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...
Vintage 1930s Cobalt Blue Glass & Clear Faceted Crystal Bead Necklace, Art Deco
Located in Milford, DE
Vintage 1930s Cobalt Blue Glass & Clear Faceted Crystal Bead Necklace, Art Deco Style, Hand-Linked A beautiful example of early-century costume jewelry craftsmanship, this vintag...
Crystal
Chanel Gold 24k Plated Ring Double Chain Vintage Choker
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
A striking and highly collectible design from the House of Chanel, this vintage choker features a bold double chain construction anchored by a signature ring detail—embodying the hou...
1984 Vintage Chanel Multi Strand Choker Necklace Faux Pearls Yellow Gold Tone
By Chanel
Located in Torrance, CA
Vintage Chanel multi-strand necklace crafted in yellow gold tone (circa 1984). The necklace features 3 strands of 10mm faux pearls with 2 strands of yellow gold plated wheat-style chains. Measuring 17 inches in length the necklace is slightly adjustable to 19 inches. Given the multiple strands (and the thickness of the chain metal and faux pearl strands...
Base Metal
Chanel White Pearl Choker Necklace
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
A classic and sophisticated piece from the House of Chanel, this white pearl choker necklace embodies timeless elegance and iconic design. Featuring lustrous white pearls, the necklace offers a refined and feminine aesthetic that effortlessly elevates both everyday and evening looks. The choker length sits gracefully along the neckline, creating a polished and modern silhouette. Accented with Chanel’s signature CC detailing, the piece reflects the brand’s unmistakable identity while maintaining a sense of understated luxury. The harmonious balance between the luminous pearls and the iconic motif makes this necklace both versatile and instantly recognizable. Designed to be worn alone as a statement or layered with other pieces for a contemporary look, this Chanel pearl choker remains a staple accessory for collectors and fashion enthusiasts alike. Chanel pearl jewelry...
1995 Vintage Chanel Choker Necklace Large 14.5mm Faux Pearls Yellow Gold Tone
By Chanel
Located in Torrance, CA
Vintage Chanel choker necklace with a yellow gold-tone textured toggle clasp (circa 1995). The necklace features 14.5mm faux pearls o...
Cultured Black Pearl Sterling Silver Bead Strand Necklace
Located in Milford, DE
This vintage cultured black pearl bead strand necklace features beautifully matched, plump potato-shaped pearls with a rich, dark body color. Each hand-knotted pearl radiates a deep...
Black Pearl, Sterling Silver
1995 Vintage Chanel Choker Necklace Double Strand 12mm Faux Pearls Gripoix Clasp
By Chanel
Located in Torrance, CA
Vintage Chanel double-strand choker necklace finished with a crystal and blue stone textured Gripoix clasp (circa 1995). The necklace features 12mm faux pearls of irregular shape w...
Crystal, Base Metal
Chanel White Pearl Choker Necklace
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
An iconic and elegant piece from the House of Chanel, this white pearl choker necklace embodies the timeless sophistication that defines Chanel jewelry. Featuring luminous white pea...
$12,920
H 0.3 in W 0.3 in L 16 in
Chanel Gold Vintage 90's 1996 Spring Logo Cc Turnlock Choker Rare Necklace
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Vintage 90's Logo CC Turnlock Gold Choker Necklace Rare 90's Vintage Gold-Tone Metal Metal Finish: High Polish Measurements: Chain Length 16"
Kenneth Jay Lane Modernist Black Onyx Gold-Tone Ball Collar Choker Necklace
Located in Milford, DE
Make a striking, sophisticated statement with this elegant Kenneth Jay Lane (KJL) Modernist collar choker necklace. This piece is highly characteristic of KJL's celebrated Mid-Centur...
Onyx, Gold
Chanel Vintage Gripoix Flower and Leaf Pearl Choker
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This authentic Chanel Gripoix Flower and Leaf Pearl Choker is in excellent vintage condition from the early 1980’s. Extremely rare and collectible. Large Baroque pearls with colorf...
Chanel Vintage Double Pearl Red Gripoix Bow Choker
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This authentic Chanel Double Pearl Red Gripoix Bow Choker is in excellent vintage condition from the 1970’s. Double strand of large faux pearls is anchored with a substantial red bo...