British fashion designer Lee Alexander McQueen, the original creative engine behind the Alexander McQueen label, was beloved for his expert tailoring and theatrical runway shows. After his suicide in 2010, fans left tributes to the man and his talents outside Alexander McQueen boutiques worldwide. Record-breaking crowds visited the posthumous retrospective of the designer’s work at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and the Victoria and Albert in London.
The inspirations for vintage Alexander McQueen bags, dresses, jackets and other items came from many quarters — film, music, current events, history, his heritage and fashions of the past. The designer's runway presentations were not just displays of clothing but were personal expressions of the zeitgeist, often touching on our cultural anxieties and concerns. McQueen’s own thoughts and feelings about love, death, gender, genocide, colonialism, global warming and the extinction of species all appear in his pieces.
McQueen certainly shook up fashion; he was a born Rottweiler. His upbringing on a council estate in north London played a part, but his family was close and supportive, not dysfunctional. He was proud of his Scottish heritage: He was a defiant fashion warrior. His historical themes and shows — such as “Highland Rape,” 2002, which was inspired by England’s “rape of Scotland,” as McQueen called it — always invoked powerful reactions from his audience of fashion pros.
“What you see in the work is the person himself. And my heart is in my work,” McQueen told Harper’s Bazaar in 2007.
It is perhaps this heart, and the heart’s exposure, that drew the crowds and made McQueen's creations both popular and emotionally resonant. Because the work was personal and thus layered with feeling, the motifs — decorative embellishments and fabric choices — have meaning. In other words, in McQueen’s oeuvre, plaid is more than simply a pattern.
Find vintage Alexander McQueen fashion and accessories — including the designer's coveted bags and comfortable, stretchy jersey knit dresses and gowns — on 1stDibs.
New Alexander McQueen 2019 Jeweled Tinsel Satchel Bag $2940
By Alexander McQueen, Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen
Located in Conroe, TX
Brand New Alexander McQueen Jeweled Satchel Bag $2940 The 2019 Jeweled Satchel Bag in Tinsel Holiday Purple Alexander McQueen's structured shoulder bag is decorated with the label's...
ALEXANDER McQUEEN c.2003 Brown Leather Crocodile Embossed Buckle Box Handbag
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
ALEXANDER McQUEEN c.2003 Brown Leather Crocodile Embossed Buckle Box Handbag Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen Circa: 2003 Designer: Ale...
ALEXANDER McQUEEN c.2008 "Flapper Novak" Black Leather Large Clutch Purse Bag
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
ALEXANDER McQUEEN c.2008 "Flapper Novak" Black Leather Large Clutch Purse Bag Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen Circa: 2008 "Flapper Novak" D...
Alexander McQueen Python Knuckle Duster Box Clutch
By Alexander McQueen
Located in PARIS, FR
An extraordinary creation from the final years of Alexander McQueens lifetime, this Knuckle Box Clutch represents the height of his craft. Made from genuine python skin, the surface ...
Alexander McQueen Embellished Skull Clutch
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Montgomery, TX
Alexander McQueen Embellished Skull Clutch – Gilded Glamour with Gothic Edge A dazzling fusion of artistry and attitude, this Alexander McQueen clutch is a show-stopping statement p...
ALEXANDER McQUEEN S/S 2009 Skeleton Kaleidoscope Print Oversized Clutch Bag
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
ALEXANDER McQUEEN SS 2009 Iconic Crystal Skeleton Kaleidoscope Print Oversized Clutch Bag Brand/Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen Collection: Spring Summer 2009 "Natural Dis-tinction,...
Alexander McQueen minaudiere bag
By Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, Alexander McQueen
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN -(Made in Italy) Shiny purple and green mink minaudiere bag with a clip fastener on a silvery metal rigid frame topped with a rhinestones skull. A Collection under ...
Alexander McQueen blue clutch pochette
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Capri, IT
Alexander McQueen blue clutch pochette
ALEXANDER McQUEEN c.2013 Metallic Oil Slick Leather Knuckle Ring Duster Clutch
By Alexander McQueen, Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen Circa: 2013 Designer: Sarah Burton Manufacturer Style Name: Skull Four Ring Clutch Style: Clutch Handbag Color(s): Shades of gray, purple, green, yellow, blue Lined: Yes Unmarked Fabric Content (feel of): Leather (exterior/lining), metal (hardware) Additional Details / Inclusions: Alexander McQueen circa 2013 knuckle ring duster box clutch. Long rectangular hardshell box exterior. Leather exterior; metallic multicolor oil slick design on outside of bag. Large gunmetal-toned metal skull and gemstone feature ring clasp at top of bag; gunmetal-toned metal hardware around opening of bag. Four knuckle-ring sculpted skull hardware embellished with crystals; single large clear gemstone ring detail. Single long interior compartment. Burgandy leather interior lining with “Alexander McQueen Made In...
ALEXANDER McQUEEN c.2013 Gold Glitter Leather Metal Knuckle Ring Duster Clutch
By Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen Circa: 2013 Designer: Sarah Burton Manufacturer Style Name: Skull Four Ring Clutch Style: Clutch Handbag Color(s): Shades of gold, brown Lined: Yes Unmarked Fabric Content (feel of): Leather (lining), metal (hardware) Additional Details / Inclusions: Alexander McQueen circa 2013 knuckle ring duster box clutch. Long rectangular hardshell box exterior. Gold metallic glitter exterior. Large gold-toned metal skull and gemstone feature ring clasp at top of bag; gold-toned metal hardware around opening of bag. Four knuckle-ring sculpted skull hardware embellished with crystals; single large clear gemstone ring detail. Single long interior compartment. Brown leather interior lining with “Alexander McQueen Made In...
Alexander McQueen A/W 2005 'The Man Who Knew Too Much' Knit Pom Pom Bag Runway
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Manchester, GB
Alexander McQueen Autumn/Winter 2005 ‘The Man Who Knew Too Much’ Navajo patterned knit bag with pom pom and fringe accents. In very good condition.
Alexander McQueen Skull Leopard Print Pony Hair Box Clutch Bag
By Alexander McQueen
Located in London, GB
We Adore - Alexander McQueen Skull Leopard Print Pony Hair Box Clutch Bag Box frame silhouette clutch bag crafted from pony hair calfskin in leopard print. Adorned with the br...
ALEXANDER McQUEEN c.2008 Black Leather Paisley Embossed Large Clutch Purse Bag
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN c.2008 Black Patent Leather Paisley Print Flat Large Clutch Purse Bag Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen Circa: 2008 Style: ...
ALEXANDER McQUEEN Pre-Fall 2015 Croc Embossed Leather Metal Cage Box Handbag
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
ALEXANDER McQUEEN Pre-Fall 2015 Black Croc Embossed Leather Metal Cage Box Handbag Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen Collection: Pre-Fall 2015 Designer: Alexander McQueen Styl...
ALEXANDER McQUEEN c.1998 Black Pixel Chainmail Top Handle Purse Handbag RARE
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
ALEXANDER McQUEEN c.1998 Black Pixel Chainmail Top Handle Purse Bag RARE Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen Circa: 1998 Designer: Alexander McQueen Style: Top handle purse Colo...
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Soft Curve AM logo black white leather bucket bag
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Hong Kong, NT
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Soft Curve AM logo black white leather bucket bag Reference: TGAS/E00473 Brand: Alexander McQueen Model: Soft Curve Material: Leather Color: Black, White Pattern: S...
Alexander McQueen De Manta Clutch
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Express yourself in style with the Alexander McQueen De Manta Clutch. This playful pink and red leopard printed satin clutch is perfect for ...
ALEXANDER McQUEEN F/W 2009 Black Crinkled Patent Leather Large Trash Bag Clutch
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
ALEXANDER McQUEEN F/W 2009 Black Crinkled Patent Leather Large Trash Bag Clutch RARE Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen Circa: F/W 2009 Designer: Alexander McQueen Style: Oversized Clutch Bag Color(s): Exterior: Black. Interior: Red Lined: Yes Unmarked Fabric Content (feel of): Leather (exterior); Twill fabric (interior); Metal (hardware) Additional Details / Inclusions: Alexander McQueen F/W 2009 "The Horn of Plenty" runway collection. Black crinkled patent leather material; designed to mimic the look and feel of a trash bag. Oversized leather clutch...
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Union Jack Skull Clutch bag
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU CT-2431 Model Union Jack Skull Clutch Condition Excellent Other Info Shoulder Strap Drop: 23“ Height: 4" Width: 6.5" Depth: 2.25" _______________________________ If you are inter...
H 12.5 in D 4 in L 14.5 in
NEW LOUIS VUITTON Rare Fuchsia Runway Cartoon Art Firebird Limited Edition Bag
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
The extremely rare LOUIS VUITTON Fuchsia Cartoon Firebird, the most luxurious of them all. One of a kind and only a few were released Worldwide in 2008! Cartoon Limited Collection ba...
H 3.5 in D 2 in L 6 in
Animal Motif Crystal Clutch In The Style Of Judith Leiber, Great Condition.
Located in Buchanan, MI
Animal Motif Crystal Clutch In The Style Of Judith Leiber Great Condition, No Crystals missing. Silver Strap Inclosed.
H 7 in W 7 in D 4 in
New Walborg Black Wood Bead and Chenille Top Handle Pochette Purse– Japan, 1950s
By Walborg
Located in Tucson, AZ
Despite its deceptively small size, this pochette remains exceptionally roomy thanks to its fully opening center change purse-style pocket and two side compartments. Petite but practical, the hand-strung polished wood beads create texture and interest for evening, while the velvety chenille ground lends playfulness for day. Deadstock double top handle bag of black chenille punctuated with black wood beads all over surface and handles. Interior features three total compartments including one center compartment with kiss lock clasp closure, plus one side pocket in another compartment. Fully lined in black velvet; plain chenille bottom with protective brass feet. fabric: chenille, wood, goldtone metal noteworthy: clean with compressed air repairs: none condition: deadstock with original tags measurements: width: 7” at narrowest, 9 ½” at widest height: 7” depth: 4” bottom gusset; expands to about 6” when filled mouth: opens to 8” handle: 4” drop label: Walborg (made in Japan by...
H 4.25 in W 4.25 in D 4.25 in
Brass Etched Openwork Filigree Cube Purse w MOP Lucite Lid and Clear Base, 1950s
Located in Tucson, AZ
Simultaneously delicate and sturdy, this unusual box purse provides a glimpse of its contents via openwork filigree sides, while a clear Lucite platf...
H 8.25 in W 5.25 in D 3 in
New Tyrolean Brown Suede Mini Steamer Trunk 24-Karat Gold Plate Filigree, 1940s
Located in Tucson, AZ
Hands-down the most clever, unusual and sculptural evening bag we’ve seen, this extremely collectable handbag resembles a miniature 1930s steamer trunk—if steamer trunks had been surrounded by 24-karat gold plate filigree, that is. This incredible bag’s front face unlatches and lays flat to reveal a mirror on its interior face, an elastic band to hold its original comb and comb sleeve, and a series of padded silk moiré interior drawers and compartments. A handbag worthy of a trip on the Queen Mary...
Yves Saint Laurent Velvet Chevron Clutch
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Mayfair, London, London
This unworn YSL clutch in midnight blue velvet stitched in a chevron pattern contrasts beautifully with the gold logo in front. The fabric lined interior comes with flap pocket. The ...
W 3.5 in Dm 3.5 in L 37.5 in
Judith Leiber White Crystal Gold Disco Ball Minaudières Evening Bag with Tassel
By Judith Leiber
Located in Miami Beach, FL
RARE Judith Leiber white crystal sphere minaudières shoulder bag in excellent vintage condition. White Swarovski crystal exterior trimmed with gold edges and clear crystals along top...
H 9.5 in W 15 in D 5 in
Rialto Large Needlepoint Handbag 1960s
By Rialto
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous large needlepoint handbag in a green, yellow and red abstract pattern on a black background. It has a shapely black Lucite frame, doubl...
New Fendi White Wayfarer Sunglasses with Case
By Fendi
Located in Conroe, TX
New Fendi White Wayfarer Sunglasses with Case Brand New White Wayfarer Sunglasses Lightweight Scratch and Impact Resistant Made in Italy 100% UVA/UVB Protection With Case & Cleanin...
H 5.52 in W 1.19 in L 8.86 in
Hermès Padlock Bag Clutch Purse Doblis Leather Purple and Golden Hdw RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely and Rare Authentic Hermès Clutch Called "Padlock" due to the Padlock Shaped clasp Very rare ! A-line shape of the purse and asymmetrical cut of the flap for a chic and eleg...
RALPH LAUREN tan textured leather gold logo push lock flap flat clutch bag
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Hong Kong, NT
RALPH LAUREN tan textured leather gold logo push lock flap flat clutch bag Reference: MLCO/A00027 Brand: Ralph Lauren Material: Leather Color: Brown Pattern: Solid Closure: Push Lock...
H 6.5 in D 3.5 in L 9.5 in
Chanel Small Pink Trendy CC Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A stylish pink Chanel Small Trendy CC Flap Bag. The exterior of this Trendy is crafted with pink lambskin leather in the signature diamond style stitchi...
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN cream leather 2023 THE PEAK SMALL Bag
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Alexander McQueen The Peak Small bag in Soft Ivory leather embodies the brand’s signature sculptural elegance. Featuring a supple body contrasted with a structure...
H 13 in W 9.5 in D 4 in
Alexander McQueen Rose Pink Skull Jewel Four-Ring Soft Leather Clutch Bag
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Houston, US
Brand: Alexander McQueen Gender: Ladies Measurements (W x H x D): 13.00" x 9.50" x 4.00" Weight: 440.00 grams Alexander Mcqueen Rose Pink Skull Jewel Four-ring Soft Leather...
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN black calfskin leather silver skull lock tote bag
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Hong Kong, NT
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN black calfskin leather silver skull lock tote bag Reference: TGAS/F00375 Brand: Alexander McQueen Material: Leather Color: Black, Silver Pattern: Solid Lining: Red ...
H 3.94 in W 6.3 in
Alexander McQueen Leather Union Jack Skull Box Clutch Bag
By Alexander McQueen
Located in London, GB
We Adore - Alexander McQueen Leather Union Jack Skull Box Clutch Bag Box frame silhouette clutch crafted with a Union Jack in white and blue leather with red patent leather details....
H 9.5 in W 15.75 in D 4.5 in
Alexander McQueen Pink Saffiano Leather Tote Shoulder Bag
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Houston, US
Brand: Alexander McQueen Measurements(W x H x D): 15.75" x 9.50" x 4.50" Total Weight: 570.00 grams Alexander Mcqueen Saffiano Leather Shoulder Bag. Engraved with "Made In Italy...
rare ALEXANDER MCQUEEN white floral embroidered red plaid biker zip hobo bag
By Alexander McQueen, Sarah Burton
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare ALEXANDER MCQUEEN black white floral embroidered red plaid biker zip hobo bag Reference: TGAS/F00200 Brand: Alexander McQueen Designer: Sarah Burton Material: Leather Color: Bla...
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN black lambskin leather floral embroidered 2 way satchel bag
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Hong Kong, NT
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN black lambskin leather floral embroidered 2 way satchel bag Reference: TGAS/F00195 Brand: Alexander McQueen Collection: 2016 Material: Leather Color: Black, Multico...
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN De Manta Angels Demons Grinling Gibbons jacquard clutch bag
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Hong Kong, NT
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN De Manta Angels Demons Grinling Gibbons red gold jacquard clutch bag Reference: AAWC/A01584 Brand: Alexander McQueen Model: De Manta Material: Fabric Color: Red, Go...
H 3.55 in W 9.45 in
Alexander McQueen Patent Leather Skull Knuckle Box Clutch Bag
By Alexander McQueen
Located in London, GB
Alexander McQueen Patent Leather Skull Knuckle Box Clutch Bag Red hard-case clutch bag crafted from shiny patent leather. Adorned with an ornate silver knuckle clasp embellished wi...
2010 Alexander McQueen Black Leather Skull Embossed De Manta Tote Bag
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Released in 2010, the Alexander McQueen De Manta Bag is one of the brands most recognizable designs. Renowned for its sharp, folded corners inspired by the wings of a manta ray, this...
Alexander McQueen handbag
By Alexander McQueen
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN - (Made in Italy) Brown inside-out leather handbag with a golden metal ring handle, crystal and purple rhinestones representing cicadas and a skull. Condition: Ver...
H 3.15 in W 1.58 in L 7.88 in
Alexander McQueen Obsession Silk Printed Skull Knuckle Long Clutch
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta
The iconic knuckle clutch. Still in excellent condition, only minor scuffing and tarnishing on the hardware. Minor press marks on the leather lining. Iconic collection. Comes with it...
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, handbag lovers are savvier and have a wider range of shopping options. Nevertheless, classic bags 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.