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 Hieroglyph Style Cabochon Gold-Tone Necklace
By Carlos Falchi
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Carlos Falchi Hieroglyph Style Carbochon Gold-Tone Necklace is a striking statement piece that seamlessly combines artistic craftsmanship with bold design. Crafted in a luxurious...
$3,984Sale Price|20% Off
L 9.5 in
Natural real 9.80cts uncut cut diamonds in 18k gold necklace 9.5" inches long
Located in Delhi, DL
Elevate your style with the enchanting fusion of tradition and luxury embodied in our exquisite necklace. Crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail, this stunning piece fe...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique Art Deco Paste Riviere Necklace 1920s
Located in Wilmslow, GB
An Antique Paste Riviere Necklace from the Art Deco period. Larger than most of this style the substantial weighty crystal stones adorn the neck for a timeless appeal. Totally dreamy...
Pierre Cardin silvery necklace
By Pierre Cardin
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PIERRE CARDIN - (Made in France) Dickey necklace composed of silvery metal plates articulated with each other. Jewelry from the 1960s-1970s. Not signed. Condition: Very good conditi...
Pal Kepenyes Kinetic Milagros Necklace in the Brutalist Manner
By Pal Kepenyes
Located in New Hope, PA
A stunning Milagros kinetic necklace hand made by Pal Kepenyes, a Hungarian Sculptor who worked in Acapulco, Mexico and created jewelry in the Brutalist style. The necklace has many rows of figures and objects as well as a hand made chain...
Brass, Bronze
$938
D 1.38 in L 14.57 in
An Important Otto Müller Kaufbeuren Multi-Strand Pearl Rhinestone Choker 1950s
Located in Wilmslow, GB
An important Otto Müller Vintage Pearl Rhinestone Choker from the 1950s. A wonderfully crafted and super-stylish piece. Fancy cut crystals adorn the front and embellish the clasp. A ...
Vintage Georgian Inspired Rivière Necklace 1980s
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A stunning Vintage Crystal Rivière Necklace heavily inspired by the original Georgian paste rivière necklaces. Crafted in high quality metal, mo...
Vintage Statement Crystal Riviere Necklace 2000s
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A statement Vintage Crystal Riviere Necklace from the 2000s yet inspired by centuries old design from the Georgian era. Rivière refers to a river of gems around the wearers neck. Bot...
$4,448
Dm 2.49 in L 15.16 in
Vintage Christian Dior by John Galliano J'adore Tribale Collar and Cuff 1990s
By John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A Vintage Dior Crystal Collar and Cuff set. Think Charlize Theron and J'adore. A wonderful J'adore Dior Choker collar and cuff. A stunning piece of Christian Dior Jewellery produced ...
$1,850
W 0.5 in Dm 1 in L 15.5 in
Crown Trifari 60s Demi-Parure Faux Turquoise and Gem Necklace + Earrings Set
By Alfred Philippe for Trifari
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Crown Trifari late 1950's/early 1960's necklace and earring set. The set is encrusted with imitation turquoise cabochons and faux ruby red and sapphire blue colored spaced rhinestone...
Brass Choker with Large Crescents Pendant 1960s
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous golden brass choker collar with three crescent drops from a chain neck with a spring closure. The crescents are joined with chains and there are 2 1" circular tabs on each crescent. Width 7...
Brass
Chanel 1994 rare 24k gold plated chain and leather choker necklace
By Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Rare Chanel 1994 24k gold plated and leather chain choker necklace
$2,970Sale Price|25% Off
rare OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo gold tone ID plate chunky choker necklace
By Celine
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare OLD CELINE Phoebe Philo gold tone ID plate chunky choker necklace Reference: TGAS/E00698 Brand: Celine Designer: Phoebe Philo Collection: Runway Material: Metal Color: Gold Patt...