Carlos Falchi Pieced Clutch
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New York, NY
Carlos Falchi Pieced Clutch of snake, leather and faux pony skin printed leopard. 12" x 8"x 2
Carlos Falchi Pieced Clutch
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New York, NY
Carlos Falchi Pieced Clutch of snake, leather and faux pony skin printed leopard. 12" x 8"x 2
Carlos Falchi lizard patchwork clutch
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New York, NY
Carlos Falchi large snake & lizard clutch are in hues of tans and browns. The patchwork is
Carlos Falchi '80s large hobo shoulder bag
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New York, NY
This '80s Carlos Falchi hobo bag is great for everyday use. Made of butter-soft leather. And you
Carlos Falchi Oversized Straw Tote
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New York, NY
Carlos Falchi Oversized Straw Tote with signature gathered leather flap detail and ribbed ball
Carlos Falchi Green Suede Gathered Shoulder Bag
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New York, NY
Carlos Falchi graphic green suede gathered shoulder bag with zebra print. Signature "gathered" flap
Carlos Falchi Beige Linen and Silver Clutch
By Carlos Falchi
Located in Alford, MA
Carlos Falchi convertible clutch in a natural linen fabric overlaid with an applied off center
Carlos Falchi Beige Ostrich Mini Sac, 1980s
By Carlos Falchi
Located in Toronto, Ontario
1980's beige Carlos Falchi ostrich mini sac with cross body shoulder strap. Classic draw string
Carlos Falchi Blue Crocodile Patchwork Clutch
By Carlos Falchi
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This simply stunning Carlos Falchi clutch is a must have for any collector’s wardrobe. The exterior
Carlos Falchi Vintage Crossbody Drawstring Mini Handbag
By Carlos Falchi
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Discover the perfect blend of modern elegance and vintage charm with the Carlos Falchi Crossbody
Carlos Falchi Black leather and Snakeskin Gloves Never Worn
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New Hope, PA
These super soft black leather Carlos Falchi gloves have a wide band of black snakeskin at the
Carlos Falchi Cream & Black Faux Fur Crossover Shoulder Bag
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New York, NY
Carlos Falchi wonderful cream & black faux fur cross-body shoulder bag features a silk
Carlos Falchi Textured Embossed Gun-Metal Plum & Charcoal Handbag
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New York, NY
Carlos Falchi Textured gun-metal embossed calfskin are in hues of charcoal and plum with metallic
$685Sale Price|50% Off
Carlos Falchi Multi-Textured Exotic Skins Coco Brown Clutch
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New York, NY
As only Carlos Falchi can, This wonderful multi-texture combination of lizard, snake and
Carlos Falchi Large "Shades of Browns" Multi Skin Clutch
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New York, NY
Carlos Falchi Signature multi "shades of browns" multi skins such as snake and
Carlos Falchi Textured Calfskin Zippered Patchwork "Jungle" Scene Shoulder Bag
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New York, NY
Carlos Falchi wonderfully detailed textured calfskin shoulder bag has a zippered top. The
Carlos Falchi Large Purple Signature Buffalo with Pylon, Lizard and Cobra Clutch
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New York, NY
Carlos Falchi Large signature purple buffalo-skin accented with multi-colored Pylon, Lizard
Carlos Falchi Black & Gold Embossed Alligator Calfskin Clutch/ Shoulder Bag
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New York, NY
Carlos Falchi wonderful black and metallic gold embossed alligator calfskin clutch has the
Carlos Falchi Textured Violet Buffalo Shoulder Bag With Embossed Detail
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New York, NY
Carlos Falchi wonderful textured violet buffalo shoulder bag is detailed with their
$971Sale Price|25% Off
Size: Large
1980s Carlos Falchi XL Python Snakeskin White Taupe Vintage Shoulder Bag Clutch
By Carlos Falchi
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic 80s CARLOS FALCHI extra large white and taupe python snake shoulder bag, messenger bag
$150Sale Price|33% Off
Size: 8M
Vintage Carlos Falchi Classic Black Patent Leather Pumps / Heels / Shoes Size 8
By Carlos Falchi
Located in San Diego, CA
The ultimate pair of classic black pumps! These 1990s Carlos Falchi (Size 8) beauties are anything
$885Sale Price|46% Off
Rare Carlos Falchi Multi-Skins Multi-Color Large Shoulder Bag & Clutch
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New York, NY
This wonderfully rare Carlos Falchi large shoulder bag with the option to wear use as a
1980s Carlos Falchi Drawstring Crossbody Bag
By Carlos Falchi
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the exquisite 1980s Carlos Calchi Crossbody Handbag - a true treasure that beautifully
1980s Carlos Falchi Drawstring Crossbody Bag
By Carlos Falchi
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the exquisite 1980s Carlos Calchi Crossbody Handbag – a true treasure that beautifully
Carlos Falchi Midnight Blue Textured Buffalo Leather Cross-Body Shoulder Bag
Located in New York, NY
Carlos Falchi textured buffalo skin shoulder bag in midnight blue is detailed with interior
Carlos Falchi Fatto A Mano 1cfty929 Brown Python Skin Leather Tote
By Carlos Falchi
Located in Dix hills, NY
Made In: U.S.A. Measurements: Length: 11.75" Width: 5" Height: 11" Shoulder Strap Drop: 8.75" Signs of Wear: Exterior shows some light scratches, fraying and scuff marks. Interi...
Carlo Falchi Black Suede Accented with Crocodile-Skin Shoulder Bag
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New York, NY
Carlo Falchi wonderful soft black suede shoulder bag accented with soft crocodile-skin. The
Carlo Falchi Shades of Creams and Gray Pylon Skin Crossbody Shoulder Bag
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New York, NY
Carlo Falchi crossbody shoulder bag in shades of creams and gray pylon skin has an adjustable
Carlos Falchi Multicolor Shoulder Bag
By Carlos Falchi
Located in Topanga, CA
This Carlos Falchi design is so relevant with the bright tone pattern. Black leather interior with
Carlos Falchi 1980s BlackSnakeskin Slouch Bag
By Carlos Falchi
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic Carlos Falchi slouchy snakeskin bag with cross-body strap, drawstring closure and zip inner
Carlos Falchi Leather Handbag
Located in Toronto, ON
Carlos Falchi hand painted purse in navy, brown, and gold with floral design.
CARLOS FALCHI Raffia, Skin and Leather Crossbody Bag
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New York, NY
A quintessential patchwork bag from Carlos Falchi, this bag combines woven raffia, snakeskin and
Snakeskin Envelope Clutch Bag By Carlos Falchi
By Carlos Falchi
Located in St.amford , CT
Carlos Falchi's signature envelope clutch bag, in snakeskin, lizard and embossed leather, circa
Unavailable
1980's Carlos Falchi Metallic Handbag
By Carlos Falchi
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage handbag from Carlos Falchi dates to the 1980's and is made of various types of skins with a
1980's Leather and Snake Carlos Falchi Coin Purse
By Carlos Falchi
Located in Toronto, ON
Very sweet Carlos Falchi coin purse, in a very strong gold tone leather with snakeskin accents
Large Carlos Falchi's signature byrgundy red cross body drawstring bag
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New York, NY
Carlos Falchi's signature beautiful burgundy red color textured calfskin adjustable drawstring
Unavailable
H 13 in W 14.5 in D 4.7 in
Vintage Carlos Falchi beige and brown snakeskin large messenger shoulder bag.
By Carlos Falchi
Located in Kashiwa, Chiba
1990s. Vintage Carlos Falchi beige and brown combo snakeskin large messenger style shoulder bag in
Carlos Falchi Vintage Long Purple Leather Gloves w/ Pointillism Style Flowers
By Carlos Falchi
Located in Portland, OR
These stunning vintage leather gloves were designed by Carlos Falchi and were made in Italy. The
Rare Carlos Falchi Blue Leather Opera Gloves w Hand Pointed Floral Mini Dots
By Carlos Falchi
Located in Portland, OR
These Carlos Falchi opera length long gloves are blue leather with hand painted pointilism style
Carlos Falchi 1cfty929 Fatto A Mano Brown Tote
By Carlos Falchi
Located in Forest Hills, NY
This item will ship immediately!! Previously owned. Made In: U.S.A. Measurements: Length: 11.75" Width: 5" Height: 11" Shoulder Strap Drop: 8.75" Signs of Wear: Exterior shows some l...
1980's Carlos Falchi Black Exotic Skins Clutch w/ Shoulder Strap
By Carlos Falchi
Located in Houston, TX
Carols Falchi created this clutch with multiple skins including Lizard, Snake and leather in brown
Carlos Falchi Clutch
By Carlos Falchi
Located in Austin, TX
Carlos Falchi clutch
Carlos Falchi Clutch
By Carlos Falchi
Located in Austin, TX
Carlos Falchi multi colored snake skin clutch. With shoulder strap. All items available for
Carlos Falchi oversized tote
By Carlos Falchi
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carlos Falchi black leather monumental sac bag with classic leather cinch detail and long shoulder
Carlos Falchi Snakeskin Bag
By Carlos Falchi
Located in Austin, TX
Carlos Falchi purple snakeskin purse. 13" x 9", strap 45"
Carlos Falchi Patchwork Clutch
By Carlos Falchi
Located in Austin, TX
Carlos Falchi suede and snakeskin patchwork clutch. Condition: Very Good. 12" W x 8" H x 1" D
Carlos Falchi Patchwork Clutch
By Carlos Falchi
Located in Austin, TX
Carlos Falchi grey, gold, purple leather patchwork clutch. 12" W x 8" H x 1" D. Condition: Very
Carlos Falchi Patchwork Clutch
By Carlos Falchi
Located in Austin, TX
Carlos Falchi maroon patchwork clutch/ shoulder bag. Condition: Very good. We accept returns for
Carlos Falchi Clutch
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New Hope, PA
What fun! This white leather bag from Carlos Falchi is exuberantly decorated with black painted
Carlos Falchi Handbag
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New Hope, PA
American designer Carlos Falchi. Deep matte black lizard skin is combined with a glossy burgundy lizard in
Carlos Falchi Clutch
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New Hope, PA
bag by the famed American designer Carlos Falchi. Glossy black lizard skin is combined with two shades
Carlos Falchi Snakeskin Bag
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New Hope, PA
Cheerful and bright, red snakeskin makes this gorgeous shoulder bag from Carlos Falchi pop with
Carlos Falchi Reptile Patchwork Clutch
By Carlos Falchi
Located in Austin, TX
Carlos Falchi patchwork reptile clutch. Condition: Excellent.
CARLOS FALCHI watersnake clutch
By Carlos Falchi
Located in San Fransisco, CA
used. Has original 'Carlos Falchi' tissue inside.
Carlos Falchi Cream Oversized Tote
By Carlos Falchi
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carlos Falchi cream/white leather monumental sac bag with classic leather cinch detail and long
CARLOS FALCHI Reptile Patchwork Clutch
By Carlos Falchi
Located in Austin, TX
Carlos Falchi black, brown & grey reptile clutch. With shoulder strap. 12" x 7" x 1" D
Carlos Falchi Snakeskin Clutch
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New Hope, PA
Graphic black and white snakeskin undulates acroos this chic little clutch from Carlos Falchi. The
Carlos Falchi Patchwork Reptile Clutch
By Carlos Falchi
Located in Austin, TX
Carlos Falchi maroon reptile patchwork clutch. Condition:Excellent. 12" W x 8" H x 1" D.
Carlos Falchi Day Glo Clutch
By Carlos Falchi
Located in Austin, TX
Carlos Falchi day glo snakeskin clutch. WIth attachable shoulder strap. All items
Carlos Falchi Leather Waist Belt
By Carlos Falchi
Located in Austin, TX
Carlos Falchi red leather belt . One Size. The waist measurement of the Falchi belt
1970s Carlos Falchi patchwork reptile clutch
By Carlos Falchi
Located in London, GB
A truly unique and chic Carlos Falchi patchwork clutch with a pink leather interior from the 1970s.
CARLOS FALCHI black reptile clutch
By Carlos Falchi
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Jet black mixed reptile skin patchwork clutch from Carlos Falchi dating to the 1980's. Measures 9
CARLOS FALCHI mixed reptile skin clutch
By Carlos Falchi
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Bold snakeskin clutch from Carlos Falchi. Ca. 1980. 12" long by 6" tall. Made in USA. Excellent
CARLOS FALCHI clutch with snakeskin trim
By Carlos Falchi
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Bold textured leather clutch with snakeskin trim from Carlos Falchi. Ca. 1980. Very large size
1980s Carlos Falchi Patchwork Tan Clutch
By Carlos Falchi
Located in Toronto, Ontario
1980s Carlos Falchi tan and brown patchwork rectangular clutch. Envelope style with flap front with
Carlos Falchi Black Quilted Zipper Top Clutch
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New York, NY
Carlos Falchi black quilted zipper top measures 12 1/4" x 9", with silver hardware name tag.
1980s Carlos Falchi Snakeskin Wristlet Handbag
By Carlos Falchi
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
1980's stylish tan and black snakeskin Carlos Falchi Wristlet bag with ivory white zipper. Woven
Carlos Falchi multi-colored pastel hobo bag
By Carlos Falchi
Located in Austin, TX
Carlos Falchi multi-colored leather and skin hobo bag with long shoulder strap. 8 1/2" H x 10 1/2
Red Vintage Carlos Falchi Exotic Skin Clutch
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New York, NY
Product details: Vintage red large exotic skin clutch by Carlos Falchi. Front flap with concealed
CARLOS FALCHI tan leather and reptile shaped clutch
By Carlos Falchi
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Uniquely shaped leather and reptile skin clutch from Carlos Falchi dating to the 1980s. Fully lined
Bubblegum Pink Carlos Falchi Cinched Shoulder Bag
By Carlos Falchi
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
1980s Carlos Falchi cinched flap shoulder bag! 100% leather in a unique bubblegum pink color. Flap
1980s CARLOS FALCHI Leather Snake Clutch
By Carlos Falchi
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Wild Wild West... Gorgeous and unique vintage CARLOS FALCHI purse. This purse is made of leather
Carlos Falchi Beige Ostrich Mini Sac, 1980s
By Carlos Falchi
Located in Toronto, Ontario
1980's beige Carlos Falchi ostrich mini sac with cross body shoulder strap. Classic draw string
Carlos Falchi Canvas and Snakeskin Clutch
Located in Austin, TX
Carlos Falchi black canvas clutch/shoulder bag with snakeskin appliqués. Condition: Excellent. 11
1980's Silver Stamped Leather Carlos Falchi Mini Bag
By Carlos Falchi
Located in Toronto, Ontario
1980's unused condition Carlos Falchi mini sac with cross body shoulder strap. Stamped in a faux
Carlos Falchi 1970's Green Floral Print Leather Crossbody Bag
By Carlos Falchi
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Carlos Falchi 1970's Green Floral Print Leather Crossbody Bag. This bag is in very good vintage
Carlos Falchi 1970's Camel Floral Print Leather Crossbody Bag
By Carlos Falchi
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Carlos Falchi 1970's Camel Floral Print Leather Crossbody Bag. This bag is in very good condition
Carlos Falchi 1980's Vintage Brown Lizard, Snake & Leather Patchwork Crossbody
By Carlos Falchi
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Carlos Falchi 1980's Vintage Brown Lizard, Snake & Leather Patchwork Crossbody. This bag is in
Carlos Falchi 1980's Vintage Dark Brown Lizard & Snake Patchwork Large Clutch
By Carlos Falchi
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Carlos Falchi 1980's Vintage Dark Brown Lizard & Snake Patchwork Large Clutch. This bag is in
CARLOS FALCHI grey reptile clutch
By Carlos Falchi
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Large clutch in grey tones. Thin removable strap. EXCELLENT CONDITION.
CARLOS FALCHI ponyskin and lizard clutch
By Carlos Falchi
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Great contrasting color and texture combination. Blush colored pony-skin with brown and tan lizard. Thin removable strap. Excellent condition.
CARLOS FALCHI lizard clutch
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Excellent condition.
Carlo Falchi Deep Metallic Gold Calfskin Wallet and Notebook Holder
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New York, NY
Carlo Falchi deep metallic gold calfskin optional wallet or notebook holder has a 'snap
Carlos Falchi Colorful Clutch
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New York, NY
Colorful clutch bag (with hidden shoulder strap) by Carlos Falchi with Matisse inspired motifs in
Carlos Falchi Snakeskin Bag
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New Hope, PA
from Carlos Falchi a stylish neutral that will work with most things in your wardrobe. The gathered
B H Wragge 1967 Linen Dress with Cutout Back
Located in Water Mill, NY
A great bight pink mid weight linen dress from B. H. Wragge (specifically the year 1967 as per the label). It is sleeveless with a rolled collar and it flares subtly to the hem. The...
1950s Vintage Brown + Beige Wool Blazer Jacket Size XS
Located in Sparks, NV
Darling vintage early-1950s blazer jacket in a beige and brown woven wool. Fully lined with front button closure. Light shoulder pads are sewn in underneath the lining. This has a ju...
John Galliano for Christian Dior Pink Silk Flower Dress
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful blush pink silk dress with green and bright pink flowers by John Galliano for Christian Dior. It has ruched straps forming a front V, the skirt falls in gentle folds to ...
Celine Brown Cut out Back Dress with Bead Trim S/S 2003
By Celine, Michael Kors
Located in Water Mill, NY
A very chic brown jersey dress by Michael Kors for Celine. It has rows of brown wooden bead adorned fine straps emanating from the front neckline which extend over the shoulders cros...
Bill Blass Cross Back Dress 1980s
By Bill Blass
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black jersey dress from Bill Blass. It is semi fitted with a full gathered skirt. The back is bare to just below the waist with the exception of straps which meet at a me...
Louis Vuitton Paris Italian Knit Brown Cardigan c 21st c
By Louis Vuitton
Located in University City, MO
Louis Vuitton Paris Italian knit brown cardigan sweater Size M The chic Italian knit cardigan is designed with a muted light brown shade; accented with subtle gold metallic knit band...
$948Sale Price|25% Off
Size: Medium
1960s Guy Laroche Couture Lipstick Red Virgin Wool A Line Vintage 60s Mini Dress
By Guy Laroche
Located in San Diego, CA
1960s GUY LAROCHE Couture lipstick red virgin wool A-Line mini dress! The perfect alternative to a little black dress, this red gem is sure to stand out! Hand made, with the utmost a...
$245Sale Price|34% Off
H 11 in D 3.5 in L 11.5 in
Unique Thespian Needlepoint Comedy and Tragedy Handbag c 1960
Located in University City, MO
Unique thespian needlepoint comedy and tragedy handbag The stylish large scale retro handbag is designed with comedy and tragedy mask on both exterior sides The theatrical ma...
$547Sale Price|51% Off
Two piece Wool Tweed Suit with Black Fox Fur Collar
Located in Amsterdam, NL
We offer more exclusive vintage items, view our frontstore. Details: 2-piece suit with a skirt and a jacket. Made from wool/tweed The black fox fur collar is non- detachable. Size f...
Trompe L'oeil Oversize Belted Trench Coat
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous beige and black cotton trompe l'oeil trench coat jacket from Japanese designers Naoki Ichihara, Tadanao Yamashita and Shingo Otsuka for TALK ABOUT THE DISTRACTION. It app...
John Galliano for Christian Dior One Shoulder Silk Dress
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful ethereal one shoulder dress from Christian Dior comprised of layers of semi sheer black silk over an opaque silk under dress. It has one shoulder with 2 panels of softly...
$2,995Sale Price|32% Off
Size: FR40
$4450 New Yves Saint Laurent YSL Pre-Fall 2009 Heavy Wool & Mink Coat Sz FR40
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Yves Saint Laurent Pre-Fall 2009 Brand New Without Tags $4450 Black Wool Mid/Long Coat FR40 Mink Collar, Mink Trim on Pockets & Mink Trimmed Belted Tie Two Front Large Pockets Butt...
Alexander McQueen Slip Dress with Applique Skirt 1990s
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Water Mill, NY
An adorable black silk slip dress from an early collection of Alexander McQueen's. It has spaghetti straps, a sweetheart neckline and a low cut back. It is semi fitted through a the ...
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Silk Off-Shoulder Bougainvillea Color Top Blouse
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Montgomery, TX
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Off-Shoulder Top Blouse Designer size - French 38 ( US 6 ) 100% Silk, Amazing Hot Bougainvillea Color, Off-Shoulder Style, Ruffled, Keyhole at ...
$1,276Sale Price|20% Off
Size: XS / Small
XS Beautiful 1950s White Tulle Demi Couture Strapless Vintage 50s Tiered Gown
Located in San Diego, CA
Absolutley breathtaking 1950s demi couture white strapless tulle gown, or wedding dress ! Features yards and yards of white tulle layered throughout the skirt. The tulle on the bust ...
$1,595
H 4.75 in W 3.25 in
Vintage Chanel 2000s Black Patent Leather CC Logo Quilted Wristlet Micro Clutch
By Chanel
Located in San Francisco, CA
Vintage Chanel black patent leather mini wristlet purse from 2003/2004. Bag has square quilting throughout with CC logos, large CC logo at top. Dangling large gunmetal silver metal C...
New York City’s maverick handbag designer, the Brazilian-born Carlos Falchi, began his multibillion-dollar accessories brand in the bathtub of his Greenwich Village apartment.
In the 1960s, Falchi started by making leather clothing — bleaching snakeskin in his tub — for rock stars and jazz artists like Mick Jagger, Tina Turner and Miles Davis. But when he turned his attention to handbags, persuaded by Geraldine Stultz, the president of Henri Bendel, he found his true calling.
In a world flush with iconic “It” handbags, Falchi’s bags are distinctive and eye-catching, with soft, pliable forms, dazzling patchwork designs and dyed skins from exotic animals such as alligators, frogs, buffalo and water snakes. Even though he was a self-taught artisan, Falchi managed to reinvent the approach that yields the stiff, formal structure typically associated with the upright handbags of European luxury houses. His groundbreaking and oft-imitated Buffalo bag, an unconstructed and lightweight satchel made from a single skin with only two seams and a gathered front, went on to garner universal success for the craftsman, with Women’s Wear Daily deeming it “the most copied bag in the industry.” For his celebrated slouchy bag, Falchi was inspired by the draping techniques he learned while attending art school in Japan. In 1983, he won a Coty American Fashion Critics Award for the accessory.
Falchi made his clutches, shoulder bags and top-handled bags by hand in his New York City atelier, and the designer’s work garnered praise from fashion legends such as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Barbra Streisand and Sarah Jessica Parker. In the years leading up to his death in 2015, Falchi began to sell inexpensive versions of his handbags on the Home Shopping Channel. A sampling of his work is held today in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Find a range of vintage Carlos Falchi handbags and purses on 1stDibs.
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.