Thom Browne Bag
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Backpacks
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
2010s Tote Bags
2010s Brogues
People Also Browsed
Early 2000s Evening Dresses and Gowns
2010s Briefcases and Attachés
Early 2000s French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
Vintage 1940s American Art Nouveau Clip-on Earrings
Crystal, Pearl, Gold, Enamel, Gilt Metal
Early 2000s Italian Tote Bags
1990s Italian Tote Bags
1990s Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
21st Century and Contemporary French Cardigans
1980s French Skirts
Vintage 1960s French Byzantine Dangle Earrings
Gilt Metal, Gold Plate, Brass, Bronze
Vintage 1960s American Modern Clamper Bracelets
2010s Italian Tote Bags
Vintage 1960s French Byzantine Link Bracelets
Gilt Metal
Vintage 1950s French Romantic Drop Necklaces
Gilt Metal, Gold Plate, Bronze, Enamel
Mid-20th Century American Post-War Link Bracelets
Crystal, Yellow Gold, Base Metal, Gilt Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
Recent Sales
21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags
2010s Boots
21st Century and Contemporary Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Tote Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Duffel Bags and Carry-On Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Pouches and Wristlets
21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Shoulder Bags
2010s American Briefcases and Attachés
21st Century and Contemporary Tote Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Tote Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Backpacks
Finding the Right Handbags and Purses 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.