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.
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" width. Long shoulder strap which can be tucked away. 1980's USA. Excellent condition. ...
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 with interior drawstring closure. Long strap can be worn crossbody. Lined in black...
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 and Cobra skins along the center. Optional shoulder strap of buffalo-skin nicely tuck...
$150Sale Price|33% Off
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 but boring! Great black patent leather, with a pointed heel (not too severe), and l...
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 can tuck the straps inside the bag and use it as a clutch. The signature Carlos Falch...
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 lizard makes for a wonderful clutch. The sides are finished with embossed calfskin for...
$971Sale Price|25% Off
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 ( crossbody ) or clutch ! The possibilities are endless with this neutral beauty. Snaps sh...
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 style with mini snap hidden closure. Blind stamped intrica...
$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 clutch is combined with multi-skins of snakeskin, lizard skin and pylon skins as well ...
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 shoulder strap. The interior is lined with a cream textured silk as well as a zippere...
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 decoration. Bag is lined in a gold textile with long shoulder...
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 is in beautiful condition featuring patch work...
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 wrist. They are lined in black silk and marked a size 7. They have never been worn 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 patchwork "Jungle" scene consists of a metallic bronze "moon", leopard print pony, py...
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 interior is accented with black silk. The s...
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 signature name logo embossed on the exterior front flap...
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 gold threading hand-sewn throughout the bag. Accented with a heavy gold hardware cha...
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 cream lining including a zippered compartment. The exterior corners are accented with r...
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 option to use as a shoulder bag as well if desired. Black lizard skin is detailed on...
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 Mini Drawstring Bag. This handbag boasts a neutral creme-colored faux snake skin fabr...
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 captures the essence of vintage charm and contemporary style. This super unique bag...
$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 pylon skin finished with lambskin leather piping along the edges as well as the interi...
Carlos Falchi Black Leather Gloves with Bow Decoration Never Worn
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New Hope, PA
These butter soft black leather gloves designed by Carlos Falchi have a wonderful leather bow and knot at the wrist. They are lined in black silk and marked a size 7. Never worn, the...
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 silver grid. A thin silver leather strap converts the clutch Into to a shoulder bag. Zi...
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 finished with detailed top stitching. The large clutch measures 13 1/2" in width, 8...
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 captures the essence of vintage charm and contemporary style. This super unique bag...
Prada Green Bag In Fox And Lizard
By Prada
Located in Paris, FR
It can be carried by hand in a clutch and on the shoulder with its removable strap in green lizard and ruthenium metal chain. The interior is in pale pink beige lambskin with two sma...
1980s Judith Leiber Black Lizard Convertible Clutch Handbag w/ Obsidian Cameo
By Judith Leiber
Located in Gresham, OR
1980s Judith Leiber oval black lizard skin convertible clutch handbag with obsidian cameo clasp. Optional chain handle disappears into bag for clutch. Size...
Hermes Birkin 25 Gold Togo Leather Gold Hardware 2025 Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This Birkin is in Gold Togo leather with Gold hardware and features a front flap, two straps, a clochette with lock, and double-rolled handles. The interior is lined with tonal Chèvr...
$295
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...
$3,824
Size: Centimeter
Hermès Evelyne GM Shoulder Bag, Clemens Leather blue jeans, "I" in square - 2005
By Hermès
Located in Stuttgart, DE
Hermès Silver Evelyne GM Shoulder Bag, Messenger Bag, Clemens Leather blue jeans, "I" in square - 2005 Paris with the authentic 94cm long blue jeans Hermes carrying strap and an additional adjustable long strap to carry the bag comfortably cross body. An outside pocket. A true daytime bag with ample room. So chic and sporty. About EVELYN BAG...
New in Box Louis Vuitton Multi Pink Pouchette Bag
By Louis Vuitton
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Vuitton hot season ticket multi pouches in coated monogram canvas and pink detail. Sold out worldwide . Composed of three detachable parts : cross body, pochette and round coin purse...
Louis Vuitton Vintage Blue Epi Leather Cluny Shoulder Bag
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Rome, Rome
Vintage Louis Vuitton Cluny Shoulder Bag in blueEpi leather - a timeless and versatile piece perfect for every occasion. Crafted from Louis Vuitton's signature textured Epi leather, ...
$2,159Sale Price|20% Off
New W Box Gucci Malika Large Python Clutch Bag in Bronze Pewter Spring 2011
By Gucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Gucci Brand New With Tags & Box A Rare Find New Spring 2011 Runway $3950 Bronze Metallic Pewter Full 100% Python Throughout the Bag Braided Double Straps Wrap Around and Connect ...
New Rare Limited Edition Pink Brown Leather Louis Vuitton Monogram Crystals
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Indulge in the ultimate footwear icon with the Louis Vuitton Trainer Low 'Pink Brown' 1A8Z6Y. Crafted from supple calfskin leather, this sneaker showcases a sophisticated blend of pi...
$2,695Sale Price|28% Off
New Gucci Nouveau Python Fringe Bamboo Runway Clutch Bag in Red $3750
By Gucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Gucci Brand New With Tags $3750 A Rare Find New Hand Stitched Stunning Red Python Bamboo Python Accent Leather Lining & Dual Zippered Interior Pockets Magnetic Closure at Front I...
Chanel Cobalt Blue Caviar Leather Chevron Quilted Medium Boy Bag
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel Cobalt Blue Caviar Leather Chevron Quilted Medium Boy Bag Made In: Italy Color: Cobalt blue Hardware: Goldtone Materials: Shiny caviar leather Lining: Leather Closure/Open...
Hermes Stromboli Bag Rose Indien Doblis Rose Azalee Lizard Sterling Silver Lid
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a Limited Edition Hermes Stromboli bag. Rare Rose Indien Doblis (suede) accentuated with Rose Azalee Lizard. Strap is held by Sterli...
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...
1980’s Carlos Falci Inlaid Leather and Shearling Swing Coat
By Carlos Falchi
Located in Toronto, Ontario
1980’s Carlos Falchi inlaid multi colour leather and shearling swing coat. This coat may have been custom made for the client or produced in a very limited edition as I have never se...
Carlos Falchi Printed Leather Slouch Bag
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New York, NY
Carlos Falchi Printed Leather Slouch Bag with signature gathered flap. Super long cross body strap (which can be knotted to shorten) with fold over ...
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' closure. The wallet measures 5 inches in height and 3 inc...
Carlos Falchi Black Python Clutch
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New York, NY
Product details: Black python clutch by Carlos Falchi. Purple suede interior. Interior zip pocket. Optional silver-tone chain-link shoulder strap. 14.5" l...
Carlos Falchi Grey Python Tote Bag
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New York, NY
Product details: Grey python skin tote bag by Carlos Falchi. Interior pockets. Dual shoulder straps. 17" length, 15" height, 5.5" depth, 10" shoulder strap...
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 gold snap closure. Brown leather interior with single interior slip pocket with zi...
Carlos Falchi Black Snakeskin Clutch
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New York, NY
Product details: Black snakeskin clutch by Carlos Falchi. Silver-tone hardware. Interior zip pocket. Detachable chain-link shoulder strap. Magne...
CARLOS FALCHI c.1990’s Brown Embossed Leather Patch Detail Flap Shoulder Bag
By Carlos Falchi
Located in Thiensville, WI
CARLOS FALCHI c.1990’s Brown Embossed Leather Patch Detail Flap Shoulder Bag Circa: 1990’s Style: Flap shoulder bag Color(s): Shades of brown Lined: Yes Unmarked Fabric Content (f...
Vintage Carlos Falchi Black Buffalo Leather Shoulder Bag or Crossbody Purse
By Carlos Falchi
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic and classic signature CARLOS FALCHI black buffalo leather shoulder bag or crossbody messenger bag! The strap is long enough to function as either. Buffalo leather is one of the ...
1970's CARLOS FALCHI peach patchwork reptile skin leather clutch
By Carlos Falchi
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Vivid peach patchwork clutch made of reptile skins designed by Carlos Falchi. Cleverly pieced so that pattern symmetrically matches on body of bag and flap. Bag measures approximatel...
Carlos Falchi Red Leather Gloves with Bow Decoration Never Worn
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New Hope, PA
These butter soft red leather gloves designed by Carlos Falchi have a wonderful leather bow and knot at the wrist. They are lined in red silk and ma...