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Structured Vintage Bag

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Celine Green Leather Box Strap Shoulder Bag
Celine Green Leather Box Strap Shoulder Bag

Celine Green Leather Box Strap Shoulder Bag

By Celine

Located in Sheung Wan, HK

- Vintage Celine green leather box strap shoulder bag. - Gold hardware “Celine” ring. - Two red

Category

1990s Italian Structured Vintage Bag

GIVENCHY Black G Monogram Nylon Shoulder Bag
GIVENCHY Black G Monogram Nylon Shoulder Bag

GIVENCHY Black G Monogram Nylon Shoulder Bag

By Givenchy

Located in San Francisco, CA

GIVENCHY shoulder bag comes in GG monogram nylon with leather piping, flap with magnetic closure

Category

20th Century Structured Vintage Bag

Chanel Red Quilted Cotton Bag, 1989/1991
Chanel Red Quilted Cotton Bag, 1989/1991

Chanel Red Quilted Cotton Bag, 1989/1991

By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

Chanel - (Made in France) Bag in red quilted cotton and gold metal attributes. Serial number

Category

1990s French Structured Vintage Bag

Paco Rabanne Transparent Celluloid Pastilles Bag, 1969
Paco Rabanne Transparent Celluloid Pastilles Bag, 1969

Paco Rabanne Transparent Celluloid Pastilles Bag, 1969

By Paco Rabanne

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

Paco Rabanne - (Made in France) Transparent celluloid pastilles bag assembled with silvery metal

Category

20th Century French Structured Vintage Bag

Andrea Pfister Fruits Bag in Black Fabric
Andrea Pfister Fruits Bag in Black Fabric

Andrea Pfister Fruits Bag in Black Fabric

By Andrea Pfister

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

Andrea Pfister (Made in Italy) Black fabric bag decorated with artificial fruits. Additional

Category

1980s Italian Structured Vintage Bag

Chanel Black Lambskin Timeless Vintage Shoulder Bag
Chanel Black Lambskin Timeless Vintage Shoulder Bag

Chanel Black Lambskin Timeless Vintage Shoulder Bag

By Chanel

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

CHANEL Black Lambskin Timeless Vintage Shoulder Bag Xupes Reference: HB4272 Serial Number: 5243423

Category

1990s Italian Structured Vintage Bag

Hermes Navy Blue Box Leather Constance Bag
Hermes Navy Blue Box Leather Constance Bag

Hermes Navy Blue Box Leather Constance Bag

By Hermès

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

Hermes - Navy blue box leather Constance bag with a gold-plated fastener on a flap, and a cross

Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Structured Vintage Bag

Vintage GUCCI Navy Leather Shoulder Bag Handbag
Vintage GUCCI Navy Leather Shoulder Bag Handbag

Vintage GUCCI Navy Leather Shoulder Bag Handbag

By Gucci

Located in San Francisco, CA

Gorgeous vintage shoulder bag by GUCCI. A classic style with modern appeal from the 1960's in

Category

1960s Italian Structured Vintage Bag

Chanel Vintage Navy Lamskin Maxi Flap Bag
Chanel Vintage Navy Lamskin Maxi Flap Bag

Chanel Vintage Navy Lamskin Maxi Flap Bag

By Chanel

Located in San Francisco, CA

imperfections, the bag remains in beautiful, wearable condition and has plenty of life left. Comes with dust bag

Category

1980s Structured Vintage Bag

1970s Gucci Navy Suede Leather Shoulder Bag
1970s Gucci Navy Suede Leather Shoulder Bag

1970s Gucci Navy Suede Leather Shoulder Bag

By Gucci

Located in Paris, FR

Gucci navy suede shoulder bag featuring leather trim, detachable shoulder strap, front zip

Category

1970s Italian Structured Vintage Bag

Chanel Black Vintage Medium Classic Flap Bag
Chanel Black Vintage Medium Classic Flap Bag

Chanel Black Vintage Medium Classic Flap Bag

By Chanel

Located in Palm Beach, FL

dust bag included. Measurements: 9” x 6” x 2.5”

Category

1990s Structured Vintage Bag

Christian Dior Brown Leather Lady Dior Bag
Christian Dior Brown Leather Lady Dior Bag

Christian Dior Brown Leather Lady Dior Bag

By Christian Dior

Located in Paris, FR

Christian Dior brown shiny leather large “Lady Dior” shoulder tote bag featuring gold-tone front

Category

1990s French Structured Vintage Bag

Vintage GUCCI Exotic Leather Shoulder Bag Camel
Vintage GUCCI Exotic Leather Shoulder Bag Camel

Vintage GUCCI Exotic Leather Shoulder Bag Camel

By Gucci

Located in Bangkok, TH

This rare vintage Gucci box shoulder bag is crafted of exotic leather in camel featuring gold toned

Category

1970s Italian Structured Vintage Bag

FENDI beige Zucca canvas BAGUETTE Shoulder Bag
FENDI beige Zucca canvas BAGUETTE Shoulder Bag

FENDI beige Zucca canvas BAGUETTE Shoulder Bag

By Fendi

Located in Zürich, CH

100% authentic Fendi baguette bag in beige Zucca canvas with dark brown leather trim and silver

Category

1990s Italian Structured Vintage Bag

Prada 856806 Black Nylon Tote  Shoulder Bag
Prada 856806 Black Nylon Tote  Shoulder Bag

Prada 856806 Black Nylon Tote Shoulder Bag

By Prada

Located in Dix hills, NY

or B) Signs of Wear: Exterior shows few tiny marks and creases on the bottom of the bag due to wear

Category

20th Century Structured Vintage Bag

Chanel Vintage Black Leather Tassel Camera Bag
Chanel Vintage Black Leather Tassel Camera Bag

Chanel Vintage Black Leather Tassel Camera Bag

By Chanel

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Chanel Vintage Black Leather Tassel Camera Bag in very good condition. Quilted black lambskin

Category

1990s Structured Vintage Bag

1980s Chanel Dark Navy Quilted Diamond Shoulder Bag
1980s Chanel Dark Navy Quilted Diamond Shoulder Bag

1980s Chanel Dark Navy Quilted Diamond Shoulder Bag

By Chanel

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Classic 80's Structured Chanel Shoulder Bag...In a deep navy blue! I love the style of this Chanel

Category

1980s French Structured Vintage Bag

Chanel Black Lambskin Vintage Timeless Shoulder Bag
Chanel Black Lambskin Vintage Timeless Shoulder Bag

Chanel Black Lambskin Vintage Timeless Shoulder Bag

By Chanel

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

"CHANEL Black Lambskin Vintage Timeless Shoulder Bag Xupes Reference: HB3818 Serial Number

Category

1990s French Structured Vintage Bag

Chanel Vintage Caviar Leather Chevron Maxi Flap Bag
Chanel Vintage Caviar Leather Chevron Maxi Flap Bag

Chanel Vintage Caviar Leather Chevron Maxi Flap Bag

By Chanel

Located in San Francisco, CA

structured, with the only signs of age being light darkening on the hardware. It’s clear this bag was

Category

1990s Structured Vintage Bag

Louis Vuitton Monogram Leonor Hobo Bag 862957
Louis Vuitton Monogram Leonor Hobo Bag 862957

Louis Vuitton Monogram Leonor Hobo Bag 862957

By Louis Vuitton

Located in Dix hills, NY

VERY GOOD CONDITION (7.5/10 or B+) (Outside) Minor rub on the leather parts (Outside) Minor stain on the leather parts (Handle) Minor spot on the whole parts Minor rub on a part ...

Category

20th Century Structured Vintage Bag

Prada Brown Venice Watercolor Hobo Bag 863208
Prada Brown Venice Watercolor Hobo Bag 863208

Prada Brown Venice Watercolor Hobo Bag 863208

By Prada

Located in Dix hills, NY

GOOD CONDITION (7/10 or B) (Outside) Minor rub partially Minor wrinkle partially Minor wrinkle partially (Outside) Minor stain on the leather parts (Handle) Minor rub on a part ...

Category

20th Century Structured Vintage Bag

Prada Black Nylon Tessuto Boston Bag 855304
Prada Black Nylon Tessuto Boston Bag 855304

Prada Black Nylon Tessuto Boston Bag 855304

By Prada

Located in Dix hills, NY

VERY GOOD CONDITION (7.5/10 or B+) (Outside) Minor marks partiall (Inside) Minor mark partially (zipper) Zipper works properly Width (inch) : 14.1 inch(approx) Width (cm) : 36 ...

Category

20th Century Structured Vintage Bag

Gucci Navy Flora Floral Crossbody Bag 863210
Gucci Navy Flora Floral Crossbody Bag 863210

Gucci Navy Flora Floral Crossbody Bag 863210

By Gucci

Located in Dix hills, NY

GOOD CONDITION (7/10 or B) (Outside) Minor rub on the leather parts (Outside) Noticeable stain partially (Handle) Noticeable stain partially (Shoulder) Noticeable on the edge of ...

Category

20th Century Structured Vintage Bag

Balenciaga Blue The First 2way Bag 38bal122
Balenciaga Blue The First 2way Bag 38bal122

Balenciaga Blue The First 2way Bag 38bal122

By Balenciaga

Located in Dix hills, NY

Date Code/Serial Number: 103208-213048 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 13" Width: 2" Height: 7.5" Shoulder Handle Drop: 8.5" Handle Drop: 4.5" OVERALL GOOD CONDITION ( 7/1...

Category

20th Century Structured Vintage Bag

Donald J. Pliner Snakeskin Hobo Bag 235dp716
Donald J. Pliner Snakeskin Hobo Bag 235dp716

Donald J. Pliner Snakeskin Hobo Bag 235dp716

By DONALD J PLINER

Located in Dix hills, NY

Made In: China Measurements: Length: 13.5" Width: 2.5" Height: 11.5" Shoulder Handle Drop: 10.5" OVERALL GOOD CONDITION ( 7/10 or B ) Signs of Wear: Exterior Canvas: Minor Scuf...

Category

20th Century Structured Vintage Bag

Louis Vuitton Monogram Drouot  Crossbody Bag 862235
Louis Vuitton Monogram Drouot  Crossbody Bag 862235

Louis Vuitton Monogram Drouot Crossbody Bag 862235

By Louis Vuitton

Located in Dix hills, NY

GOOD CONDITION (7/10 or B) (Outside) rubs on the leather parts (Shoulder) minor partially rubs minor partially stains (Outside) rubs on the edges of the corners and partially scr...

Category

20th Century Structured Vintage Bag

Prada Brown Nylon Chain Tote bag 21pr114
Prada Brown Nylon Chain Tote bag 21pr114

Prada Brown Nylon Chain Tote bag 21pr114

By Prada

Located in Dix hills, NY

Date Code/Serial Number: 50 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 16" Width: 4" Height: 12" Shoulder Handle Drop: 15" OVERALL GOOD CONDITION ( 7/10 or B ) Accessories: Care Boo...

Category

20th Century Structured Vintage Bag

Louis Vuitton Monogram Amazon Crossbody Bag 862307
Louis Vuitton Monogram Amazon Crossbody Bag 862307

Louis Vuitton Monogram Amazon Crossbody Bag 862307

By Louis Vuitton

Located in Dix hills, NY

GOOD CONDITION (7/10 or B) (Outside) rubs on the leather parts (Shoulder) minor signs of used on the whole parts minor stains on the whole parts (Inside) partially scratches (In...

Category

20th Century Structured Vintage Bag

Chanel Beige New Line Boston Bag 862595
Chanel Beige New Line Boston Bag 862595

Chanel Beige New Line Boston Bag 862595

By Chanel

Located in Dix hills, NY

GOOD CONDITION (7/10 or B) Includes Serial Seal Sticker (Outside) Minor rub on the zipper end tag (Outside) Minor stain partially (Handle) Minor rub on a part of handle Minor spo...

Category

20th Century Structured Vintage Bag

MCM Cognac Monogram Visetos Tote bag 863122
MCM Cognac Monogram Visetos Tote bag 863122

MCM Cognac Monogram Visetos Tote bag 863122

By MCM

Located in Dix hills, NY

GOOD CONDITION (7/10 or B) (Outside) Minor rub partially (Shoulder) Minor rub on a part of shoulder strap (Outside) Minor rub partially (Inside) Minor rub partially (Inside) Min...

Category

20th Century Structured Vintage Bag

Burberry Nova Check Flap Shoulder bag 6bur123
Burberry Nova Check Flap Shoulder bag 6bur123

Burberry Nova Check Flap Shoulder bag 6bur123

By Burberry

Located in Dix hills, NY

Date Code/Serial Number: N/A Made In: N/A Measurements: Length: 11 " Width: 2" Height: 8.5" Shoulder Handle Drop: 15" OVERALL GOOD CONDITION ( 7/10 or B ) Signs of Wear: Exteri...

Category

20th Century Structured Vintage Bag

1980s Chanel 31 Rue Navy Shoulder Bag
1980s Chanel 31 Rue Navy Shoulder Bag

1980s Chanel 31 Rue Navy Shoulder Bag

By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

As

Category

1980s French Structured Vintage Bag

Sepcoeur Blue Suede Leather Large Clutch Bag
Sepcoeur Blue Suede Leather Large Clutch Bag

Sepcoeur Blue Suede Leather Large Clutch Bag

Located in Paris, FR

Sepcoeur blue suede leather large clutchbag featuring gold-tone front heart opening with an under snap, an envelope shape, a leather braided finishing, an inside black silk lining an...

Category

1970s French Structured Vintage Bag

Versace Medusa Vintage Leather Bag with Gold Belt
Versace Medusa Vintage Leather Bag with Gold Belt

Versace Medusa Vintage Leather Bag with Gold Belt

By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture

Located in Milano, IT

Rare Medusa black leather bag designed by the rande designer in the 1990s, fine Italian

Category

1990s Italian Structured Vintage Bag

Christian Dior Vintage Beige Leather Convertible Shoulder Bag
Christian Dior Vintage Beige Leather Convertible Shoulder Bag

Christian Dior Vintage Beige Leather Convertible Shoulder Bag

By Christian Dior

Located in Rome, Rome

Vintage CHRISTIAN DIOR shoulder bag crafted in beige leather. Gold metal CD oval tab on the front

Category

20th Century French Structured Vintage Bag

Chanel Black Resin Evening Bag with GHW
Chanel Black Resin Evening Bag with GHW

Chanel Black Resin Evening Bag with GHW

By Chanel

Located in Palm Beach, FL

is a must have for any collector. Polished black resin rectangular structured bag is edged with gold

Category

1980s French Structured Vintage Bag

Chanel Light Blue Denim Full Flap Shoulder Bag
Chanel Light Blue Denim Full Flap Shoulder Bag

Chanel Light Blue Denim Full Flap Shoulder Bag

By Chanel

Located in Sheung Wan, HK

- Vintage late 80s to early 90s Chanel light blue denim full flap shoulder bag with gold chain

Category

1990s French Structured Vintage Bag

Chanel Black Caviar Leather Vintage Timeless Shoulder Bag
Chanel Black Caviar Leather Vintage Timeless Shoulder Bag

Chanel Black Caviar Leather Vintage Timeless Shoulder Bag

By Chanel

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

CHANEL BLACK CAVIAR LEATHER VINTAGE TIMELESS SHOULDER BAG This ladies Chanel Timeless Shoulder

Category

1990s French Structured Vintage Bag

CHANEL Timeless Flap Shoulder Bag in Pink Leather
CHANEL Timeless Flap Shoulder Bag in Pink Leather

CHANEL Timeless Flap Shoulder Bag in Pink Leather

By Chanel

Located in Paris, FR

Timeless bag in pink quilted lamb leather from Maison Chanel. Silver jewelery. Double flap. Clasp

Category

Late 20th Century French Structured Vintage Bag

Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Full Flap Shoulder Bag
Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Full Flap Shoulder Bag

Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Full Flap Shoulder Bag

By Chanel

Located in Sheung Wan, HK

- This vintage black Chanel shoulder bag features a quilted lambskin leather body, a chain shoulder

Category

1990s French Structured Vintage Bag

1991 Chanel Flap Vintage Black Leather Shoulder Bag
1991 Chanel Flap Vintage Black Leather Shoulder Bag

1991 Chanel Flap Vintage Black Leather Shoulder Bag

By Chanel

Located in Torre Del Greco, IT

Chanel signed bag, vintage Flap model, made in black leather with red bag and golden hardware

Category

1990s Structured Vintage Bag

Chanel Classic Black Lambskin Quilted Stripes Shoulder Bag
Chanel Classic Black Lambskin Quilted Stripes Shoulder Bag

Chanel Classic Black Lambskin Quilted Stripes Shoulder Bag

By Chanel

Located in Sheung Wan, HK

- Vintage 90s Chanel classic black lambskin quilted shoulder bag. - Diagonal and horizontal

Category

1990s French Structured Vintage Bag

Hermès Vintage Navy Blue Box Calf Constance Bag
Hermès Vintage Navy Blue Box Calf Constance Bag

Hermès Vintage Navy Blue Box Calf Constance Bag

By Hermès

Located in Paris, FR

Classic and iconic piece from la Maison Hermès, navy blue calf box Constance bag. Recognizable by

Category

Mid-20th Century French Structured Vintage Bag

Chanel Green Lizard Skin Quilted Shoulder Bag, 1990s
Chanel Green Lizard Skin Quilted Shoulder Bag, 1990s

Chanel Green Lizard Skin Quilted Shoulder Bag, 1990s

By Chanel

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Early 90's green quilted lizard Chanel vintage camera bag with gold-tone hardware, single chain

Category

1990s French Structured Vintage Bag

Chanel Navy Blue Lizard Flap Triple Chain Bag
Chanel Navy Blue Lizard Flap Triple Chain Bag

Chanel Navy Blue Lizard Flap Triple Chain Bag

By Chanel

Located in Palm Beach, FL

This authentic Chanel Navy Lizard Flap Bag is in excellent vintage condition from the late 1980's

Category

1980s Structured Vintage Bag

Louis Vuitton Black Epi Leather Sac Seau Bag
Louis Vuitton Black Epi Leather Sac Seau Bag

Louis Vuitton Black Epi Leather Sac Seau Bag

By Louis Vuitton

Located in Sheung Wan, HK

- This Louis Vuitton black Sac Seau bag features an epi leather body, a flat shoulder strap, an

Category

1990s French Structured Vintage Bag

Chanel Blue Lizard Vintage Double Flap Envelope Bag
Chanel Blue Lizard Vintage Double Flap Envelope Bag

Chanel Blue Lizard Vintage Double Flap Envelope Bag

By Chanel

Located in Palm Beach, FL

This authentic Chanel Blue Lizard Double Flap Envelope Bag is in excellent vintage condition from

Category

Late 20th Century Structured Vintage Bag

Chanel 1990s Quilted Lambskin Tassel Flap Shoulder Bag
Chanel 1990s Quilted Lambskin Tassel Flap Shoulder Bag

Chanel 1990s Quilted Lambskin Tassel Flap Shoulder Bag

By Chanel

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

This Chanel Vintage Quilted Lambskin Tassel Shoulder Bag is made from luxurious lambskin leather

Category

1990s French Structured Vintage Bag

1990s Chanel Red Lambskin Vintage Timeless Shoulder Bag
1990s Chanel Red Lambskin Vintage Timeless Shoulder Bag

1990s Chanel Red Lambskin Vintage Timeless Shoulder Bag

By Chanel

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

This ladies Chanel Timeless Shoulder Bag is primarily made from red lambskin leather complimented

Category

1990s French Structured Vintage Bag

Chanel Vintage Micro Mini Shoulder Flap Bag Rare
Chanel Vintage Micro Mini Shoulder Flap Bag Rare

Chanel Vintage Micro Mini Shoulder Flap Bag Rare

By Chanel

Located in Roosendaal, NL

From the collection of SAVINETI we offer this super rare Chanel Micro Flap Bag: - Brand: Chanel

Category

1990s French Structured Vintage Bag

Chanel Lambskin Vintage Shoulder Bag CC top lock
Chanel Lambskin Vintage Shoulder Bag CC top lock

Chanel Lambskin Vintage Shoulder Bag CC top lock

By Chanel

Located in Roosendaal, NL

From the collection of Savineti we offer this Chanel Lambskin Shoulder Bag with CC top lock - Brand

Category

1960s French Structured Vintage Bag

Chanel Vintage Full Flap Bag Quilted Lambskin Mini
Chanel Vintage Full Flap Bag Quilted Lambskin Mini

Chanel Vintage Full Flap Bag Quilted Lambskin Mini

By Chanel

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

This is a chic shoulder bag that is finely crafted of diamond quilted lambskin leather. The bag

Category

1990s French Structured Vintage Bag

Chanel Vintage Red Leather Scallop Quilted Flap Bag
Chanel Vintage Red Leather Scallop Quilted Flap Bag

Chanel Vintage Red Leather Scallop Quilted Flap Bag

By Chanel

Located in Palm Beach, FL

This authentic Chanel Red Leather Scallop Quilted Flap Bag is in very good vintage condition. Rare

Category

20th Century European Structured Vintage Bag

Chanel Beige Quilted Lambskin Vintage Timeless Camera Bag
Chanel Beige Quilted Lambskin Vintage Timeless Camera Bag

Chanel Beige Quilted Lambskin Vintage Timeless Camera Bag

By Chanel

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

Chanel Beige Quilted Lambskin Vintage Timeless Camera Bag Brand- Chanel Model- Timeless Camera Bag

Category

1990s Italian Structured Vintage Bag

Chanel Blue Lizard Skin Vintage Mini Flap Bag
Chanel Blue Lizard Skin Vintage Mini Flap Bag

Chanel Blue Lizard Skin Vintage Mini Flap Bag

By Chanel

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

CHANEL BLUE LIZARD SKIN VINTAGE MINI FLAP BAG This ladies Chanel Mini Flap Bag is primarily made

Category

1990s French Structured Vintage Bag

Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Single Flap Bag
Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Single Flap Bag

Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Single Flap Bag

By Chanel

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

CHANEL BLACK QUILTED LAMBSKIN VINTAGE SINGLE FLAP BAG This ladies Chanel Single Flap Bag is

Category

1990s French Structured Vintage Bag

Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Single Flap Bag
Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Single Flap Bag

Chanel Black Quilted Lambskin Vintage Single Flap Bag

By Chanel

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

CHANEL BLACK QUILTED LAMBSKIN VINTAGE SINGLE FLAP BAG This ladies Chanel Single Flap Bag is

Category

1990s French Structured Vintage Bag

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Structured Vintage Bag For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact vintage or contemporary structured vintage bag you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Black is a pretty popular color, but we also have Beige, Brown, Red and more in stock now. If you’re looking for a structured vintage bag from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 15th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. When shopping for these accessories, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for men or unisex today than there are for women.

How Much is a Structured Vintage Bag?

On average, a structured vintage bag on 1stDibs sells for $3,185, while they’re typically $112 on the low end and $27,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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.