GUCCI by Tom Ford 2003/4 Exotic Crocodile Skin Metallic Grey Horsebit Clutch Bag
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Switzerland, CH
's exotic collection Designed by Tom Ford for Gucci in his last year 2003/2004 Fabulous gunmetal metallic
GUCCI by Tom Ford Velvet GG Logo Exotic Lizard Skin Horsebit XXL Clutch Bag Y2K
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Switzerland, CH
A Gucci by Tom Ford Evening Bag, from the early-mid 2000s Y Limited Edition only sold in selected
GUCCI by Tom Ford Pink GG Monogram Logo Satin Lizard Barbiecore Horsebit Bag
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in Switzerland, CH
A stunning Gucci clutch Made of finest pink satin Ruched style, with the famous GUCCI GG Monogram
2000s Vintage Gucci Orange Metal Lacquered Horsebit Miniature Bag Charm Keyring
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in London, GB
Gucci vintage charm for phone, handbag, keyring, small metal lacquered orange horsebit clutch with
Vintage Gucci 1995 Metallic Purple Python Clutch
By Gucci
Located in London, GB
Tom Ford for Gucci 1995 purple metallic python clutch - collectors item. Features signature
Gucci For Tom Ford Studded Monogram Clutch With Chain
By Gucci
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Authentic GUCCI Monogram Studded Horsebit Clutch in Black & Tan. Crafted from GG monogram canvas
Gucci Tom Ford Monogram Horsebit Chain Clutch Bag
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in Torre Del Greco, IT
Carry this playful Gucci clutch to your brunches and daytime outings. It is made from monogram
GUCCI Tom Ford Vintage purple web Horsebit GG monogram chain clutch bag
By Tom Ford, Gucci
Located in Hong Kong, NT
GUCCI Tom Ford Vintage purple web Horsebit GG monogram chain clutch bag Reference: TGAS/F00512
rare GUCCI Tom Ford 2004 Dragon Horsebit crystal buckle tan canvas clutch bag
By Tom Ford, Gucci
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare GUCCI Tom Ford 2004 green Dragon Horsebit crystal buckle tan yellow canvas clutch bag
2000s Gucci by Tom Ford Beaded GG Horsebit Lizard Convertible Chain Clutch
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
TheRealList present: a black beaded GG Gucci horse-bit bag, designed by Tom Ford. From the early
Sold
H 4.75 in W 10.5 in D 2.25 in
Gucci by Tom Ford Beaded GG Red Horsebit Convertible Chain Clutch Lizard
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
In this classic Tom Ford design, Ford took his iconic horse-bit 'baguette' style bag and added a
Horsebit purple suede and python chain clutch bag Gucci by Tom Ford
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Horsebit purple suede and python chain clutch bag . The lining is in purple satin and burgundy
Sold
H 5.25 in W 10.5 in D 2 in
F/W 2003 Gucci by Tom Ford Burgundy Patent Medium Horsebit Convertible Clutch
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
TheRealList presents: Designed by Tom Ford during his tenure at the house of Gucci, this bag
Tom Ford for Gucci Fall Winter 2003 Black Studded Python Leather Horsebit Clutch
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in London, GB
Nordic Poetry is excited to present this incredibly iconic Tom Ford for Gucci Fall Winter 2003
Sold
H 6 in W 15 in D 2 in
F/W 2003 Gucci by Tom Ford Creme Crocodile Large Horsebit Convertible Clutch
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
TheRealList presents: Designed by Tom Ford during his tenure at the house of Gucci, this bag
Tom Ford for Gucci Monogram Horsebit Chain Shoulder Bag, 2003
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci Monogram horsebit chain shoulder bag from their F/W collection circa 2003
GUCCI Tom Ford Vintage Horsebit black scaled leather gold buckle shoulder chain
By Tom Ford, Gucci
Located in Hong Kong, NT
GUCCI Tom Ford Vintage Horsebit black scaled leather gold buckle shoulder chain clutch bag
GUCCI Tom Ford Vintage Horsebit black leather gold buckle shoulder chain bag
By Tom Ford, Gucci
Located in Hong Kong, NT
GUCCI Tom Ford Vintage Horsebit black leather gold buckle shoulder chain bag Reference: GIYG/A00306
Tom Ford S/S 2004 Runway Black&Pink GG Canvas Horsebit Clutch
By Gucci
Located in London, GB
Tom Ford S/S 2004 black and pink GG monogram horsebit clutch, collectors item. Features signature
F/W 2003 Runway Black Crocodile Clutch
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in London, GB
Nordic Poetry is excited to present this incredibly iconic Tom Ford for Gucci Fall Winter 2003
F/W 2003 Runway White Crocodile Clutch
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in London, GB
We are excited to present this incredibly iconic Tom Ford for Gucci Fall Winter 2003 cream
Vintage Gucci F/W 2004 Crocodile & Velvet Gold Dragon Print Shoulder Bag
By Gucci
Located in London, GB
Vintage Gucci fall winter 2004 by Tom Ford crocodile print shoulder bag. Features a metallic gold
2000s Gucci by Tom Ford Horsebit Convertible Chain Clutch Leather Medium Bag
By Gucci, Tom Ford
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Designed by Tom Ford in the early 2000s, this chic black leather Gucci convertible bag showcases a
2000s Gucci by Tom Ford Black 'GG' Medium Horsebit Convertible Clutch
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
TheRealList presents: Designed by Tom Ford during his tenure at the house of Gucci, this bag
2000s Gucci by Tom Ford Black 'GG' Medium Horsebit Convertible Clutch
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
TheRealList presents: Designed by Tom Ford during his tenure at the house of Gucci, this bag
Gucci Tom Ford SS 2004 Jeweled Snake Head Horsebit Bamboo Clutch
By Tom Ford
Located in Switzerland, CH
EXTREMELY RARE GUCCI BY TOM FORD GORGEOUS SNAKE HEAD JEWELLED GG MONOGRAM LIMITED EDITION
New Tom Ford for GUCCI 2004 Crocodile-Trimmed Horsebit Jeweled Serpent Clutch
By Tom Ford
Located in Montgomery, TX
Highly collectible Gucci Limited Edition Clutch Bag designed by Tom Ford back to 2004. Crafted from
Tom Ford for GUCCI 2004 Crocodile Trimmed Horsebit Jeweled Serpent Clutch Bag
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in Montgomery, TX
Highly Collectible Gucci Limited Edition Runway Clutch Bag Designed by Tom Ford Back to 2004
Gucci by Tom Ford F/W 2003 Black leather 'Horsebit' chain clutch
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Milano, IT
- Designed by Tom Ford - Sold by Skof.Archive - Gucci “Horsebit” clutch with chain - Gold
2000s Gucci by Tom Ford Brown GG Distressed Gold Large Horsebit Clutch
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
TheRealList presents: Designed by Tom Ford during his tenure at the house of Gucci, this bag
Sold
H 6 in W 15 in D 2 in
2000s Gucci by Tom Ford Pink GG Large Distressed Horsebit Convertible Clutch
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
TheRealList presents: Designed by Tom Ford during his tenure at the house of Gucci, this bag
Sold
H 6 in W 15 in D 2 in
2000s Gucci by Tom Ford Black Leather Gold Large Horsebit Convertible Clutch
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
TheRealList presents: Designed by Tom Ford during his tenure at the house of Gucci, this bag
UNWORN Gucci Exotic Tom Ford Striped Black Lizard Jeweled Snake Horsebit Clutch
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in Switzerland, CH
EXTREMELY RARE GUCCI BY TOM FORD GORGEOUS SNAKE HEAD JEWELLED EVENING BAG LIMITED EDITION
Rare Exotic Gucci by Tom Ford Embroidered Flowers Raffia Horsebit Clutch Bag
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in Switzerland, CH
Stunning GUCCI signature horsebit flap bag Amazing piece of work - handwoven raffia with floral
GUCCI by Tom Ford 2003 Exotic Ostrich Skin Horsebit Flap Clutch Bag XL
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in Switzerland, CH
Beautiful Purple Gucci XL Horsebit Flap Bag A timeless Gucci piece Designed by Tom Ford for Gucci
UNWORN Gucci by Tom Ford 2004 XL Exotic Velvet Crystal Encrusted Horsebit Clutch
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in Switzerland, CH
EXTREMELY RARE GUCCI BY TOM FORD SIGNATURE BAG GORGEOUS VELVET & CROC EVENING BAG WITH GORGEOUS
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H 5.25 in W 10.5 in D 2 in
F/W 2004 Gucci by Tom Ford Blue Metallic Medium Horsebit Convertible Clutch
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
TheRealList presents: Designed by Tom Ford during his tenure at the house of Gucci, this bag
F/W 2003 Gucci by Tom Ford Studded Suede Large Horsebit Convertible Clutch
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
TheRealList presents: Designed by Tom Ford during his tenure at the house of Gucci, this bag
Sold
H 6 in W 15 in D 2 in
S/S 2004 Gucci by Tom Ford Serpent Large Enamel Horsebit Convertible Clutch
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
TheRealList presents: Designed by Tom Ford during his tenure at the house of Gucci, this bag
Gucci By Tom Ford FW 2003 Metallic Pink Barbiecore Studded Horsebit Clutch Bag
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in Switzerland, CH
collections by Tom Ford Very rare Collector's item Made of beautiful metallic pink leather - such a versatile
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H 5.25 in W 7.25 in D 3.25 in
S/S 2004 Gucci by Tom Ford Gold Metallic Purple Enamel Horsebit Mini Clutch
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
handbag or can be converted into a clutch. We have many other rare Tom Ford Gucci horse bit bags coming
Sold
H 6 in W 15 in D 2 in
F/W 2003 Gucci by Tom Ford Studded GG Burgundy Large Horsebit Convertible Clutch
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
TheRealList presents: Designed by Tom Ford during his tenure at the house of Gucci, this bag
Sold
H 6 in W 15 in D 2 in
F/W 2004 Gucci by Tom Ford Velvet GG Large Lizard Horsebit Convertible Clutch
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
TheRealList presents: Designed by Tom Ford during his tenure at the house of Gucci, this bag
Sold
H 5.75 in W 15 in D 3.25 in
S/S 2004 Gucci by Tom Ford Alligator Horsebit Crystal Enamel Serpent XL Clutch
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an extravagant rhinestoned serpent alligator horse bit convertible clutch by Tom Ford
F/W 2003 Gucci by Tom Ford Studded Black Suede Oversized Gold Horsebit Clutch
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This extra-large black suede Gucci horse-bit shoulder bag was designed by Tom Ford for the Fall
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H 6 in W 15 in D 2 in
S/S 2004 Gucci by Tom Ford Ad GG Pink Satin Large Horsebit Convertible Clutch
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
TheRealList presents: Designed by Tom Ford during his tenure at the house of Gucci, this bag
Sold
H 6 in W 15 in D 2 in
S/S 2004 Gucci by Tom Ford Ad GG Pink Satin Large Horsebit Convertible Clutch
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
TheRealList presents: Designed by Tom Ford during his tenure at the house of Gucci, this bag
GUCCI Black Leather HORSEBIT Clutch Shoulder Bag TOM FORD ERA
By Gucci
Located in Rome, Rome
Rare Gucci clutch shoulder bag from the TOM FORD Era. It is crafted in textured black leather and
F/W 2004 Gucci by Tom Ford Gold Crocodile Horsebit Ad Crystal Bag
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From Tom Ford's final collection at Gucci, this incredible golden velvet Horsebit convertible
Tom Ford for Gucci S/S 2004 Crystal Embellished Lizard Enamel Serpent Clutch
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Montgomery, TX
Highly collectible Gucci Limited Edition Clutch Bag designed by Tom Ford back to 2004. This
Tom Ford for Gucci S/S 2004 Gold Purple Snake Enamel Serpent Clutch
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Montgomery, TX
Highly collectible Gucci Limited Edition Clutch Bag designed by Tom Ford back to 2004. This
Sold
H 5.5 in W 7.5 in D 2.5 in
S/S 2004 Gucci by Tom Ford Tan GG Horsebit Mini Evening Bag Purple Satin Stripe
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting Designed by Tom Ford during his tenure at the house of Gucci, this bag represents Tom
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H 5.5 in W 7.5 in D 2.5 in
S/S 2004 Gucci by Tom Ford Black GG Horsebit Mini Evening Bag with Pink Stripe
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting Designed by Tom Ford during his tenure at the house of Gucci, this bag represents Tom
GUCCI Embroidered Paisley Canvas Leather Horsebit Bamboo Clutch Bag Y2K
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Switzerland, CH
Stunning Gucci signature bag Clutch design Famous horsebit design Embroidered in paisley pattern
Tom Ford Shoulder Bag for Gucci in Black Leather, 1990
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Milano, IT
Superb Gucci shoulder bag by Tom Ford, limited edition in leather and stones, pink satin. Beautiful
Gucci Vintage S/S 2003 Green Horsebit 1955 Clutch Bag
By Gucci
Located in London, GB
Tom Ford for Gucci Spring/Summer 2003 GG logo clutch. Collector item. Features signature horsebit
Sold
H 5.25 in W 10.5 in D 2 in
S/S 2005 Gucci by Frida Giannini Flora Medium Horsebit Convertible Clutch
By Gucci, Frida Giannini
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Giannini's first collection for Gucci, Spring/Summer 2005. Frida took the classic horse-bit clutch designed
Gucci Limited Edition Tom Ford Horsebit Clutch
By Tom Ford, Gucci
Located in Lisbon, PT
Gucci black textured leather clutch with elongated rose gold horsebit detail on the frontal flap
Sold
H 6.5 in W 0.6 in L 14.97 in
Gucci Multicolor Fabric Limited Edition Tom Ford Horsebit Chain Clutch
By Gucci
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
One look at this clutch from Gucci and you'll know right away why it is luxury. It is not only high
Gucci Horsebit Clutch
By Gucci
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Gucci GG monogram canvas horsebit clutch. This incredible Tom Ford for Gucci era clutch bag
Gucci Tom Ford Beaded Canvas Flora Floral Horsebit Bag
By Gucci
Located in Montreal, Quebec
This clutch is made of bright and colourful floral print canvas. The clutch features a polished
GUCCI Snakeskin Horsebit Chain Clutch
By Gucci
Located in Aurora, IL
DESCRIPTION Gucci Clutch From the 2003 Collection by Tom Ford Vintage Black Leather Animal Print
Celine Wrap Bodycon Dress
By Celine
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous red jersey dress from Celine. It has a wide V neckline, 3/4 length sleeves and a wrapped ruched bodice. The dress is semi fitted through to the hips then falls straight ...
$184Sale Price|60% Off
H 7.88 in W 2.37 in L 11.62 in
Sergio Rossi Black Suede Evening Shoulder Bag 1980s
By Sergio Rossi
Located in Brindisi, Bt
Sergio Rossi 80s vintage elegant bag. Square model rigid with shoulder strap, fabric in velvet, color black with details in color gold. Zip and button closure. Made in Italy. Excelle...
1950s Amazing Vintage Silk Chiffon Full Circle Cocktail Dress
Located in Sparks, NV
Stunning vintage cocktail dress with a full swinging delicate silk chiffon skirt and draped bustline. Gorgeous quality and construction with what seems like miles of silk fabric. ...
Moschino Couture Embroidered Words Top and Skirt
By Moschino, Moschino Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
An extraordinary skirt and top set from Moschino Couture in grey with a touch of green jersey. They are simple pieces with intricate detailed at the front and back hemlines comprised...
1920s Yellow Floral Print Day Dress
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1920s Silk Dress in orange, purple black eye susan sun flower print. Some flaws inside lining ( collar) see image attached Bust: 36 inches/ Waist: 32 inches/ Hip : 36 inches/ Dress l...
$1,450
Size: Small - Medium
1960s Gottex Black Sheer Cut - Out Sexy One Piece 60s Vintage Swimsuit Bodysuit
By Gottex
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy and rare 1960s GOTTEX black one piece swimsuit or bodysuit with sheer cut-out sides! Features a high neck with an open back. Black on black polka dot print. Semi sheer cut-outs ...
$1,475
Size: 42 ( US 6 / 8 )
1980s Roberto Cavalli for Neiman Marcus Giraffe Print Vintage 80s Jersey Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic and rare vintage mid / late 80s ROBERTO CAVALLI for NEIMAN MARCUS giraffe print belted short sleeve jersey dress! Features timeless giraffe animal print in chocolate brown and i...
Gucci by Tom Ford S/S 1998 Vintage Leather Straps Black Evening Dress Gown
By Gucci
Located in Naples, FL
Gucci by Tom Ford S/S 1998 Vintage Leather Straps Evening Dress Gown IT 42 Black Gucci vintage maxi dress featuring leather straps with metal logo buckles, square neckline, zip clos...
1940S Black Sheer Nylon & Lace Fitted Cocktail Dress
Located in New York, NY
1940S Black Sheer Nylon & Lace Fitted Cocktail Dress
Vintage 1950s Cocktail Dress
Located in London, GB
A head turning cocktail dress from the 1950s. The dress has a deep v neckline and backline. with a flared skirt and wonderful velvet flowers and detail on the hem.
Hermes Vintage Riding Jacket / Blazer Check Leather Buttons Velvet Collar 36 / 4
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a particularly beautiful 4 button single breasted Hermes vintage riding jacket. Shawl shaped lapel with a black velvet collar. Leather covered buttons. The fabric ...
$845
Size: Small / Small Medium
1970s Teal Green Blue Pink Flower Printed Cotton + Lace Vintage 70s Maxi Dress
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage 1970s teal green / blue and pink cotton and lace maxi dress! Features a fitted spaghetti strap sleeveless bodice trimmed in lace on the front and back. Forgiving an...
$1,439Sale Price|20% Off
Size: FR 40 US 8
CHRISTIAN DIOR Black 3D Crochet Knit Ribbed Dress with Ruches Dior Logo Plate 40
By Christian Dior
Located in Switzerland, CH
An extremely luxurious and versatile CHRISTIAN DIOR classic signature piece that will last you for years Gorgeous, almost couture-like piece hand-crafted by the seamstresses ...
Louis Estevez Silk Bodycon Backless Dress 1950s
By Louis Estevez
Located in Water Mill, NY
A stunning black silk dress from Estevez. The neckline has 2 fringe edged overlapping panels at the center front and the back is low cut. Intricate seaming creates a clever figure ...
1960's Mollie Parnis Romantic Red Gown with Caplet
By Mollie Parnis
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Exquisite 1960's red chiffon hanky hem gown with matching capelet. Fitted through the bodice with spaghetti straps the dress is double layered, a feature that is accented by the irre...
1970s Oscar De La Renta Creme and Black Silk Plisse Jumpsuit
By Oscar de la Renta Boutique
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage 70s Oscar De La renta Creme silk ruffle jumpsuit with black silk pleats pants. Size: 4 Bust 34 inches/ Waist 27 inches/ Hip; 38 / Jumpsuit length 53 inches
Long before trend-bucking creative director Alessandro Michele brought his hallucinatory “Utopian Fantasy” campaign to Gucci, it was a modest Italian leather shop. Today, it’s an internationally renowned luxury house with an iconic logo, and vintage Gucci clothing, handbags and shoes are among high fashion's most covetable goods.
Guccio Gucci (1881–1953) admired the stylish suitcases he saw wealthy guests arrive with at the Savoy Hotel in London, where he worked as a bellhop. So, in 1921, after a stint at Franzi, a luggage company in his hometown of Florence, he opened a leather goods shop of his own.
At first, Gucci’s Florence business specialized in equestrian accessories. But as its reputation flourished, particularly among the English aristocracy, so too did its footprint. In 1938, he brought three of his sons — Aldo, Vasco and Rodolfo — into the business and expanded it to Rome and later Milan. In the mid-1930s, a League of Nations embargo against Italy pushed Gucci to experiment with alternatives to imported leather. Its woven hemp fabric from Naples, adorned with the brand’s signature diamond print, was a hit, especially among A-list celebrities. The material was first used on suitcases before finding enduring popularity on handbags. (No list of revered designer purses would be complete without Gucci.)
In the 1950s, Elizabeth Taylor carried one of Gucci’s bamboo-handled tote bags, another adaptation to material rationing. After Jackie Kennedy was seen sporting a slouchy Gucci tote in 1961, it was renamed for the First Lady. Then Grace Kelly, on a visit to the boutique in Milan, inspired Rodolfo Gucci to work with Italian illustrator and Gucci textile designer Vittorio Accornero on the Flora print in 1966. Taking cues from Sandro Botticelli’s Primavera, with its pattern of flora and insects, it was painted entirely by hand and featured no fewer than 37 colors.
In 1953, just 15 days after opening his first store on New York’s 5th Avenue, Guccio passed away at 72. The early 1970s saw store openings in Tokyo and Hong Kong, but by the late 1980s, Gucci was floundering. Rodolfo Gucci took charge in 1982, but family drama and lawsuits ensued. In 1993, Rodolfo’s son, Maurizio, transferred his shares in the company to Investcorp, ending the family’s involvement in Gucci. Dawn Mello, then-president of Bergdorf Goodman, joined as creative director in 1989. But it was Tom Ford, who took over as creative director in 1994, who ultimately revived the brand.
Ford’s racy ads, shot by photographers such as Mario Testino, stirred controversy. And his potent vision of sexed-up femininity — with “jewel-toned satin shirts unbuttoned to there,” as Vogue described his breakthrough 1995 runway show — was wildly successful. The new millennium brought new ownership — Pinault Printemps Redoute in 2004 — and a more toned-down vision from Frida Giannini, who became sole creative director in 2006. Alessandro Michele was named creative director in 2015, and the storied brand took a giant leap forward.
Find vintage Gucci clothing and accessories on 1stDibs.
Vintage and designer clutches are the perfect size to hold exactly what you need. While they’re typically small purses, Chanel clutches, Gucci clutches and other kinds of clutches can make a big impact on an outfit. They also have a fascinating history.
Clutches are handbags without handles that are carried by hand. One of the oldest known clutches was made in Mosul, Iraq, in the 14th century. It was made of brass and inlaid with gold and silver in geometric patterns. Although the loops on the side indicate it likely had handles to wear as a shoulder bag, manuscripts show a similar example being carried by hand.
Fashion designers often made clutches to reflect the wealth of the holder. In Medieval Europe, men and women securely carried items in small bags hidden inside their clothing as tie-on pockets. Women carried their possessions, scented and secreted, in the folds of their voluminous skirts. Pockets eventually became integral to garment design, but bigger sacks were needed to carry books and documents. When women’s clothing became lighter, consisting of fewer layers, it could no longer easily hide their handbags or pockets.
Changes in fashion led to handbags becoming a popular fashion accessory, and today, even as we’re overwhelmed by options from a variety of high-end brands, iconic luxury handbags still rule. The highly decorative bags of the 19th century faded from popularity when women entered the workforce and the clutch became the dominant business accessory. Flappers in the 1920s, clad in the dazzling Art Deco jewelry of the era, also loved the freedom of carrying clutches as they didn’t get in the way of dancing.
The simplicity of the clutch remains stylish today. Once made to be carried on special occasions, they are now an accessory for everyday use. Find a collection of vintage and designer clutches from Dior, Hermès, Louis Vuitton and more on 1stDibs.
Created during Alessandro Michele's tenure at the brand, this sparkling, whimsical minaudière feels just right for a night out.
When the name of a bag is as well-known as its brand, you know it's a classic.