1980s Launer London Tosca Silk Pink Clutch with Gold Chain Strap
By Launer
Located in London, GB
Leather goods manufacturer Launer has created handbags in Britain since 1941. Granted a royal
1980s Launer London Tosca Silk Pink Clutch with Gold Chain Strap
By Launer
Located in London, GB
Leather goods manufacturer Launer has created handbags in Britain since 1941. Granted a royal
Vintage Launer Leather Bag
By Launer
Located in London, GB
A chic bag by Launer, handbag maker to the Queen. This bag can be worn as a clutch bag or hand bag
Vintage Launer Black Leather Bag
By Launer
Located in London, GB
A chic vintage black leather bag by Launer. The bag has a flap over front with popper fastening and
Launer UK Mother/Daughter Calf Shoulder Bag
By Anya Hindmarch, Launer
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Anya Hindmarch for UK luxury leather goods brand Launer. Chic calf shoulder bag
Vintage Launer Leather Bag
By Launer
Located in London, GB
A chic and easy to wear vintage Launer ( by appointment to the late Queen) leather handbag. In a
Vintage Launer Blue Leather Bag
By Launer
Located in London, GB
A chic vintage bag by Launer ( Bag maker to the Queen). In a deep navy blue , the bag has a
Vintage Launer Blue Leather Bag
By Launer
Located in London, GB
A chic vintage bag by Launer ( Bag maker to the Queen). In a deep navy blue , the bag has a
Tom Ford for Gucci S/S 1999 Knit Bodycon Black Dress
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Naples, FL
Tom Ford for Gucci S/S 1999 Knit Bodycon Black Dress Size L Gucci knit bodycon midi dress with V-neck and tonal stitching throughout.
Missoni Colorful Silk Halter Dress
By Missoni
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous colorful fine silk knit halter dress from Missoni in a red, orange, blue, yellow, white, lavender and black abstract pattern. It slips on over the head and has 2 black str...
$550
Size: none; comparable to size L
Red Silk Sleeveless Cocktail Dress w Convertible Draped Scarf Back - L, 1960s
Located in Tucson, AZ
An ingenious design, this dress features a draped shoulder-to-shoulder scarf that may be worn in the back, the front, or even on the head for three different and completely captivati...
$1,140Sale Price|20% Off
Size: 37.5
New Tom Ford's Final Collection for Yves Saint Laurent 2004 YSL Heels Sz 37.5
By Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Heels Brand New * Tom Ford's Final Collection for Yves Saint Laurent The Countess of Albemarle wore these in Beige to Tom Ford's Book Signing Size: 37...
$1,348Sale Price|20% Off
Size: Small
Amazing Vintage Victorian Inspired 1970s Does 1800s Steampunk Green Trained Gown
Located in San Diego, CA
Amazing vintage Victorian inspired 70s does 1800s green steampunk trained dress! Features a beautiful color of green with blue and brown flowers throughout. Chic puff sleeves and a d...
2000s Dolce & Gabbana Black strappy bustier dress with orange flowers print
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Sheffield, GB
Dolce & Gabbana 2000s Cotton printed dress with a delicate orange and pink blossom print, strappy shoulders, exposed bra-let and past the knee length hem. MADE IN ITALY. Size; Recomm...
BOB MACKIE Green Chiffon Flower Embellished Gown Size 2 4
By Bob Mackie
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This vintage Bob Mackie gown is composed of a light green mint hue silk chiffon. The upper bodice features an embellished center front and short sleeve, with a floral pattern. There ...
$454
H 5.5 in W 1.5 in L 9 in
Vintage 1950's French Floral Beaded Clutch Bag 1950's Beaded floral handbag
Located in Nashville, TN
A true beauty to behold, this original 1950's micro beaded clutch bag, rendered in the smallest iridescent white rocaille beads, accented by a raised scalloped pattern throughout, in...
$2,099Sale Price|30% Off
Size: 38
UNWORN Dolce & Gabbana Bodycon Corset Lace Dress Special Edition Collection 38
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Switzerland, CH
Amazing Dolce & Gabbana Bodycon Corset Dress. For a sensational silhouette Black stretch fabric, satin and lace details Straps are adjustable Hook-fastening details in front A ti...
$531Sale Price|20% Off
Fringe Gold Sequin Vintage Show Bra
Located in Amsterdam, NL
This bra is made from gold color sequins and fringe, Its in good condition with minimum wear of use. Size 80 cm/ 31.49 inch Please note that vintage items are not new and therefore ...
Loris Azzaro Paris Couture Circa 1973 Vintage Draped Bodice Red Chiffon Dress
By Loris Azzaro
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Spectacular Vintage 1973 Loris Azzaro Paris Couture Documented Evening Dress An exquisite piece of fashion history, this 1973 Loris Azzaro Couture or Runway sample evening dress is ...
Moschino Couture Dress with Sequin Peace Sign Back
By Moschino Couture, Moschino
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black silk halter dress from Moschino Couture. It is a wrap style dress which ties at the waist and has a band of gold sequins around the neck through to the back forming ...
Vintage Jill Richards 1980s For Saks Fifth Avenue Red Avant Garde Silk Dress
By Jill Richards, Saks Fifth Avenue
Located in San Diego, CA
Amazing 80s JILL RICHARDS, for SAKs Fifth Avenue, red silk + taffeta dress!!! Avant Garde feel, with tiered skirt, and bow in the back. Tulle layers over the silk bodice. Pouf skirt,...
VERSACE Atelier A/W 2005 Black Leather Beaded Sequin Strapless Corset Dress
By Gianni Versace, Atelier Versace
Located in Thiensville, WI
VERSACE Atelier A/W 2005 Black Leather Beaded Sequin Strapless Corset Dress Brand / Manufacturer: Versace Collection: Autumn / Winter 2005; Runway look #38 Style: Corset Dress Co...
Vintage Red Givenchy One Shoulder Ruffle Silk Cocktail Dress
By Givenchy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
90s Givenchy Red Silk organza ruffle one shoulder dress. Perfect cocktail dress. Dress has double zipper ( inside) Measurement: Bust: 36 inches/ Waist: 26.5 inches/ Hip: 34 inches/ ...
New Tom Ford Bead-Embellished Black Velvet Ruby Red Heel Boots It. 38 - US 8
By Tom Ford
Located in Montgomery, TX
Luxury, glamour and sophistication are bywords for world-renowned designer TOM FORD. Designer size - 38 ( US 8) Midnight Black velvet, Ruby Red Bead Embellished Square Toe, Silver-t...
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.