Vintage Celine Macadam Canvas and Leather Shoulder Bag, Italy, Early 2000s
By Celine
Located in CACHAN, FR
This authentic vintage Celine shoulder bag from the early 2000s features the house’s iconic Macadam monogram canvas in taupe and beige, trimmed with tan leather and finished with ant...
Vintage CELINE Macadam Canvas Box Shoulder Ring Bag
By Celine
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage CELINE box shoulder bag is crafted of Celine’s signature Macadam Canvas in beige featuring a sturdy cowhide leather shoulder strap.
Céline Celine Brown Macadam Shoulder Bag Dark brown
By Celine
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Céline Celine Brown Macadam Shoulder Bag Dark brown Country of manufacture: Italy Serial Number: CE00/24 Year of production: 2004 One of the most beautiful bags of the Céline brand.
$596Sale Price|25% Off
Celine Ava Hobo Pink Fuschia Suede Leather Vintage Shoulder Bag
By Celine
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Celine Ava Hobo Pink Fuschia Suede Leather Vintage Shoulder Bag These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags.
Celine Brown Macadam Coated Canvas & Calfskin Leather Vintage Shoulder Bag
By Celine
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Celine Brown Macadam Coated Canvas & Calfskin Leather Vintage Shoulder Bag Product Details Xupes Ref: HB5992 Brand: Celine Model: Shoulder Bag Type: Shoulder Serial Number: MC98/1 A...
1970s Celine Vintage leather crossbody bag
By Celine
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Celine Vintage leather crossbody bag (1970s) Vintage and very rare Celine bag.
Celine Vintage Black Horse C Carriage Canvas Box Flap Shoulder Bag
By Celine
Located in Rome, Rome
Step into the understated luxury of a bygone era with this vintage Celine Horse C Carriage box shoulder bag.
1990s Elegant High Quality Brown Leather and Brass Shoulder Bag by Celine Paris
By Celine
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This is a truly elegant and high-quality vintage shoulder bag from Celine Paris, dating back to the 1990s.
1993 CELINE Macadam Toggle clasp chain Brown Bucket bag Shoulderbag / Vintage
By Celine
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
CELINE Macadam Toggle clasp chain Brown Bucket bag Shoulderbag / Vintage Macadam style. Gently used. Country of manufacture: Italy Serial number: M93 Estimated year of manufacture: ...
$1,668Sale Price|20% Off
1970's Celine Ostrich Cognac Leather Triomphe Bag Small
By Le Triomphe, Celine
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Rare vintage Celine Triomphe ostrich leather petit shoulder bag.
Unavailable
Celine Vintage White Leather Shoulder Bag
By Celine
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Color: White Material: Calfskin leather Measures: Height 5” x Length 7” x Depth 2” Drop: 18” Condition: Good. Light discoloration and marks throughout. Made in Italy
Unavailable
H 6.7 in W 8.6 in D 2.3 in
Vintage Celine beige macadam and blason pattern shoulder bag with golden motif.
By Celine
Located in Kashiwa, Chiba
1980s. Vintage Celine beige macadam and blason pattern classic shoulder bag with golden logo motifs.
Vintage Celine tanned brown suede leather in macadam blason pattern shoulder bag
By Celine
Located in Kashiwa, Chiba
1980s. Vintage Celine tanned brown suede leather in macadam blason pattern shoulder bag.
Vintage Celine wine brown nappa leather hobo bucket shoulder bag with blason
By Celine
Located in Kashiwa, Chiba
1990s. Vintage Celine wine brown nappa leather hobo bucket shoulder bag with embossed blaion logo at front.
WOW Celine of Paris Black Suede Shoulder or Clutch Bag
By Celine
Located in By Appointment Only, GB
This classic beautiful vintage shoulder bag by Celine of Paris, is finished in black calf-suede with gold-tone hardware.
Unavailable
H 8.2 in W 10.2 in D 3.1 in
Vintage Celine beige macadam blaison pattern messenger bag with gold tone charm.
By Celine
Located in Kashiwa, Chiba
For daily use. Introducing a vintage classic messenger style shoulder bag from CELINE, a blason macadam pattern for all generations.
Vintage CELINE genuine suede tanned brown leather shoulder bag, clutch purse.
By Celine
Located in Kashiwa, Chiba
1990s. Vintage CELINE genuine suede tanned brown leather shoulder bag, clutch purse with golden frame flap and embossed macadam blason logo.
Unavailable
H 11.4 in W 10.2 in D 4.7 in
Vintage Celine olive green, khaki, leather hobo bucket shoulder bag with logo.
By Celine
Located in Kashiwa, Chiba
1990s. Vintage Celine olive green, khaki, leather hobo bucket shoulder bag with drawstrings and logo motif. classic purse. unisex use.
Unavailable
H 5.9 in W 8.2 in D 2.55 in
Celine Vintage genuine brown leather shoulder bag with golden logo motif
By Celine
Located in Kashiwa, Chiba
1980s. Vintage CELINE genuine brown leather shoulder bag with golden logo motif at front.
Unavailable
H 7 in W 9.25 in D 2.36 in
Vintage Celine black leather classic shoulder bag with golden logo closure.
By Celine
Located in Kashiwa, Chiba
1980s. Vintage Celine black leather classic shoulder bag with golden logo closure.
Celine Vintage Black Leather Shoulder Crossbody Bag
By Celine
Located in Rome, Rome
Sleek and effortlessly elegant, this beautiful vintage Celine shoulder bag is a timeless piece for the discerning collector.
Celine Vintage Ostrich Shoulder Bag
By Celine
Located in London, GB
Beautiful Celine shoulder bag in brown ostrich leather with gold- plated hardware.
Celine navy shoulder bag
By Celine
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Vintage Celine navy shoulder bag. - Front pocket “Celine” turn lock closure
1990's Celine Black Patent Vintage Shoulder Bag
By Celine
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Celine vintage black patent leather shoulder bag with gold tone chain details.
Celine Vintage Black Leather Gussetted Shoulder Bag
By Celine
Located in Rome, Rome
Vintage black leather Celine shoulder bag. Gold metal Celine logo plate on the front.
Celine Vintage Foldover Top Shoulder Bag
By Celine
Located in London, GB
Black leather foldover top shoulder bag featuring a push lock fastening, a shoulder strap, silver-tone hardware, an internal zipped pocket and an internal logo plaque. Colour: Bla...
Vintage Celine C Macadam Embossed Brown Suede Shoulder Bag
By Celine
Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta
Item shows slight signs of wear and storage throughout, with marks on the suede surface. Visible dark rubbing marks on the corners. The leather handle shows darkening on the side tha...
Celine Vintage Blue Leather Front Pocket Shoulder Bag
By Celine
Located in Rome, Rome
Vintage blue leather Celine shoulder bag. Gold metal Celine logo plate on the front.
Celine White Brown Leather shoulder bag
By Celine
Located in Capri, IT
Celine White Brown Leather shoulder bag Vintage Celine bag in white leather with brown leather regolable shoulder strap Totally made in france Measurements: 21 cm x 15 cm * 6 cm (depth)
Celine Vintage Blue Macadam Vinyl Canvas Shoulder Bag
By Celine
Located in Rome, Rome
The certificate will be provided at no further cost Beautiful Vintage Celine blue Macadam vinyl canvas shoulder bag.
Celine Vintage Beige Macadam Vinyl Canvas Shoulder Bag
By Celine
Located in Rome, Rome
The certificate will be provided at no further cost Beautiful Vintage Celine beige Macadam vinyl canvas shoulder bag.
Celine Vintage Black Macadam Canvas Shoulder Bag Tote
By Celine
Located in Rome, Rome
Sleek and timeless, this Celine black C Macadam canvas shoulder bag is a refined nod to the brand's iconic motifs.
Celine Vintage Black Leather Ring Convertible Shoulder Bag
By Celine
Located in Rome, Rome
Step into the quiet allure of French sophistication with this Celine black leather Ring convertible shoulder bag - a piece that whispers luxury with every detail. Crafted in supple b...
Celine Vintage Blue Macadam C Canvas Caleche Box Shoulder Bag
By Celine
Located in Rome, Rome
Celine 'Macadam C' box shoulder bag in Macadam C canvas with navy blue leather trim and shoulder strap. Gold metal hardware. Flap with front Caleche clasp closure. Adjustable shoulde...
Celine Vintage Brown Macadam C Canvas Caleche Shoulder Bag
By Celine
Located in Rome, Rome
Celine 'Macadam C' shoulder bag in Macadam C canvas with brown leather trim and shoulder strap. Gold metal Caleche hardware on the sides. Upper zipper closure. Brown leather lining. ...
Celine brown coated canvas leather shoulder bag
By Celine
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Rare vintage Celine brown coated canvas leather shoulder bag in mint condition
Celine Green Leather Box Strap Shoulder Bag
By Celine
Located in Sheung Wan, HK
- Vintage Celine green leather box strap shoulder bag
Celine Vintage Burgundy Macadam Canvas and Leather Shoulder Bag
By Celine
Located in Rome, Rome
The certificate will be provided at no further cost Beautiful Vintage Celine burgundy canvas macadam and leather shoulder bag.
Sold
H 7.88 in W 10.63 in D 2.76 in
Celine Brown Macadam Coated Canvas & Calfskin Leather Vintage Shoulder Bag
By Celine
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Celine Brown Macadam Coated Canvas & Calfskin Leather Vintage Shoulder Bag Product Details Xupes Ref: HB6032 Brand: Celine Model: Shoulder Bag Type: Shoulder Serial Number: MC97/2 A...
Sold
H 11.03 in W 11.03 in D 3.94 in
Celine Brown Macadam Coated Canvas & Calfskin Leather Vintage Shoulder Bag
By Celine
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Celine Brown Macadam Monogram Coated Canvas & Calfskin Leather Vintage Shoulder Bag Product Details Xupes Ref: HB5900 Brand: Celine Model: Shoulder Bag Type: Shoulder Serial Number:...
Celine Vintage Blue C Carriage Canvas Box Flap Shoulder Bag
By Celine
Located in Rome, Rome
Elegant and quietly iconic, this vintage C Carriage box shoulder bag from Celine captures the understated luxury of a bygone era.
Celine Vintage Black C Carriage Canvas Box Flap Shoulder Bag
By Celine
Located in Rome, Rome
Elegant and quietly iconic, this vintage C Carriage box shoulder bag from Celine captures the understated luxury of a bygone era.
Celine Vintage Blue Grey C Carriage Canvas Box Flap Shoulder Bag
By Celine
Located in Rome, Rome
Elegant and quietly iconic, this vintage C Carriage box shoulder bag from Celine captures the understated luxury of a bygone era.
Vintage shoulder bag Celine monogram
Located in Carnate, IT
Céline vintage leather bag Shoulder bag. Safety closure with Celine logo.
Vintage CELINE Macadam Canvas Mini Crossbody Bag Brown
By Celine
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage CELINE mini crossbody bag is crafted of Celine’s iconic Macadam coated canvas in brown trimmed with brown leather. This mini crossbody features a leather strap sewn to t...
Celine Crecy vintage Leather Shoulder Bag
Located in Carnate, IT
Vintage Celine Crecy bag. Brown leather and gold/silver hardware.
Celine Vintage Black Leather Crossbody Flap Messenger Bag
By Celine
Located in Rome, Rome
Beautiful Vintage Celine black leather shoulder bag. Flap closure.
Celine Vintage Blue Leather Crossbody Flap Messenger Bag
By Celine
Located in Rome, Rome
Beautiful Vintage Celine blue leather shoulder bag. Flap with magnetic button closure.
Celine Vintage Black Fabric Monogram Printed Bag w/ GHW - circa 1990's
By Celine
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Celine Black Fabric Monogram Printed Bag w/ GHW. This lovely Celine bag is in good vintage condition with the only issue being discoloration of the center clasp. It features a blac...
Celine Vintage Shoulder Bag
By Celine
Located in London, GB
This beautiful vintage shoulder bag from Celine features apple green box leather and gold- plated hardware.
Céline Vintage Box Bag
Located in London, GB
A complete classic that perfectly complements any look, this Black Leather 'Box' crossbody bag from Céline Vintage features a rounded shape, a foldover top with push-lock closure, a ...
Celine Vintage Brown Macadam Canvas Shoulder Bag Tote
By Celine
Located in Rome, Rome
The certificate will be provided at no further cost. Vintage Celine Brown 'Macadam' Canvas Tote bag with beige genuine leather handles and trim.
Celine Vintage Brown Macadam Canvas Shoulder Bag Tote
By Celine
Located in Rome, Rome
The certificate will be provided at no further cost. Vintage Celine Brown 'Macadam' Canvas Tote bag with genuine leather handles and trim.
Celine Vintage Brown Macadam Canvas Tote Shoulder Bag
By Celine
Located in Rome, Rome
This beautiful Bag will come with a Certificate of Authenticity provided by Entrupy. The certificate will be provided at no further cost. Vintage Celine Brown 'Macadam' Canvas Tote b...
Celine Vintage Brown C Macadam Canvas Shoulder Bag Tote
By Celine
Located in Rome, Rome
Celine brown C Macadam canvas shoulder bag. I The bag features C and macadam pattern and brown leather trim and shoulder strap. Upper zipper closure. Brown canvas lining.1 side zip p...
Celine Vintage Burgundy Macadam Canvas and Leather Shoulder Bag
By Celine
Located in Rome, Rome
The certificate will be provided at no further cost Beautiful Vintage Celine burgundy canvas macadam and leather shoulder bag.
Celine Vintage Brown Macadam Canvas Small Tote Shoulder Bag
By Celine
Located in Rome, Rome
Celine Brown 'Macadam' Canvas Small Tote bag with genuine leather handles and trim. Open top. 2 main open sections and 1 middle zip section. Brown lining. 1 side open pocket inside. ...
Celine Vintage Black Leather Carriage Shoulder Bag
By Celine
Located in Rome, Rome
Celine vintage black leather shoulder bag. Flap with gold metal 'Carriage' closure.
1970s CELINE Box Shoulder Bag
By Celine
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Beautiful Céline vintage shoulder box bag in very dark red leather.
Celine Ava Hobo Orange Suede Leather Vintage Shoulder Bag
By Celine
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Celine Ava Hobo Orange Suede Leather Vintage Shoulder Bag These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags.
CELINE Vintage Horse Carriage Buckle Black Box Leather Shoulder Bag
By Celine
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Sublime condition! Hardly ever used! Celine 1970's Horse Carriage Buckle Black Box Leather Shoulder Bag Three compartments.
Celine Vintage Horse Carriage Buckle Navy Blue Box Leather Shoulder Bag
By Celine
Located in Nice, FR
CELINE most wanted vintage deep navy blue box calf skin leather shoulder bag featuring the iconic horse carriage signature buckle.
Vintage CELINE Tan Purple & Green Floral Print Canvas & Leather Shoulder Bag
By Celine
Located in San Francisco, CA
Vintage CELINE shoulder handbag comes in retro purple, bronze, and green floral print canvas with tan leather piping, silver tone embossed metal plaque, top zip closure, and detachab...
Vintage Celine New White Leather Structured Shoulder Bag Convertible Clutch
By Celine
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic brand new (never used) vintage CELINE stark white leather structured handbag! Features soft structured leather, with the embossed Celine logo on the front flap. Strap can be rem...
Celine Ava Hobo Pumpkin Caramel Brown Suede Leather Vintage Shoulder Bag
By Celine
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Celine Ava Hobo Pumpkin Caramel Brown Suede Leather Vintage Shoulder Bag These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags.
Celine Leather and Snakeskin Black, Cream and White Hobo Shoulder Bag Vintage
By Celine
Located in North Miami, FL
This absolutely stunning, vintage and never used french Celine shoulder bag/ hobo bag is made of fine butter like leather with a black and white snakeskin panel in the center.
Vintage CELINE Box Shoulder Bag
By Celine
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Never used Vintage Celine Box Handbag. Made in Italy. Rare, classic Celine box handbag with Horse Carriage buckle clasp.
Christian Dior Y2K Brown & Cream Pony Hair Shoulder Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the Christian Dior Y2K Brown & Cream Pony Hair Shoulder Bag, a stunning accessory that embodies the essence of early 2000s fashion while remaining effortlessly chic. Circ...
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 ...
Gucci mini bamboo handle wallet/ crossbody
By Gucci
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Gucci Black Nylon Bamboo Handle Mini Wallet Handbag Material Nylon Color Black Length 18 cm /7,08 inches Height 12 cm/ 4,72 inches Authentic Gucci Mini Wallet Hanbag in black ny...
Versace Silk Cut out Back Dress
By Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful pink silk dress from Versace. It is is a simple sleeveless sheath from the front. The back is exposed from the shoulders to low back with the exception of draping framin...
NWT S/S 2003 Dolce & Gabbana Studded Leather Punk Chain Large Tote Shoulder Bag
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Dolce & Gabbana large shoulder tote is part of the Spring/Summer 2003 ‘Sex & Love’ collection. Made entirely of black leather, it includes a drawstring closure at the top. Adorn...
GIVENCHY c. 1960’s Early Haute Couture Dark Brown Wool Princess Coat Jacket
By Givenchy
Located in Thiensville, WI
GIVENCHY c. 1960’s Early Haute Couture Dark Brown Wool Princess Coat Jacket Circa: 1960’s Label(s): Givenchy Style: Princess Coat Color(s): Brown Lined: Yes Unmarked Fabric Cont...
$19,521
Size: FR 40 - UK 12 - US 8
Givenchy by Alexander McQueen beige angora wool and shearling coat, c. 1999-2001
By Alexander McQueen, Givenchy
Located in London, GB
▪ Givenchy beige maxi coat ▪ Designed by Alexander McQueen ▪ Large shearling collar and cuffs ▪ Double breasted ▪ Center pleat to the back ▪ 65% Angora, 35% Wool ▪ 100% Acetate linin...
$1,320Sale Price|20% Off
H 9 in D 3.5 in L 16 in
New Fendi Aspen Shearling and Suede FF Brown Hobo Tote Bag
By Fendi
Located in Conroe, TX
Rare Fendi Shearling Aspen Bag Brand New * Stunning Rare Shearling Bag * Rich Soft Chocolate Brown * Full Shearling Lining and Piping * Rope Braided & Leather Strap * Two Front Snap...
$200Sale Price|20% Off
H 11 in W 1 in L 15.5 in
1980s Vintage GUCCI Pigskin Leather Document Clutch Bag Brown Large
By Gucci
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage GUCCI business clutch bag is crafted of pigskin leather in brown featuring gold toned hardware. Front flap combination lock closure opens to a beige pigskin leather inte...
Céline Pochette Enveloppe 1985s Leather Denim Navy Diamond Clutch Celine
By Celine
Located in PARIS, FR
Céline clutch circa 1985 Diamond Clutch (or Envelope) shape in blue denim-style canvas trimmed with navy blue leather, beige canvas interior, gold metal tilting Céline clasp. Width 2...
Gucci Italy Rare Sleek Gilt Metal Minaudiere' Clutch c 1970s
By Gucci
Located in University City, MO
Gucci Italy Rare opulent gold plated minaudiere' clutch c 1970s The elegant gold metal clutch is designed with a green leather embossed band that runs vertically across the center o...
Prada Red Sequin Bag
By Prada
Located in Bressanone, Trentino-Alto Adige
Prada bag, with sequin, chain handle, red/black color, champagne-colored silk interior. Condition: good, to note: some lack of sequins at the corners. Dimensions: Width: 25cm Heigh...
S/S 1999 Roberto Cavalli Sheer Zebra Slip Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Austin, TX
S/S 1999 Roberto Cavalli Sheer Zebra Slip Dress Chest: 32-36", Waist: 30-36, Hips: 40-49", Length: 54.5" Condition: Excellent Size S ( fits S - M )
$375Sale Price|36% Off
H 9 in W 11 in D 4 in L 16 in
Vintage 1940s Guild Creations Women's Wool Hand Bag with Gold Frame
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a classy 1940s Guild Creations wool hand bag with zip closure. This solid black wool fabric purse is high lighted with a wave shaped gold-tone metal engraved frame and set wi...
Fendi Mamma Baguette Raffia Crochet Shoulder Bag with Flower
By Fendi
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Fendi Mamma Baguette Raffia Crochet Shoulder Bag with Flower These are professional photos of the actual bag. This Fendi Baguette is made from Raffia material that’s similar to s...
2003 Roberto Cavalli Embroidered Denim Jacket
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
2003 Roberto Cavalli Fitted denim jacket embroidered in floral motif. color : pink, yellow , green and white long sleeve, buttons, nehru collar, and faux pockets Size Small fit US 2/4
Now renowned for chic womenswear as well as luxury leather handbags that are often recognized for their iconic gold-tone fastening and hardware, French fashion house Celine got its start in children’s shoes.
In 1945, Céline Vipiana and her husband, Richard, opened a made-to-measure shoe shop for children at 52 rue de Malte in Paris. Designer Céline’s name graced the business, alongside a red elephant designed by French cartoonist Raymond Peynet that served as the company’s first logo.
In 1967, following an expansion into women’s shoes and leather accessories, the Vipianas decided to expand their company’s reach into women’s ready-to-wear, focusing on high-end sportswear. Céline Vipiana, who remained chief designer until her death in 1997, would oversee a range of fashion that would reach an international audience with a pared-down elegance and timeless style.
The company quickly achieved widespread success with its new offerings, most notably its trench coat, which became a staple for the brand. In the 1970s, they expanded outside Paris with boutiques in Monte Carlo, Beverly Hills and Hong Kong. In 1973, Céline Vipiana, inspired by chain links around the Arc de Triomphe, debuted the Blazon Chaîne motif of interlocking C’s. She began using it on a printed canvas and branding as well as accents on accessories, such as the Triomphe bag.
Vipiana’s designs were created to appeal as everyday fashion: Celine skirts, suits, fitted shirts, vests and coats were stylish but rooted in practicality. Quality, too, was paramount; Vipiana’s determination to deliver the best possible leather led to the opening of a studio in Florence, where the brand created its leather goods.
Vipiana died a year after her brand was acquired by Bernard Arnault’s luxury conglomerate LVMH for about $540 million. American designer Michael Kors then took the helm as creative director. Kors, too, was known for practical but chic ready-to-wear. He introduced such luxury staples as cashmere sets, smartly tailored pants and simple slip dresses, plus themed collections around jet-setter locales like Monte Carlo and Tahiti. Following Kors’s departure in 2004, onetime Burberry designer Roberto Menichetti took the job for just a year. He was followed by designer Phoebe Philo, the young British designer who is now credited with establishing Celine’s 21st-century style.
Philo created a distinct, minimal style that channeled the brand’s roots of practical simplicity with luxury materials. (“I just thought I’d clean it up,” she quipped of her debut collection in 2010.) Over the course of ten years, Philo turned the company into a beloved fixture of the fashion industry. In 2018, after Philo’s departure, the house tapped Hedi Slimane, former creative director of Yves Saint Laurent, as its new leader; he caused a stir when he famously removed the accent from the brand name. Controversial though it was, Slimane maintained it was a return to the label’s roots: an exercise in strong simplicity.
Find vintage Celine day dresses, handbags and other items 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.