Tapestry Shoulder Bags
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2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Hobo Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
20th Century Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Structured Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Hobo Bags
1980s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
Finding the Right Handbags-purses-bags for You
An integral part of fashion, handbags and purses have been indispensable accessories ever since we began to carry around personal items. Level of craftsmanship, style and shape matters — from coin purses in ancient Greece to early 20th-century opera bags and onward, handbags have evolved considerably over the years to meet our needs and desires, whether or not you happen to be prioritizing functionality over a flashy exterior.
Once, a single “It” handbag ruled each fashion season. No more. Today, lovers of vintage handbags are savvier and have a wider range of shopping options. Nevertheless, classics created by the likes of Louis Vuitton, Dior and Balenciaga still rule.
“It is not a fashion bag — it is a statement bag,” says Mightychic's Debra Kent of Hermès's widely beloved accessories. “When you carry an iconic Hermès bag — Birkin, Kelly, Constance — no one knows how long you have been into this culture or if you are a newbie. Your status is validated immediately.”
First released in 1997, Fendi's Baguette rose to fame along with Carrie Bradshaw, the Sex and the City character portrayed by Sarah Jessica Parker. Recently, the design has seen such a resurgence in popularity that Fendi has reissued it.
They are part of design history, so owning a handbag has meaning. As New York–based fashion historian Sarah C. Byrd says, “You have made the choice to invest in this piece because you understand the value of it in the past and in the future to come.”
From a 1980s Chanel black leather quilted mini buckle bag to the rare Hermès Birkin 30cm Himalayan with diamond hardware to a range of 19th-century bags, find a rich variety of vintage and designer handbags and purses spanning numerous brands on 1stDibs — seasonal “It” designation no longer needed.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023No, Birkin bags don’t have shoulder straps. As a result, the iconic bag is best toted by gripping the double handles in your hand or slipping them over your wrist. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Hermès Birkin bags from some of the world’s top boutiques.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2024Coco Chanel invented a shoulder bag that was based on the backpacks that soldiers carried on the battlefield. Some experts suggest that this is the first handbag designed with a shoulder strap.
In 1929, when the pioneering French fashion designer grew tired of toting around her belongings in a purse she carried by hand, she added an adjustable chain to her accessory. This meant that she’d freed up her hands, and her bag could be slung over her shoulder. It was reintroduced decades later as Chanel’s iconic 2.55, a vast improvement on the day’s top-handle accessories and clutches.
Named for the month (February) and the year (1955) that the designer formally brought the bag to the greater market, the Chanel 2.55 was a smashing success, a chic, rectangular accessory in soft quilted leather. Find a large collection of Chanel shoulder bags on 1stDibs. - 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Several different styles of big shoulder bags exist, including tote bags and backpacks that are worn over the shoulder. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of tote bags and other shoulder bags from brands like Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, and Christian Dior.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Yes, you can wear the Chanel 19 as a shoulder bag. All of the sizes of the handbag feature a shoulder strap. They include the Round Clutch, the Flap Coin Purse, the Wallet on Chain, the Medium, the Large and the Maxi. Find a large collection of Chanel 19 bags on 1stDibs.
Read More
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The Japanese artist is one of many creators with whom the French fashion house has partnered to impressive effect.
The Hermès Teddy Kelly Might Be Winter’s Most Covetable Bag
This suede-and-shearling version of the famous design debuted 20 years ago, during Jean-Paul Gaultier's tenure as creative director.
Gucci’s Anatomical Heart-Shaped Bag Is Surprisingly Romantic
Created during Alessandro Michele's tenure at the brand, this sparkling, whimsical minaudière feels just right for a night out.
This Virgil Abloh for Louis Vuitton Prism Bag Is Highly Collectible — and Just Right for a Weekend Getaway
The late designer created an iridescent, irreverent take on the nearly century-old travel staple.
The Hermès Passe-Guide Bag Might Not Be as Well Known as the Birkin or Kelly, But It’s Every Bit as Chic
Find out why this under-the-radar piece is so exceptional.
How to Spot a Fake Gucci Bag
Distinguishing an authentic Gucci bag from a counterfeit can be daunting. This guide combines our expert insights with tips on how to authenticate Gucci handbags. Of course, you don't have to worry about fakes on 1stDibs, where every Gucci seller is highly vetted.
How to Spot a Fake YSL Bag
Counterfeiters know that savvy fashionistas cherish YSL bags. Learn how to tell if yours is the real deal. Of course, you don't have to worry about that on 1stDibs, where every seller is highly vetted.