Hermès Black Box Rio Clutch Hand Painted
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès vintage black box calf rio clutch, hand painted by an American artist.
Hermès Black Box Rio Clutch Hand Painted
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès vintage black box calf rio clutch, hand painted by an American artist.
1980's Hermes Brown Suede Rio Envelope Clutch
By Hermès
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Hermes brown suede Rio clutch circa 1980's. Envelope style, snap closure with wood and gold hardware button.
Hermès Light Pink Clutch Rose Swift Leather Rio 221345 Wallet
By Hermès
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: E (square) 2T9 Made In: France Measurements: Length: 9.05" Width: 0.39" Height: 6.29" OVERALL GOOD+ CONDITION ( 7.5/10 or B+) Signs of Wear: Exterior ...
Unavailable
H 6.29 in W 0.39 in L 9.05 in
Hermès Light Pink Rose Swift Leather Rio Clutch 221345 Wallet
By Hermès
Located in Forest Hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: E (square) 2T9 Made In: France Measurements: Length: 9.05" Width: 0.39" Height: 6.29" OVERALL GOOD+ CONDITION ( 7.5/10 or B+) Signs of Wear: Exterior shows s...
Hermès Pochette Rio Envelope 7hz1128 Brown Leather Clutch
By Hermès
Located in Forest Hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: X in a circle Made In: France Measurements: Length: 9.4" Width: 1" Height: 6.75" OVERALL GOOD VINTAGE CONDITION ( 7/10 or B ) Retail $2500 Signs of Wear: E...
Hermes Pochette Navy Blue Rio Vintage Clutch Evening Purse
By Hermès
Located in Singapore, SG
This is a rare vintage piece which has been discontinued by Hermes. It can be carried as it is, or worn with a Hermes scarf/farandole necklace as a shoulder strap. It is in excellent...
Hermès Black Box Calf Leather Pochette Rio Clutch 81h615s
By Hermès
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: G in a Square Made In: France Measurements: Length: 9.4" Width: .5" Height: 6.4" OVERALL GOOD CONDITION ( 7/10 or B ) Signs of Wear: Exterior Leather ...
Hermès Black Porosus Crocodile Rio Clutch Pochette Envelope Bag 536her310
By Hermès
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: X in a Circle Made In: France Measurements: Length: 9.2" Width: .6" Height: 6.2" OVERALL VERY GOOD CONDITION ( 7.5/10 or B+ ) Accessories: Box, Hermes ...
Vintage Black Hermes Rio Exotic Lizard Clutch in Very Good Condition
By Hermès
Located in Port Hope, ON
Crafted from exotic lizard this Hermes black Rio clutch is lined with buttery soft black lambskin leather.
Hermès Pochette Rio Envelope 7hz1128 Brown Leather Clutch
By Hermès
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: X in a circle Made In: France Measurements: Length: 9.4" Width: 1" Height: 6.75" OVERALL GOOD VINTAGE CONDITION ( 7/10 or B ) Retail $2500 Signs of...
Hermès Swift Rio 220748 Pale Blue Leather Clutch
By Hermès
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: L in a (square) Made In: France Measurements: Length: 9.5" Width: 1" Height: 6" OVERALL GOOD- CONDITION ( 6.5/10 or BC ) Signs of Wear: Exterior shows...
HERMES Burgundy Suede Gold Hardware Rio Evening Party Envelope Clutch Bag
By Hermès
Located in Charlotte, NC
Pre-Owned Vintage Condition From 2002 Collection Suede Leather Lining Gold Tone Hardware Measures 10.25" W x 5.5" H x 0.75" D 100% Authenticity Guaranteed by NEWFOUND LUXURY
HERMES Black Suede Silver Hardware Rio Envelope Party Clutch Bag Pochette
By Hermès
Located in Charlotte, NC
Pre-Owned Vintage Condition From 2002 Collection Suede Silver Tone Hardware Measures 12.25" W x 16.5" H x 2.5" D Shoulder Strap Drop 10-12" Includes Dust Bag 100% Authenticity Guar...
HERMES kelly green leather envelope clutch
By Hermès
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Gorgeous vibrant green courchevel leather 'RIO POCHETTE' clutch from Hermes. 9.5" by 6.5" by 1".
Hermes Vintage Navy Epsom Leather Rio Clutch Bag
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Vintage Navy Epsom Rio Clutch Made In: France Color: Navy Year Of Production: 1989 Hardware: Goldtone Materials: Epsom leather Lining: Navy epsom leather Closure/opening: Fla...
Hermes Vintage Brown Leather H Clasp Rio Clutch Bag
By Hermès
Located in Nice, FR
HERMES vintage brown leather Rio envelope clutch bag featuring an exotic wood and gold toned signature H clasp snap front closure.
1970s Hermes White Ostrich Effect Rio Envelope Clutch
By Hermès
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Classic and elegant white ostrich effect Hermes Rio clutch. Envelope style with a single wood round button snap button closure embellished with a gold tone metal H logo.
1988 Hermes Black Crocodile Effect Rio Envelope Clutch
By Hermès
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Classic and elegant black crocodile effect Hermes Rio clutch from 1988. Envelope style with a single wood round button snap button closure embellished with an H and equestrian logo.
Sold
H 6.62 in W 0.4 in L 9.45 in
Hermes Rio Pochette Clutch Envelope Bag Blue Couchevel Leather Ghw 24 cm
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
It is NOT included in sale and it is NOT for sale Will come in its original vintage Hermès Dustbag This lovely Rio Clutch is garanteed authentic and will be shipped immediately Th...
Hermes Vintage Suede Burgundy Rio Envelope Clutch
By Hermès
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Hermes Vintage Rio Envelope Clutch in Burgundy. This timeless envelope-style clutch is crafted of suede.
1995 HERMES rouge veau box leather 'Rio' pochette clutch bag
By Hermès
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Rich rouge veau box leather 'Rio' pochette clutch from Hermes dating to 1995.
Hermes Rio Clutch Leather PM
By Hermès
Located in NY, NY
This Hermes Rio Clutch Leather PM, crafted from Rouge Vif red Gulliver leather, features logo embellished snap button and gold hardware.
Hermes Rio Clutch Leather PM
By Hermès
Located in NY, NY
This Hermes Rio Clutch Leather PM, crafted from Chocolate brown Courchevel leather, features gold hardware.
Hermes Rio Clutch Leather PM
By Hermès
Located in NY, NY
This Hermes Rio Clutch Leather PM, crafted from Rouge Vif red Box Calf leather, features logo embellished snap button and gold hardware.
Hermes Rio Clutch Leather Long
By Hermès
Located in NY, NY
This Hermes Rio Clutch Leather Long, crafted from Noir black Box Calf leather, features logo embellished snap button and gold hardware.
Hermes Rio Clutch Leather PM
By Hermès
Located in NY, NY
This Hermes Rio Clutch Leather PM, crafted from Mauve Pale purple Box Nepal leather, features touareg sterling silver hardware.
Hermes Rio Clutch Leather Long
By Hermès
Located in NY, NY
This Hermes Rio Clutch Leather Long, crafted from Rouge H red Box Calf leather, features logo embellished snap button and gold hardware.
Hermes Rio Clutch Leather PM
By Hermès
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Height 6.5", Width 9.5", Depth 1" Designer: Hermes Model: Rio Clutch Leather PM Exterior Material: Leather Exterior Color: Black Interior...
Hermes Rio Clutch Leather PM
By Hermès
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Height 6", Width 9.5", Depth 1" Designer: Hermes Model: Rio Clutch Leather PM Exterior Material: Leather Exterior Color: Black Interior Mate...
Hermes Rio Clutch Leather PM
By Hermès
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Box Measurements: Height 6.5", Width 9.5", Depth 0.5" Designer: Hermes Model: Rio Clutch Leather PM Exterior Material: Leather Exterior Color: Blue Interior Material: Le...
Hermes Rio Clutch Leather GM
By Hermès
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Dust Bag Measurements: Height 10.5", Width 14.5", Depth 1.5" Designer: Hermes Model: Rio Clutch Leather GM Exterior Material: Leather Exterior Color: Brown Interior Mate...
Hermes Rio Clutch Leather GM
By Hermès
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Height 10", Width 14.5", Depth 1" Designer: Hermes Model: Rio Clutch Leather GM Exterior Material: Leather Exterior Color: Brown Interior Ma...
Hermes Rio Clutch Printed Leather PM
By Hermès
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: Box Measurements: Height 6.5", Width 9.5", Depth 1" Designer: Hermes Model: Rio Clutch Printed Leather PM Exterior Material: Leather Exterior Color: Blue, Print Inter...
Vintage Shoulder Hermes Rio Clutch
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Vintage Hermes rip clutch with shoulder strap. Clutch in crinoline, hard to find. Good condition, there are jut é marks in the front what im not dure if it is é stains or just some...
Jimmy Choo Black/Red Patent Leather Rio Clutch Bag
By Jimmy Choo
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
The Jimmy Choo red Rio shoulder clutch bag is a glamorous bag that can go from day to night with style and ease.
Jimmy Choo Black/Red Patent Leather Rio Clutch Bag
By Jimmy Choo
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
The Jimmy Choo red Rio shoulder clutch bag is a glamorous bag that can go from day to night with style and ease.
Jimmy Choo Burgundy Patent Leather Oversized Rio Chain Clutch
By Jimmy Choo
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
The Jimmy Choo metallic silver Rio clutch is a glamorous bag that can go from day to night with style and ease.
Hermès Vintage Rio Courcheval Clutch
By Hermès
Located in Antwerp, BE
Hermès Vintage Rio Courcheval Clutch Your new partner in crime for every evening soirée or rendez-vous.
Rare Vintage Hermes Rio Clutch With Shoulder Strap in Light-Sand Color from 1983
By Hermès
Located in Hamburg, Deutschland
Vintage Hermes Rio Clutch with removable shoulder strap in light sand color from 1983.
Sold
H 6.5 in W 0.5 in L 9.5 in
Hermes LTD ED Cream Brown Crinoline & Barenia Leather Rio Flat Clutch Bag
By Hermès
Located in Chicago, IL
Rare, limited edition, circa 2001 flat rectangular envelope "Rio" clutch bag from Hermes. Constructed of woven cream genuine horse-hair crinoline and soft, glossy brown Barenia leath...
1960s Hermes Brown Box Ring Bag
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes Brown Box leather “Ring” handbag featuring a top box leather handle ( length:39cm) gold-tone hardware, a claps fastening, inside compartments, an inside pocket, an inside gold...
Tiffany Deerskin Deco Clutch
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Elegant, tailored Art Deco clutch of deerskin from the 1930's by Tiffany. Beautiful sleek lines with a double clasped interior compartment lined in silk moire. Deep wine color. 9" x ...
Hermes Vintage Black Crocodile Clutch
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermes vintage black crocodile clutch with gold tone hardware. Pre stamp production, comes with original dust cover.
Hermès Epsom Black Kelly Wallet
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The wallet has a front flap and the Kelly trademark palladium turn-lock. This reveals a black leather inside with a zippered compartment, patch pockets, and a card slot. This fashion...
Hermes Jige Elan Clutch Swift With Lizard
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Hermès Jige Elan Clutch in Swift with Lizard is an exquisite example of the brand’s timeless craftsmanship and elegant design. The Hermès Jige Elan Clutch in Swift with Lizard is...
Hermes Jige Elan 29 Clutch Bag Swift Leather Black Pouch 2018
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition Signs of normal use with minor surface scratches. Size Width: 29cm, Height: 16cm Designer HERMES Model Jige Elan 29 Exterior Material Leather Exterior Color Black Interior...
GIORGIO ARMANI brown velvet twisted tassel cord trim envelope pouch clutch bag
By Giorgio Armani
Located in Hong Kong, NT
GIORGIO ARMANI brown velvet twisted tassel cord trim envelope pouch clutch bag Reference: AEMA/A00181 Brand: Giorgio Armani Material: Velvet Color: Brown Pattern: Solid Closure: Self...
1970s Pierre Cardin Brown Top Handle Clutch
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Beautiful Pierre Cardin brown skin clutch from the 1970s. Rectangular with gold tone metal hardware and retractable top handle. Small PC logo on left bottom corner. Front flap opens ...
1990s Vintage LOEWE Suede Clutch Chain Bag Brown
By Loewe
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage LOEWE clutch/chain bag is crafted of calfskin suede in brown. Front flap snap closure opens to a black leather interior featuring two slip pockets. Made in Spain. Measur...
$4,230
H 6.7 in D 11.42 in L 11.03 in
Hermès 1990s Vintage Brown Top Handle Vanity Case with Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Brown Gold-tone hardware Single wooden top handle Adjustable detachable shoulder strap Adjustable shoulder strap Main compartment Internal zip-fastening pocket Internal elasticated s...
Hermès Portefeuille pochette 2010 Kelly Black Epsom Leather Wallet Clutch Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Kelly model wallet in black leather (Epsom) and silver metal (palladium), 2 large interior compartments separated by a zipped coin purse with pull tab in the Kelly padlock mot...
1970s Hermes 'Mephisto" Brown Leather Bag/Clutch
By Hermès
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Very early 1970s Hermes bag. Butter soft chocolate brown leather with warm gold hardware. Total brown top stitching. Shoulder/cross body strap can be easily removed and the bag turns...
Celine Black Leather Triomphe Clutch Bag
By Celine
Located in Paris, FR
Celine Black leather “Triomphe” clutch bag featuring camel leather finishing, a front gold-tone “Triomphe” detail, a snap closure under top flap, an inside zipped pocket, inside gold...
Elegant Suede Clutch with Gilt Stirrup Closure
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Clutch with detachable shoulder strap. Deep brown suede edged in natural leather with expanding bellows on side.
Circa 1970s.Gilt stirrup closure.
Excellent con...
$5,800
H 7.88 in W 11.42 in D 1.38 in
Hermès Vintage 1994 Customised Jige Elan PM Black Leather Clutch Bag
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Black / Blue - Box leather - Fold flap - Custom hand-painted rope and belts design - Signature “H” tab closure - Tonal stitching with contrast edging - Canvas interior - Stamp X Ci...
$264
H 5.52 in W 10.24 in D 1.19 in L 13.78 in
1970s Italian Brown Leather Clutch Bag for Women, Excellent Condition
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This vintage 1970s Italian clutch bag is a masterful example of the era's commitment to high-quality artisanal leatherwork. Hand-crafted in Italy, the bag is fashioned from premium, ...
CHRISTIAN DIOR burgundy CROCODILE LADY DIOR MEDIUM Tote Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Christian Dior Medium Lady Dior bag is crafted in glossy burgundy crocodile leather with a luxurious sheen. The structured silhouette is accented with two hard to...
$59,500
H 8.67 in W 4.49 in D 2.49 in
Hermes Mini Picnic Kelly 20 Rouge de Coeur Swift Osier Wicker Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This Hermes Mini Picnic Kelly, crafted in 2020, is a delightful fusion of traditional craftsmanship and whimsical design. This exquisite bag combines Rouge de Coeur Swift leather wit...
$861
H 1.19 in W 0.28 in L 1.07 in
Hermès Curiosity Kelly Bag Charm Pendant Necklace Guilloche Permabrass
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Adorable Authentic Hermès Pendant In shape of a "Kelly" Bag The smallest version ever of the Iconic Kelly Bag It even has the padlock and clochette-tirette ! Made in France Made...
$795
H 8.25 in W 5.25 in D 3 in
New Tyrolean Brown Suede Mini Steamer Trunk 24-Karat Gold Plate Filigree, 1940s
Located in Tucson, AZ
Hands-down the most clever, unusual and sculptural evening bag we’ve seen, this extremely collectable handbag resembles a miniature 1930s steamer trunk—if steamer trunks had been sur...
GUCCI Pink Exotic Crocodile Skin & Bamboo Long Wallet - Rare & Unique Color
By Gucci
Located in Switzerland, CH
Precious leathers appear throughout the Gucci Exotics collection, their delicate textures add a unique note to the classic silhouette. Inside: 6 card slots and 1 bill compartments, ...
$378Sale Price|55% Off
Gucci Marmont Black Vintage Gold Metal Hardwear Oval GG belt bag
By Gucci
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Gucci Black Matelasse Leather GG Marmont Belt Bag This Gucci Marmont bag has been exquisitely crafted from black leather featuring the signature matelassé pattern all over and is eq...
HERMES Marron Fonce SHINY CROC KELLY 32 SELLIER Bag GHW
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Kelly 32 Sellier Bag in Marron is exquisitely crafted from shiny porosus crocodile leather, showcasing a rich, deep brown hue with a luminous finish. Const...
$1,775Sale Price|28% Off
Size: French size 54
Hermes Men's Buttery Soft Black Lambskin Leather Unisex Coat Size 54 c 21st c
By Hermès
Located in University City, MO
Hermes Men's buttery soft black lambskin leather unisex coat French Size 54 The luxurious coat is constructed with smooth very soft black lambskin leather Lined in black Bemberg ra...
GUCCI Limited Edition Exotic Lizard Satin Flora Print Horsebit Bag Clutch
By Gucci
Located in Switzerland, CH
RARE GUCCI FLORAL FLORA PRINT SIGNATURE HORSEBIT BAG DETAILS: A GUCCI signature piece that will last you for many years Timeless classic - a true beauty! Loved by many celebritie...
$180Sale Price|25% Off
H 9.5 in W 2 in L 13 in
1990s Vintage GUCCI Nylon Bamboo Two-Way Briefcase Document Handbag Small Black
By Gucci
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage GUCCI Mini bamboo briefcase handbag is crafted of nylon and smooth calfskin leather in black featuring silver toned hardware and bamboo handles. Top zipper closure opens...
Fold Over Bottega Veneta Suede and Bakelite Clutch
By Bottega Veneta
Located in New York, NY
Elegant foldover clutch from Bottega Veneta in rust suede with faux striated tortoise bakelite handles. Bag itself measures 13" x 8" with a 2" gusset, 14.5 total with handle. 1980s I...
$262Sale Price|25% Off
H 7 in W 1 in L 9.5 in
Vintage CHRISTIAN DIOR Navy Trotter Jacquard Chain Shoulder Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage CHRISTIAN DIOR shoulder bag is crafted of CD's trotter jacquard in navy featuring two main flat pockets and one small pocket in the middle. Made in France. Measures appr...
Hermes Birkin 25 Bag Black Togo Leather Rose Gold Hardware Rare
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a gorgeous Hermes Birkin 25 in Black Togo leather which takes on an especially sophisticated character with the warm glow of coveted Rose Gold hardware. The pairin...
$3,996Sale Price|20% Off
Size: OS
BOTTEGA VENETA Cognac Intrecciato Woven Antique Leather Weekender Travel Bag
By Bottega Veneta
Located in Switzerland, CH
A BOTTEGA VENETA signature piece that will last you for many years Huge XL size Very rare to find in this amazing color BOTTEGA VENETA's signature intrecciato design This fantastic b...
Alexander McQueen Fall/Winter 2006 Superkid Mohair Military Coat Size S
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Berlin, BE
A striking and highly collectible piece from Alexander McQueen’s Fall/Winter 2006 collection, this sculptural military-style coat exemplifies the designer’s fascination with historic...
LOUIS VUITTON Vernis red patent LV logo emboss flap continental wallet
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Hong Kong, NT
LOUIS VUITTON Vernis red patent LV logo emboss flap continental wallet Reference: TGAS/B01410 Brand: Louis Vuitton Material: Patent Leather Color: Red Pattern: Solid Closure: Button ...
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.
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.
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.