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...
Yves Saint Laurent short necklace Haute Couture
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - (Made in France) Short golden metal necklace with rhinestones and iridescent glass pearls. Not signed jewelry from a fashion show. Condition: Very good conditio...
SCHIAPARELLI Glittering Green Crystal Necklace Bracelet & Earrings c 1950
By Schiaparelli
Located in University City, MO
SCHIAPARELLI Glittering crystal choker necklace, bracelet & earring suite c 1950s The elegant midcentury set is encrusted with brilliant crystals in various shades of green. Accented...
Gilt Metal
Betony Vernon "Double Sphere Necklace" Necklace Sterling 925
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
Betony Vernon designed the "Double Sphere Necklace" in 1996 and manufactured it in lost wax elements. The Sterling Silver 925 "Double Sphere Necklace" will make a statement whether it is worn on its own or in combination with BV "Double Sphere Massage Ring...
Sterling Silver
Betony Vernon "O-Ring Choker Three Mechanism Kit" Necklace Sterling Silver 925
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
Betony Vernon "O-Ring" timeless signature pieces have been appreciated since 1992 for their symbolic and aesthetic appeal. This kit includes one "O-Ring Choker Three Mechanism", one ...
Sterling Silver
$1,100 / set
L 16.54 in
Vintage Set Necklace Bracelet natural Lapis Lazuli Sterling Silver / 42.5cm/ 46g
Located in SE
Vintage ca 1950s - 1960s Retro / Modernist 2 piece Jewellery Set comprised of matching Necklace and Bracelet. Hand-made, all metal parts including security chains in solid 925 Silve...
Lapis Lazuli, Sterling Silver
David Webb 18K Yellow Gold White Enamel Pave Diamond Collar Necklace
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
This magnificent David Webb 18k gold and white enamel necklace feautures large elongated links connected by hammered gold links. Center link is made in platinum and is encrusted with...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel
$3,985
H 5.5 in W 3.02 in D 0.95 in L 15.5 in
REBA BEATRICE KOOPMAN 1978 Rare Sculptural Necklace In Sterling & Moonstone
Located in Miami, FL
Artistic necklace designed by Rena Koopman (1945-). An impressive bold sculptural piece, created by the American artist and goldsmith Rena Beatrice Koopman, back in the 1978. This n...
Moonstone, Sterling Silver, Silver
18 Karat Yellow Gold Ribbed Collar Necklace 85.6 Grams Made in Italy
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Very cool 18 karat yellow gold necklace featuring a graduated ribbed motif collar weighing 85.6 grams. Made In Italy Front of the necklace measures 1 3/16 Side of the necklace measu...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Citrine Rose Cut Diamond Earring Necklace Set
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Victorian citrine rose-cut diamonds silver and gold earrings and necklace set circa 1890. * ABOUT THIS ITEM: #N-DJ125B. Scroll down for specifications. Comprising a pair of clip-on drop earrings and a graduated link necklace designed as a repeating starburst motif centering upon a round faceted citrine with radiating rose-cut diamonds. This is an extremely beautiful, feminine, and graceful set, the likes of which we haven’t had in our collection in a long time, a treasure. The condition is excellent. It is also worth noting that citrines in this color range are often referred to as Madeira citrines because it resembles the color of Madeira wine...
Citrine, Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
David Webb GIA 68.75 carat Carved Emerald Diamond 18K Pendant Necklace
By David Webb
Located in Miami, FL
A magnificent designer piece by David Webb, this carved emerald and diamond choker necklace is masterfully crafted in 18K yellow gold. At its center is a striking halo hexagon-design...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Cleopatra Style Choker Necklace, Italy, 16 Inches, 14.67g
Located in Lake Worth, FL
!4K Gold Cleopatra Style Choker Necklace . Graduated links, about 16 inches long and over 1/4 width. About 14,67grams. Stamp 14KG Italy
Gold
Vintage 1960s David Webb Crystal Pool Necklace
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with three cross-hatched Rock Crystals. Signed by David Webb Circa 1960s 16 inches long
Rock Crystal, 18k Gold