Vintage Gianni Versace Metallic Medusa Monogram White Shoulder Bag
By Gianni Versace
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This central medallion is mounted on a vertical leather stripe that adds contrast and sophistication to the overall look. The bag has a structured hobo shape with a generously sized ...
1996 Louis Vuitton Monogram Coated Canvas Alma Hand-Bag
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This authentic vintage Louis Vuitton Alma PM handbag is crafted in the maison's iconic Monogram coated canvas, styled in a structured, classic dome silhouette. The bag features rolle...
An Iconic 1980s Gucci Vintage Monogram Canvas Travel Bag
By Gucci
Located in Aci Castello, IT
The canvas is complemented by black leather trim on the corners and edges, enhancing durability while maintaining a sleek and polished look. The bag’s structured, rectangular silhoue...
Chanel 1995 Rare Logo Black Vanity Case Bag
By Chanel
Located in San Francisco, CA
Unlike most vanity models from this era, this one-off design features the iconic CC logo on the front, making it exceptionally collectible. The bag includes a structured top handle a...
$597Sale Price|25% Off
Louis Vuitton Monogram Cartouchière GM Crossbody Bag SL0941
By Louis Vuitton
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
The Cartouchière was designed as a versatile crossbody bag with a structured shape and flap closure, secured by a brass buckle that adds both practicality and charm.
1999 Louis Vuitton Houston Pepper Mint Vernis Houston Tote Bag
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Known for its vibrant shine and structured form, the Houston bag in Peppermint is a standout collector's piece from the late 1990s.
1970s Red Blue and White Faceted Beaded Italian Hand-Bag
Located in Aci Castello, IT
The sturdy handles are also expertly beaded in a complementary stripe pattern, ensuring both style and comfort. This structured top-handle bag is perfect for adding a pop of color an...
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 Black Fabric and Leather Hand-Bag by Gianni Versace
By Gianni Versace
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Crafted from a durable black fabric, it features a subtle yet unmistakable geometric pattern woven into the material, incorporating the distinctive Versace Greek key motif alongside ...
1950s Art Deco Style Cream Toned Bakelite and Leather Evening Bag
Located in Aci Castello, IT
The body of the bag is made primarily of smooth cream-colored Bakelite, a popular early plastic used in luxury accessories, known for its high-gloss finish and durable structure.
HERMES Marron Fonce SHINY CROC KELLY 32 SELLIER Bag GHW
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
Constructed in the structured Sellier style, the bag features sharp lines and impeccable craftsmanship that define Hermès’ most formal Kelly silhouette.
1970s Vintage Black Suede and Silver Plated Metal Italian Evening Bag
Located in Aci Castello, IT
The bag features a structured silhouette, characteristic of the era, framed by a lustrous silver-plated metal bar that runs along the top opening.
1970s Vintage Green and Black Woven Wicker and Brass Italian Hand-Bag
By Rodo
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This vintage 1970s Italian handbag features a striking combination of green and black woven wicker, creating a textured and stylish design. The bag is structured with a rectangular s...
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...
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.
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 ...
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...
$474Sale Price|40% Off
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...
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.
Christian Dior Early 1990s Gold Plate and Rhinestone Mughal Vintage Earrings
By Christian Dior
Located in Wilmslow, England
Pair these earrings with a simple chocolate-brown silk or satin slip dress, dark brown pointed mules, a structured little bag and hair sleek and pulled back.
Gold Plate
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.
1990's Chanel Denim & Tortoiseshell Logo Plaque Tote Purse Handbag
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for 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...
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...
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.
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