoulder Bag
Miu Miu Beige Matelassé Leather Crystal Flap Shoulder Bag

Miu Miu Beige Matelassé Leather Crystal Flap Shoulder Bag

By Miu Miu

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

Perfect to swing at special events, this shoulder bag from Miu Miu is a must-have! Crafted from Matelassé leather, the bag features a flap with crystals embellished on the turn lock ...

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Miu Miu Black Matelassé Leather Crystal Embellished Shoulder Bag
Miu Miu Black Matelassé Leather Crystal Embellished Shoulder Bag

Miu Miu Black Matelassé Leather Crystal Embellished Shoulder Bag

By Miu Miu

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

This Miu Miu shoulder bag proudly presents the famous matelassé motif in black leather.

Category

2010s Turkish Shoulder Bags

Miu Miu Peach Leather Crystal Buckle Flap Shoulder Bag
Miu Miu Peach Leather Crystal Buckle Flap Shoulder Bag

Miu Miu Peach Leather Crystal Buckle Flap Shoulder Bag

By Miu Miu

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

A pretty flap bag in pink leather highlighted by a crystal-embellished buckle on the front.

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Miu Miu Black Leather Crystal Embellished Flap Crossbody Bag
Miu Miu Black Leather Crystal Embellished Flap Crossbody Bag

Miu Miu Black Leather Crystal Embellished Flap Crossbody Bag

By Miu Miu

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

In a classic shade of black, this Miu Miu bag will transform your outfit into a combination of classic and contemporary.

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Miu Miu Beige Leather Crystal Embellished Matelassé Shoulder Bag
Miu Miu Beige Leather Crystal Embellished Matelassé Shoulder Bag

Miu Miu Beige Leather Crystal Embellished Matelassé Shoulder Bag

By Miu Miu

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

This Miu Miu shoulder bag proudly presents the famous matelassé pattern in beige leather.

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Miu Miu Black Matelassé Leather Crystal Flap Shoulder Bag
Miu Miu Black Matelassé Leather Crystal Flap Shoulder Bag

Miu Miu Black Matelassé Leather Crystal Flap Shoulder Bag

By Miu Miu

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

Exude elegance and style with this shoulder bag from the House of Miu Miu. It is created using black Matelassé leather, with a crystal-embellished lock closure placed on the flap.

Category

2010s Turkish Shoulder Bags

Miu Miu Pink Matelassé Leather Crystal Flap Shoulder Bag
Miu Miu Pink Matelassé Leather Crystal Flap Shoulder Bag

Miu Miu Pink Matelassé Leather Crystal Flap Shoulder Bag

By Miu Miu

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

The crystal detailing all over the bag completes the glamorous look with added pop.

Category

2010s French Shoulder Bags

Miu Miu Bubble Gum Matelasse Leather Crystal Crossbody Bag
Miu Miu Bubble Gum Matelasse Leather Crystal Crossbody Bag

Miu Miu Bubble Gum Matelasse Leather Crystal Crossbody Bag

By Miu Miu

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

The Miu Miu bag comes with a single crystal-detailed chain-link strap and a shoulder strap.

Category

2010s Turkish Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags

Miu Miu Madras Crystal Buckle Shoulder Bag Leather Small
Miu Miu Madras Crystal Buckle Shoulder Bag Leather Small

Miu Miu Madras Crystal Buckle Shoulder Bag Leather Small

By Miu Miu

Located in NY, NY

Wear underneath flap and in interior, scratches on hardware. Accessories: Dust Bag Measurements: Height 5.5", Width 9", Depth 2.5", Strap Drop 19.5-21.5" Designer: Miu Miu Model: Mad...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Shoulder Bags

Miu Miu Madras Crystal Buckle Shoulder Bag Leather Small
Miu Miu Madras Crystal Buckle Shoulder Bag Leather Small

Miu Miu Madras Crystal Buckle Shoulder Bag Leather Small

By Miu Miu

Located in NY, NY

Creasing on exterior and strap, light wear underneath flap and in interior, scratches on hardware. Accessories: Dust Bag Measurements: Height 6", Width 9", Depth 3", Strap Drop 19.5-...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Structured Shoulder Bags

Miu Miu Grey Matelassé Leather Crystal Flap Shoulder Bag
Miu Miu Grey Matelassé Leather Crystal Flap Shoulder Bag

Miu Miu Grey Matelassé Leather Crystal Flap Shoulder Bag

By Miu Miu

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

Stay up to date with fashion with this exclusive piece from Miu Miu. Crafted from grey Matelasse leather, this bag features a crystal embellished chain detail to add an element of gl...

Category

2010s Italian Shoulder Bags

Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Miu Miu Crystal Bag", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Miu Miu Crystal Bag For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact vintage or contemporary miu miu crystal bag you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Our collection includes a variety of colors, spanning Black, Gray, Beige and more. Making the right choice when shopping for a miu miu crystal bag may mean looking at versions that date from different eras — you can find early iterations from the 20th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. 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 Miu Miu Crystal Bag?

On average, a miu miu crystal bag on 1stDibs sells for $857, while they’re typically $337 on the low end and $1,425 for the highest priced versions of this item.

Miu Miu for sale on 1stDibs

The brainchild of Miuccia Prada (b. 1949), Miu Miu is largely known for its vintage day dresses, shoes and bags, and embodies its creator’s unconventional, effervescent and contemporary femininity in a style that is a delightful departure from the traditional chic of parent brand Prada, an iconic Italian luxury fashion house founded in 1913.

Miuccia, the granddaughter of Prada founder Mario Prada, joined the family business in 1970 after earning a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Milan. When she inherited the business from her mother in the late 1970s, the brand was recognized for its quality craftsmanship, yet it was still a modest-sized company. Miuccia introduced the concept of using pocone — a military-grade water-resistant nylon that feels like silk. Nylon revolutionized the fashion house’s business, with the first Prada nylon backpack released to universal acclaim in 1984.

Characterized by clean lines and a refined elegance that signaled the new direction of the legacy brand, Miuccia debuted her first ready-to-wear collection for women in Fall/Winter 1988. More inventive fashion would follow in the ensuing years, such as the 1993 launch of the more affordable Miu Miu line, which was aimed at a younger audience, and the introduction of Prada Sport in 1997 — a collection now widely seen as prescient for its embrace of athleisure.

Today, Miuccia still heads the fresh, colorful and quirky Miu Miu line, which is embraced by celebrities with a similar sense of sartorial rebellion, like Madonna, Drew Barrymore and Chloë Sevigny.

Miu Miu’s iconic handbags and purses are upbeat, daring and youthful. The sequined Club version is a favorite, available in matelassé leather in neutrals, bright colors or metallics. The sparkling, embellished Crystal is a stunning standalone, while the Madras is a classic structured leather design.

Find vintage Miu Miu dresses, skirts and other clothing and accessories on 1stDibs.

Finding the Right Shoulder-bags for You

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.