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 Launer, Anya Hindmarch
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
Emmanuelle Khanh White Silk Blouse Shirt 1980s
By Emmanuelle Kahn
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous white silk organza blouse, shirt, top by Emmanuelle Khanh. It is double breasted with large mother of pearl buttons and a large notched portrait collar. The long, full r...
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...
Kathrine Baumann Leopard Design Swarovski Crystal Minaudiere Evening Bag
By Kathrine Baumann Beverly Hills
Located in Tustin, CA
Exquisite handmade designer, Kathrine Baumann, who is the celebrated handbag maker to the stars, leopard pattern pillow shaped minaudière, evening bag or evening clutch is completely...
Issac Mizrahi New Crochet Cardigan with Appliques and Bead Trim 1990s
By Isaac Mizrahi
Located in Water Mill, NY
A very pretty black crochet cardigan from Issac Mizrahi. It has long sleeves, applique matching crochet flowers around the neck, front, hem and on the sleeves. There are black glass ...
George Zamau'l Vintage Avant Garde Purple Rhinestone Wool Hat Unworn with Tags
Located in Sparks, NV
Unworn with the original tags still attached! This is a deadstock piece that came from the stock of an old hat store located in Southern California. We have access to the entire inve...
$1,196Sale Price|20% Off
Size: Medium
Andre Laug Numbered Couture Vintage Ombre Silk Polka Dots Evening Gown/ Dress
By André Laug
Located in Sparks, NV
Stunning vintage couture maxi dress by Andre Laug with handwritten details on the inside of the dress. This piece is numbered and was likely a custom couture piece for a client. Hand...
Yves Saint Laurent Red Silk Blouse
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New Hope, PA
Yves Saint Laurent designed many variations of his silk blouse with a scarf or tie neckline. This version has a long scarf which is attached on both sides of a low V neckline. This...
Zushi Handpainted Red Snake Clutch
Located in New York, NY
Unusual red snake clutch with handpainted gilt floral wood frame. Signed "Zushi". Excellent condition. 1980's USA. 8" x 7" x 3"
Ralph Lauren Black Watch Tartan Bow Trained Bustier
By Ralph Lauren Purple Label
Located in New York, NY
Ralph Lauren Black Watch Tartan Bow Trained Bustier from the Purple Label line. Hand ruched and draped wool on a boned, lined corset with side zipper entry. Attached in back is a mas...
Patrick Kelly 1989 Black Wool Question Mark Dress
By Patrick Kelly
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The truly iconic Patrick Kelly 1989 question mark rhinestone dress. Bette Davis wore a red version designed specifically for her David Letterman appearance in April 1989, less than a...
Celine Silk Tuxedo Suit 1990s
By Celine
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black silk pants and jacket suit by Celine. The suit has a subtle tuxedo influence via a matching slightly shiny narrow line of silk along each shoulder extending down to ...
Vintage 1930's Blouse Red Velvet & Black Silk Top UK 10 US 6
Located in Nashville, TN
This wonderful 1930's crimson red velvet and black crepe blossom is just the perfect piece to add to your vintage collection. The V shaped neckline is framed by crimson red velvet, ...
Moschino Couture Cut out Color Block Dress
By Moschino Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous dress from Moschino Couture in black with off white trim. It is sleeveless with a V neckline, a waist cut out below it and a low cut back, all trimmed in off white. The d...
Celebrity Owned Dolce And Gabbana Floral Silk Iconic “Ruched" Dress Size EU 42/6
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This iconic Dolce and Gabbana ruched floral silk dress was owned by a beloved Hollywood TV/Movie celebrity. It was purchased before her untimely passing. She was known for sexy, body...
$253
Size: Recommended Size; 28’’ / UK 8
1990’s Moschino Cheap & Chic Tartan Plaid High Waisted Shorts - Hot Pants
By Moschino Cheap and Chic, Franco Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Fun 1990’s Cheap & Chic by Franco Moschino tartan high waisted, tailored shorts. Crafted from a 100% Pure Wool plaid fabric and fully lined in black Rayon. Featuring a concealed zip ...
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.