Versace Quilted Lambskin Shoulder Bag — Red
By Versace
Located in London, England
This quilted lambskin shoulder bag from Versace showcases striking red leather with an allover diamond quilting pattern.
Versace Quilted Lambskin Shoulder Bag — Red
By Versace
Located in London, England
This quilted lambskin shoulder bag from Versace showcases striking red leather with an allover diamond quilting pattern.
Versace Quilted Lambskin Shoulder Bag — Black
By Versace
Located in London, England
Crafted from lambskin, this Versace shoulder bag features a structured saddle silhouette with distinctive diamond quilting across its body.
Versace Quilted Lambskin Shoulder Bag — Taupe
By Versace
Located in London, England
Crafted in quilted lambskin, this Versace shoulder bag features a structured silhouette in taupe with an all-over diamond quilting pattern.
Versace Quilted Lambskin Shoulder Bag — Taupe
By Versace
Located in London, England
Crafted from soft taupe lambskin, this Versace shoulder bag features an all-over diamond quilted exterior that catches light gracefully.
VERSACE BLACK LEATHER and PATENT QUILTED VANITAS BAROQUE HANDBAG/SHOULDER BAG
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
VERSACE Black Leather and Patent Leather Quilted Versace Shoulder/Handbag Punctuated with polished gold-tone hardware Satin interior Two hand straps Shoulder strap Double se...
Versace Quilted Leather Gold Medusa Head Small Flap crossbody Bag
By Versace
Located in Montreal, Quebec
COLOR: Gold MATERIAL: Leather MEASURES: 5 X” x L 8” x D 2.5” DROP: 21” COMES WITH: Dust bag, care card and copy of receipt CONDITION: New Made in Italy
Versace Pastel Pink Motif-Themed Quilted Leather Shoulder Bag
By Versace
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Versace Pastel Pink Motif-Themed Quilted Leather Shoulder Bag.
GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE nude quilted ostrich gold studded shoulder leather bag
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE nude quilted ostrich gold studded shoulder leather bag GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE Genuine ostrich nude leather .
Versace Virtus Logo Plaque Quilted Shoulder Bag White
By Versace
Located in Salt Lake Cty, UT
Authentic, pre-owned Versace Virtus Logo Plaque Quilted Shoulder Bag in white.
Sold
H 7.09 in W 10.24 in D 5.12 in
VERSACE Virtus white quilted gold chain barocco print lining shoulder bag
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE Virtus white quilted gold chain barocco print lining shoulder bag Reference: TGAS/B01050 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: Virtus shoulder bag Material: ...
Sold
H 5.12 in W 10.63 in D 2.76 in
new VERSACE Runway lime yellow diamond quilted Medusa long shoulder belt bag
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE Runway lime yellow diamond quilted Medusa long shoulder belt bag Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Collection: 2019 Model Name / Style: Quilted belt bag Materia...
Sold
H 7.09 in W 9.45 in
new VERSACE black diamond quilted lamb leather medusa gold chain shoulder bag
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE black diamond quilted lamb leather medusa gold chain shoulder bag Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model Name / Style: Quilted crossbody Material: Leather; lamb...
Sold
H 6.7 in W 9.85 in D 3.15 in
new VERSACE Savage Barocco gold black diamond quilted leather Icon shoulder bag
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE Savage Barocco gold black diamond quilted leather Icon shoulder bag Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Verasce Collection: Pre Fall 2019 Model Name / Style: Icon bag Mate...
New Versace White Nappa Leather Athena Barocco Quilted Vanitas Bag Large
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Versace Nappa Leather Athena Barocco Quilted Vanitas Large Bag All of the Handbags from Versace’s Vanitas Collection are Unmistakably Luxe.
Sold
H 7.09 in W 10.24 in D 5.12 in
VERSACE Virtus white quilted gold chain barocco print lining shoulder bag
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE Virtus white quilted gold chain barocco print lining shoulder bag Reference: TGAS/B01050 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: Virtus shoulder bag Material: L...
Versace Virtus Shoulder Bag Quilted Leather Small
By Versace
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: With Strap Measurements: Handle Drop 1", Height 6.5", Width 9.5", Depth 2.5", Strap Drop 21-23" Designer: Versace Model: Virtus Shoulder Bag Quilted Leather Small Exter...
Versace Black Quilted Leather Icon Shoulder Bag
By Versace
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Every woman needs a bag that is pretty and functional, just like this shoulder bag from Versace. Crafted from leather, it features gold-tone metal accents and the Medusa detail on th...
VERSACE BLUE LEATHER QUILTED VANITAS Shoulder Bag
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
VERSACE Quilting embosses this leather Versace Shoulder Bag Punctuated with polished gold-tone hardware Satin interior Baroque print lining 10 1/2" x 6" x 2 1/2" Made in Italy...
Versace Virtus Zip Shoulder Bag Quilted Leather Small
By Versace
Located in NY, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Height 8", Width 10.5", Depth 2", Strap Drop 18.5" Designer: Versace Model: Virtus Zip Shoulder Bag Quilted Leather Small Exterior Material:...
Versace Black Quilted Leather Calliope Vanitas Shoulder Bag
By Versace
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Versace brings you this Calliope Vanitas bag to make you outshine everyone else and receive never ending compliments!
Versace Black Quilted Leather Calliope Vanitas Shoulder Bag
By Versace
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Versace brings you this Calliope Vanitas bag to make you outshine everyone else and receive never ending compliments!
Versace Turquoise Quilted Leather Vanitas Chain Shoulder Bag
By Versace
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
How gorgeous is this bag from Versace! Crafted from turquoise leather and gold-tone hardware, it carries an outstanding design. It has a fabric interior secured by a front flap and a...
Versace White Quilted Leather Embroidered Barocco Shoulder Bag
By Versace
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
This Versace Barocco bag delights not only with its appeal but craftsmanship as well. It is held by a single handle, adorned with lovely embroidery all over, and equipped with a spac...
Versace Black Quilted Patent Leather Shoulder Bag
By Gianni Versace
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Step out in style with this patent leather bag that is lined with satin. This shoulder bag by Versace is an impeccable option for carrying your daily essentials. It flaunts a gold-to...
Versace Multicolor Quilted Leather Patchwork Icon Shoulder Bag
By Versace
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Handbags are more than just instruments to carry one's essentials. They tell a woman's sense of style, and the better the bag, the more confidence she gets when she holds it. This de...
Versace Black Quilted Leather Embroidered Barocco Shoulder Bag
By Versace
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Designer bags are ideal companions for ample occasions Here we have a fashion meets functionality piece crafted with precision. It has been equipped with a well sized interior that c...
Versace Small Fuchsia Pink Quilted Leather Icon Shoulder Bag
By Versace
Located in Paradise Island, BS
This Versace small fuchsia pink icon shoulder bag features quilted shiny calf leather, gold tone chain and hardware, a flap with medusa studs, a twist clasp, and one main compartment...
Versace Small Shell Pink Quilted Leather Icon Shoulder Bag
By Versace
Located in Paradise Island, BS
This Versace small shell pink icon shoulder bag features quilted calf leather, gold tone chain and hardware, a flap with medusa studs, a twist clasp, and one main compartment with a ...
Versace Black Quilted Patent and Leather Flap Shoulder Bag
By Versace
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Make a striking appearance with this fashionable shoulder bag by Versace. This elegant creation is at once a fashion statement as well as a rational necessity.
Gianni Versace White Quilted Patent Leather Flap Shoulder Bag
By Versace
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
This dainty bag from Gianni Versace is designed to complement your elegant appeal and exudes a classy aura. Skillfully crafted from patent leather in a logo-quilted design, it featur...
Versace #Greek Convertible Shoulder Bag Quilted Printed Leather Small
By Versace
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Versace #Greek Convertible Shoulder Bag Quilted Printed Leather Small recalls Versace’s heritage with contemporary vibe.
GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE large black quilted leather shoulder day bag
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE Quilted leather large day bag with geometric design, golden metal chain and black leather shoulder strap, fastening with leather flap and golden met...
GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE blue quilted shearling leather shoulder bag
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE Quilted shearling leather shoulder bag with geometric design, small golden metal studs and details, golden metal chain and blue leather shoulder strap,...
GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE black patent quilted leather shoulder bag
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE Quilted patent leather shoulder bag with geometric design, small golden metal studs and details, golden metal chain and black leather shoulder strap, lar...
Gianni Versace White Quilted Patent Leather Flap Shoulder Bag
By Gianni Versace
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
The white-hued quilted patent leather shoulder bag comes in a flap style with a plaque detailing on the front.
GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE BLACK PATENT QUILTED LEATHER SHOULDER Bag
By Gianni Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE Quilted patent leather shoulder bag with geometric design, small golden metal studs and details, golden metal chain and black leather shoulder strap, la...
GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE PINK PATENT QUILTED LEATHER SHOULDER Bag
By Gianni Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE Quilted patent leather shoulder bag with geometric design, small golden metal studs and details, golden metal chain and black leather shoulder strap, la...
VERSACE GOLDEN QUILTED VANITAS Bag
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
Versace golden bag is made of leather. Metal golden-tone hardware. Single zip closure with Velcro tab. Brand logo fringe keychain. One inner compartment and a pocket. 2010s, Ital...
Versace Black Quilted Leather Icon Shoulder Bag with a Gold-Tone Chain
By Versace
Located in Paradise Island, BS
This Versace Medium Quilted Icon shoulder bag features a quilted black leather body, a fold-over flap closure, a gold tone braided chain shoulder strap, and interior pockets.
Versace Vanitas Medea Bag Quilted Barocco
By Versace
Located in NY, NY
This authentic Versace Vanitas Medea Bag Quilted Barocco is perfect for an evening bag.
Versace Small Red Quilted Leather Icon Shoulder Bag with Gold Tone Chain
By Versace
Located in Paradise Island, BS
This Versace small red icon shoulder bag features quilted calf leather, gold tone chain and hardware, a flap with medusa studs, a twist clasp, and one main compartment with a slip po...
Sold
H 5 in W 3 in L 7.5 in
Versace Small White Quilted Leather Icon Shoulder Bag W/ Gold Tone Metal Chain
By Versace
Located in Paradise Island, BS
This white quilted leather Versace Icon Shoulder Bag features two medusa details, a gold tone chain strap, a fold-over closure, a hanging key fob, and a logo embossed lock.
Versace Medusa Drawstring Bucket Bag Quilted Leather Small
By Versace
Located in NY, NY
Condition: Very good. Odor in interior. Creasing, wear and scuffs on exterior and strap, small marks and wear in interior, scratches on hardware. Accessories: Dust Bag Measurements: ...
Versace Black Nappa Quilted Medusa Bucket Bag 2021
By Versace
Located in Montreal, Quebec
This luxurious bag is crafted of Versace smooth calfskin nappa leather in black. The bag features a leather crossbody strap, gold hardware, quilted leather bottom, smooth leather upp...
Versace Medusa Padlock Icon Flap Bag Quilted Leather Medium
By Versace
Located in NY, NY
Condition: Great. Odor in interior. Creasing on exterior, minor scuffs and small indentations underneath flap, scratches on hardware. Accessories: Lock, Dust Bag, Keys, Box, Clochett...
Versace Gold Quilted Leather Studded Medusa Head Boston Bag
By Versace
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Designer bags are ideal companions for ample occasions Here we have a fashion meets functionality piece crafted with precision. It has been equipped with a well sized interior that c...
VERSACE PINK LEATHER NAPPA ATHENA BAROQUE QUILTED VANITAS Bag
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
VERSACE Quilting embosses this leather Versace handbag, which is punctuated with polished gold-tone hardware satin interior includes 3 pockets Gold Medusa medallion Baroque p...
VERSACE BLACK LEATHER NAPPA ATHENA BAROQUE QUILTED VANITAS Bag
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
VERSACE Quilting embosses this leather Versace handbag, which is punctuated with polished gold-tone hardware satin interior includes 3 pockets Gold Medusa medallion Baroque p...
Versace Medusa Padlock Icon Flap Bag Quilted Leather Large
By Versace
Located in NY, NY
Condition: Good. Creasing and minor indentations on exterior, bubbling and scuffs underneath flap. Cracking and peeling on clochette wax edges, discoloration and marks in interior, s...
Versace Medusa Drawstring Bucket Bag Quilted Leather Small
By Versace
Located in NY, NY
Condition: Great. Creasing and minor scuffs on exterior, scratches on hardware. Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Height 7.5", Width 6.5", Depth 4", Strap Drop 17-19" Designe...
Versace Quilted Leather Red Medusa Head Small Flap crossbody Bag
By Versace
Located in Montreal, Quebec
COLOR: Red MATERIAL: Leather MEASURES: 5 X” x L 8” x D 2.5” DROP: 21” COMES WITH: Dust bag, care card and copy of receipt CONDITION: New Made in Italy
Gianni Versace Peach Quilted Ostrich Embossed Leather Bowler Bag
By Gianni Versace
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
This Gianni Versace bowler bag is stylish and a perfect way to make a statement. Crafted from ostrich embossed leather in a lovely shade of peach. The exterior is quilted and carries...
Versace Black Quilted Leather Medusa Drawstring Bucket Bag
By Versace
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Designer bags are ideal companions for ample occasions Here we have a fashion meets functionality piece crafted with precision. It has been equipped with a well sized interior that c...
VERSACE white Vanitas Barocco quilted leather Medusa tassel gold chain flap bag
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
GIANNI VERSACE Vanitas collection. White nappa leather. Baroque quilted design on leather upper.
Gianni Versace Couture Nude Ostrich Handbag
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE Quilted ostrich leather shoulder bag with Greek Key design, small golden metal studs and details, golden metal chain and leather shoulder strap.
Versace Turquoise Quilted Leather "Vanitas" Flap Chain Shoulder Bag
By Versace
Located in Antwerp, BE
Very Good Condition est retail price €1800,- Versace Turquoise Quilted Leather "Vanitas" Flap Chain Strap Handbag Versace leather shoulder bag from the 'Vanitas' collection.This M...
New GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE black quilted leather shoulder bag
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE Quilted leather shoulder bag with geometric design, small golden metal studs and details, golden metal chain and black leather shoulder strap, large...
Versace White Small Quilted Leather Icon Shoulder Bag with Gold-Tone Chain
By Versace
Located in Paradise Island, BS
Versace White Small Quilted Leather Icon Shoulder Bag with Gold-Tone Chain White cotton and leather small Icon shoulder bag from Versace featuring a gold-tone chain shoulder strap, ...
Sold
H 5 in W 3 in L 7.5 in
Versace Medium White Quilted Leather Icon Shoulder Bag W/ Gold Tone Metal Chain
By Versace
Located in Paradise Island, BS
This medium white quilted leather Versace Icon Shoulder Bag features two medusa details, a gold tone chain strap, a fold-over closure, a hanging key fob, and a logo embossed lock.
$5,714
H 4.34 in W 7.49 in D 2.37 in
Chanel Red Quilted Lambskin Vintage Rectangular Mini Full Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Chanel Red Quilted Lambskin Vintage Rectangular Mini Full Flap Bag Product Details Xupes Ref: HB4485 Brand: Chanel Model: Rectangular Mini Full Flap Bag Type: Shoulder, Crossbody Se...
Chanel Quilted Black Caviar Skin Shoulder Bag / Tote, Golden Chain & Hardware
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel Quilted Black Caviar Skin Shoulder Bag / Tote, Golden Chain & Hardware Material: Leather Vintage Code ID 0548030 Color: Black Description Chanel Tote From the Late 1980's - E...
$588Sale Price|40% Off
Versace Virtus Waist Chain Sling Leather Quilted Small Bag Black
By Gianni Versace, Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
A statement piece from Versace’s esteemed collection, this elegant bag merges luxury with functionality, perfect for the modern fashionista. Crafted from premium black leather, this...
Marc Jacobs Black Quilted Leather Chain Shoulder Bag
By Marc Jacobs
Located in Amman, JO
Marc Jacobs Black Quilted Leather Chain Shoulder Bag A classic Marc Jacobs shoulder bag crafted in soft black leather with all-over diamond quilting. The structured flap design is a...
Chanel Vintage Black Quilted Shoulder bag
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Chanel antique black leather shoulder bag with quilting and gold hardware. The two pockets are both functional and original. It has an inside zip pocket with golden embellishments. D...
Chanel Contemporary Lambskin Quilted Jumbo Single Flap Bag in Beige
By Chanel
Located in Salt Lake Cty, UT
Authentic Chanel Lambskin Quilted Jumbo Single Flap bag in Beige. Features beige quilted leather, this luxurious, runway-ready bag features a woven-in chain strap, exterior back pock...
Chanel camere bag shoulder bag lamb Skin leather red
By Chanel
Located in 10707, DE
Vintage Camera bag from Chanel in bordeau red Good condition
$2,640Sale Price|20% Off
H 7 in W 9.78 in D 3 in
Chanel Vintage Beige Quilted Lambskin Medium Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Chanel Vintage shoulder bag is crafted in beige quilted Lambskin leather, 24K gold plated chain intertwined with beige leather. Complete with flap top, interlocking CC logo at front ...
Chanel Vintage Beige Leather Chevron Quilted Kiss Lock Chain Bag
By Chanel
Located in Oakland, CA
This is a vintage Chevron quilted Chanel leather bag which measures approximately 9.75 inches long, 7 inches in height, and 2.5 inches in width, with a 6.75-inch strap drop. There in...
Gucci Red Microguccissima Leather Mini Dome Crossbody Bag
By Gucci
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Gucci Red Microguccissima Leather Mini Dome Crossbody Bag SKU: 158984 Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Taking the fashion sphere by storm in 2015, the Dion...
CHANEL beige quilted Caviar leather GRAND SHOPPING TOTE GST Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel Grand Shopping tote bag in light beige Caviar Leather with a stitched CC logo on the front on a slip pocket at the back. The design comes with an open-top and t...
Chanel 2009-2010 Red Quilted Caviar XL Classic Flap Messenger Bag
By Chanel
Located in Salt Lake Cty, UT
Authentic Chanel red quilted caviar XL classic flap messenger bag with silver hardware. A timeless designer handbag featuring the iconic CC front snap closure with dual straps. A ti...
CHANEL red quilted leather 20S CLASSIC MINI SQUARE Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel Classic Mini Square shoulder bag is crafted in bright red quilted lambskin leather with light gold-tone hardware. It features the iconic CC turn-lock closu...
CHANEL black quilted aged leather 2.55 REISSUE 225 MEDIUM Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel 2.55 Reissue 225 double flap bag in black aged calfskin featuring classic diamond quilted stitchings. Opens with a turn-lock to a black and burgundy smooth calf...
$1,200
H 11 in W 5 in L 17.5 in
Versace Red & Black Cowhide & Leather Studded Repeat Shoulder Bag circa Y2K
By Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Versace Red & Black Cowhide & Leather Studded Repeat Shoulder Bag circa Y2K is a striking statement piece that combines bold design with luxurious materials. Featuring a vivi...
Lady Dior Large Bag Beige Lambskin Cannage Leather
By Christian Dior
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Lady Dior Large Bag Beige Lambskin Cannage Leather These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. Accentuate your look with the timeless style of Large Lady Dior...
Subversive, maximalist and unabashedly seductive, Gianni Versace’s (1946–97) designs infused high fashion with an entirely new ethos. “I don’t believe in good taste,” the legendary Italian couturier once explained. Instead, he had a sexy good time with fashion — as he did with life. Today, vintage Versace clothing, handbags and other accessories look astonishingly fresh and freshly relevant.
More than any designer before him, Versace mined celebrity, music and Pop art for inspiration. In fact, the New York Times noted in 1997 that the fashion industry “is now driven by contemporary culture because Mr. Versace made it that way.”
Insiders consider his 1991/1992 Autumn/Winter runway show — which featured supermodels Christy Turlington, Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell and Linda Evangelista lip-synching George Michael’s “Freedom! '90” — the moment when the two worlds of fashion and pop culture became one, changing both forever.
Versace was born in Reggio di Calabria, Italy. His mother was a successful dressmaker who employed more than 40 seamstresses. As a child, little Gianni marveled at her workshop, which would become a university of sorts, where he learned the exceptional construction techniques that were at the foundation of his creative expression.
In 1972, at age 25, Versace moved to Milan to work in fashion. He launched his first collection — and his label — in 1978, with his older brother Santo managing the business concerns. Soon, sister Donatella, whom Gianni dressed and took to discos when she was still a child, joined the family venture, where she had a creative role and managed enormously popular ready-to-wear lines such as Versus.
Vintage Versace — and Gianni Versace Couture, which debuted in 1989 — has become catnip for modern fashion enthusiasts who seek out the now-iconic house codes that originated in the designs of the 1980s and 1990s. His glamorous and seductive apparel — the clingy skirts and slender, strappy party dresses, as well as the erotic magazine ads that publicized them — looms large, but Versace’s art and historical influences were also vast.
Versace was an art collector, and he took on commissions to create costumes for theatrical performances during the 1980s and spoke of looking to numerous cultures for inspiration. This adventurous spirit of design resulted in his creating jewel-toned prints rooted in Grecian motifs, Etruscan symbols, the Italian Baroque and Andy Warholʼs Marilyn Monroe. There were slinky dresses in Oroton, his patented chain-mail textile that draped like satin, and leather bondage ensembles. Sex sold, for both women and men. Wrote the late curator Richard Martin, “[Versace] became the standard-bearer of gay men’s fashion because he eschewed decorum and designed for desire.”
Following Versace’s tragic murder in 1997, Donatella took over the role of artistic director and continued to evolve the house codes with a twist of her feminine and feminist perspective. Today, Santo Versace is chief executive officer of Versace and Donatella is its chief creative officer.
Browse an extraordinary collection of vintage Versace evening dresses, handbags, day dresses, accessories and more on 1stDibs.
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.