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Carlos Falchi Handbags and Purses

Brazilian, American, 1944-2015

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.

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Period: 20th Century
Designer: Carlos Falchi
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...
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1980s Carlos Falchi Handbags and Purses

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...
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1980s Carlos Falchi Handbags and Purses

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...
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1980s Carlos Falchi Handbags and Purses

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...
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1980s North American Carlos Falchi Handbags and Purses

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 ...
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1980s American Carlos Falchi Handbags and Purses

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...
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1980s Spanish Carlos Falchi Handbags and Purses

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...
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20th Century Carlos Falchi Handbags and Purses

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...
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1990s Spanish Carlos Falchi Handbags and Purses

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...
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1990s Spanish Carlos Falchi Handbags and Purses

Carlos Falchi Large Signature Black Textured Buffalo Shoulder Bag
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New York, NY
Carlos Falchi wonderful signature large black textured buffalo skin shoulder bag detailed with his renowned hand-etched patches on the front flap. The front flap measures 11 i...
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1980s Spanish Carlos Falchi Handbags and Purses

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...
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1980s American Carlos Falchi Handbags and Purses

Carlos Falchi Pieced Snake and Calf Bag
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New York, NY
Carlos Falchi Pieced Snake and Calf Bag in an applied Cubist design. Varying alligator and snakeskin forms are patched onto the front. The form of the bag is ...
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1980s American Carlos Falchi Handbags and Purses

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...
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1980s Spanish Carlos Falchi Handbags and Purses

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...
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1980s Spanish Carlos Falchi Handbags and Purses

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 ...
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1980s American Carlos Falchi Handbags and Purses

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...
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1980s Italian Carlos Falchi Handbags and Purses

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...
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1980s Spanish Carlos Falchi Handbags and Purses

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...
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1990s Italian Carlos Falchi Handbags and Purses

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...
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1980s American Carlos Falchi Handbags and Purses

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...
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1980s Spanish Carlos Falchi Handbags and Purses

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...
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1980s American Carlos Falchi Handbags and Purses

1980's CARLOS FALCHI asymmetrical snakeskin patchwork clutch bag with strap
By Carlos Falchi
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Asymmetrically shaped snakeskin patchwork clutch with thin concealable leather strap designed by Carlos Falchi dating to the 1980's. One interior pocket. Made in the U.S. Very good c...
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1980s American Carlos Falchi Handbags and Purses

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...
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1980s American Carlos Falchi Handbags and Purses

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...
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1980s Italian Carlos Falchi Handbags and Purses

1980s CARLOS FALCHI Leather Snake Clutch
By Carlos Falchi
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Wild Wild West... Gorgeous and unique vintage CARLOS FALCHI purse. This purse is made of leather and has a depiction of a snake on the front. The...
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1980s American Carlos Falchi Handbags and Purses

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. ...
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1980s American Carlos Falchi Handbags and Purses

Carlos Falchi Colorful Clutch
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New York, NY
Colorful clutch bag (with hidden shoulder strap) by Carlos Falchi with Matisse inspired motifs in vibrant snake appliques on white calf leather body. 9" x 6" x 2". 1980's USA. Excel...
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1980s American Carlos Falchi Handbags and Purses

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...
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20th Century Spanish Carlos Falchi Handbags and Purses

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...
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1980s Unknown Carlos Falchi Handbags and Purses

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...
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1980s Italian Carlos Falchi Handbags and Purses

Carlos Falchi Signature Black Textured Calfskin Drawstring Shoulder Bag
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New York, NY
Carlos Falchi's signature black textured calfskin adjustable drawstring shoulder bag measures 9" in length. The height measures 7", depth is 4". The shoulder straps, which ...
Category

1980s Spanish Carlos Falchi Handbags and Purses

Carlos Falchi handbags and purses for sale on 1stDibs.

Find an extraordinary range of authentic Carlos Falchi handbags and purses available on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing our collection of unique vintage and designer fashion to elevate your daily look or to introduce new colors to the dazzling formal wear in your wardrobe, this designer’s body of work includes elements of blue, orange, purple and other tones. Customers who are interested in this designer might also find the work of Carolina Herrera, Bonnie Cashin for Coach Leatherware, and Harry Rosenfeld appealing. On 1stDibs, find haute couture, vintage and designer Carlos Falchi handbags and purses from top boutiques around the world. Carlos Falchi handbags and purses prices can differ depending upon time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $109 and tops out at $1,685, while the average work can sell for $685.

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