1980s Black Cut Velvet and Silver Plated Hardware Italian Evening Bag
Located in Aci Castello, IT
The handle is integrated into the bag via elegant, leaf-shaped silver connectors that add a touch of refined detail to the front and back panels, the bag utilizes a structured frame ...
1990s elegant Blue Fabric and Brass Belt Hand Bag by Salvatore Ferragamo
By Salvatore Ferragamo, Ferragamo
Located in Aci Castello, IT
The bag's structured silhouette is covered in a deep navy or sapphire blue fabric, likely a grosgrain or ribbed textile, which offers a fine texture and classic look.
A Stylish 1960s Blue and Creamy Fabric Double-Face Italian Hand-Bag
Located in Aci Castello, IT
The other side showcases a deep navy blue hue, providing a striking visual contrast that enhances its retro appeal. The bag's structure is defined by clean lines and an elegant silh...
Chanel Black V-stitch quilting top-Handle Bag Black Caviar Leather interlocking
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The interlocking CC logo is accented with a gold and leather tassel detail, adding a sense of movement and ornamentation that contrasts beautifully with the bag’s otherwise tailored ...
1980s Iconic Plastic and Leather Continuous Logo Large Top Handle Bag by Fendi
By Karl Lagerfeld for Fendi, Fendi
Located in Aci Castello, IT
The bag’s structure is covered in the iconic Zucca/FF monogram—the continuous, inverted double 'F' logo designed by Karl Lagerfeld—rendered in a durable, sleek vinyl PVC coated canvas.
Gucci Vintage Black Leather Box Flap Shoulder Bag with Chain Strap
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Sophisticated and structured, this vintage Gucci box bag perfectly captures the timeless elegance and refined craftsmanship for which the House is celebrated.
Vintage Chanel Barbie Collection 95P Vanity Heart Mirror Bag Black Patent GHW
By Chanel
Located in Sewickley, PA
Collection: 3-series (1995 P) Origin: France Condition: Vintage; Excellent - This bag retains its structure and the exterior is clean.
Chanel Vintage Rare Black Caviar Top Handle Classic Kelly Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Vintage Rare Black Caviar Top Handle Classic Kelly Flap Bag Structured Leather Top Handle CC Turnlock Closure Interior Zip And Slip Pockets Caviar Leather Leather Lining Gold...
1960s DEUTZ Black Patent Leather Top Handle Box Bag w/ Coin Medallion Mirror 60s
Located in San Diego, CA
A rare and striking 1960s black patent leather box handbag by DEUTZ, featuring a dramatic gold-tone coin medallion framed in rhinestones at the center front. This highly structured t...
Chanel Timeless Vanity Case Black Caviar Leather w Gold Hardware
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The pebbled grain gives the iconic quilting a more defined, sculptural quality, allowing the bag to maintain its crisp structure beautifully over time.
Hermès Birkin Haut à Courroies 50cm Barenia Leather and Crinoline
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The interplay between supple leather and structured canvas gives the bag a dynamic visual balance—luxurious without excess, functional yet undeniably sophisticated.
A 1980s Iconic Blue and White Handbag by Franco Moschino " Te du na bursetada! "
By Franco Moschino
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This piece exemplifies Moschino's characteristic sense of humor and playful approach to fashion. The bag is a structured, dark blue plastic handbag with a top handle.
Chanel Vintage Pink Crocodile Kelly Handbag
By Chanel
Located in San Francisco, CA
Chanel Vintage Alligator Top Handle Flap Bag Condition: Excellent Vintage Condition Material: Alligator Color: Salmon Pink Hardware: Gold-Tone Series: 5-Series (1997–1999) Dimen...
Hermès Haut à Courroies (HAC) 50 Navy Blue Fjord Leather w/Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Its expansive interior and structured form speak to the bag’s equestrian heritage, while the meticulous saddle stitching and handcrafted construction reflect the uncompromising stand...
Chanel Vintage Original Kelly Top Handle Beige Caviar w/Gold Hardware
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Rendered in beige cowhide leather, the surface carries a smooth, lightly structured finish that enhances the bag’s clean lines.
1990's Chanel Denim & Tortoiseshell Logo Plaque Tote Purse Handbag
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in BELLEVUE HILL, NSW
Dating to the 90's, this rare & authentic Chanel structured top-handle bag pairs dark washed denim with faux-tortoiseshell resin details for an unexpectedly refined, minimalist s...
Modern Vintage Brassed Chromed Metal Vintage Newspaper Magazine Rack 1970s Italy
By Romeo Rega
Located in Vienna, AT
Amazing shape like a shopping bag. Linear structure of the metal elements spreads a modern and sophisticated Romeo Rega style design.
Metal
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.
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.
Accented with a sculptural golden handle and a pair of swishy tassels, the design never went into production.
These celebrities prove that the famous design works with both sleek dresses and streetwear.
Fashion designers are revisiting and reimagining the era's It bags.
The sale sets a new record for the highly coveted handbag.
Does wicker get more high-end than this?
Several of the pieces sold for well above their estimates.