Nancy Gonzalez Clutch

Born in Cali, Colombia, luxury handbag designer Nancy Gonzalez started her eponymous business with her late son, Santiago Gonzalez, in 1998, selling her very first collection at Bergdorf Goodman. Her vibrant yet timeless designs are inspired by the nature and culture of her home country, and they’re handcrafted there, too, by local artisans. The brand has a commitment to social change — Gonzalez is focused on uplifting Colombian women. She prioritizes the well-being of her workforce, which is largely made up of women, and offers support systems such as childcare to all employees.

Nancy Gonzalez handbags are typically made from eclectic, naturally dyed skins like iridescent python and cobalt-blue ostrich or plant-based materials like banana leaf. But the brand’s signature material is crocodile skin, often dyed in bright colors, with the majority of their leathers sourced from the Gonzalez farms in Colombia. The designer has also partnered with top contemporary artists such as Will Cotton, Jim Hodges, Jenny Holzer, KAWS and Dr. Lakra on limited-edition designs for the TWO x TWO for AIDS and Art gala and auction, hosted by the Dallas Museum of Art and amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research.

With a joyous exuberance in their colorful designs, the bags are a favorite of global A-listers and tastemakers alike. Beyond its handbag and purse collection, the Nancy Gonzalez brand has also expanded to men’s and women’s accessories and shoes, launching its first footwear collection in 2016. All of these new additions embrace the brand’s distinctive style with crocodile skin and vivid hues while also pushing their designs forward with new pieces and techniques like laser cutting.

Find vintage Nancy Gonzalez handbags and other accessories on 1stDibs today.

Vintage and designer clutches are the perfect size to hold exactly what you need. While they’re typically small, they 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 Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton and more on 1stDibs.