Celine Handbags and Purses
Although French fashion house Celine got its start in children’s shoes, the brand is now renowned all over the world for chic womenswear as well as luxury handbags and shoulder bags. The Trapeze, the Luggage tote, the 16 bag, the Triomphe, the Classic Celine bag and other vintage Celine bags are widely cherished for their subdued sensibility and the label's iconic gold-tone fastening and hardware.
In 1945, Céline Vipiana and her husband, Richard, opened a made-to-measure shoe shop for children in Paris. In 1967, following an expansion into women’s shoes and leather accessories, the Vipianas decided to broaden their company’s reach into women’s ready-to-wear, focusing on high-end sportswear.
In the 1970s, Celine expanded outside Paris with boutiques in Monte Carlo, Beverly Hills and Hong Kong. In 1973, Céline Vipiana, inspired by chain links around the Arc de Triomphe, debuted the Blazon Chaîne motif of interlocking C’s. She began using it on a printed canvas and branding as well as accents on accessories. Logos spark instant brand recognition, and lovers of handbags know well that this motif graces the label’s stylish Triomphe bag and other alluring Celine designs.
Following the departure of Michael Kors in 2004, onetime Burberry designer Roberto Menichetti took the job of creative director and was followed by designer Phoebe Philo, the young British designer who is now credited with establishing Celine’s 21st-century style.
Philo created a distinct, minimal style that channeled the brand’s roots of practical simplicity with luxury materials. (“I just thought I’d clean it up,” she quipped of her debut collection in 2010.) Over the course of ten years, Philo turned the company into a beloved fixture of the fashion industry. Under her leadership, a dusty house became a must-have brand with a decidedly sophisticated, female point of view — and its handbags and purses, such as the Trapeze and the Luggage tote, became trophies for the fashion-obsessed.
Introduced in 2009 and immediately snapped up by the fashion-forward, the Celine Luggage tote was seen all over the place during New York Fashion Week 2010. The original remains an icon and part of Celine’s assortment — a lasting testament to the beloved aesthetic of Philo and the timelessness of a great handbag. Available in four sizes besides the coveted Mini, the Luggage tote has wings that flare out at the top, giving it a distinctive profile. (At eight inches high by eight inches wide, the Nano Luggage tote is the smallest of the bunch.)
When the Trapeze debuted in 2014, its unusual winged silhouette captivated the world’s bag-lovers. Whether it's a roomy medium Trapeze in python or a small Trapeze in shimmering calfskin, the bag bears all the signatures of a Philo-era hit: geometric silhouette, monochromatic or blocked colorways, minimal hardware and logos.
In 2018, after Philo’s departure, the house tapped Slimane, former creative director of Yves Saint Laurent, as its new leader; he caused a stir when he famously removed the accent from the brand name. The world’s legions of handbag hunters surely know him for having designed the Triomphe — with its extendable shoulder strap, this versatile accessory can be worn as a crossbody bag or a shoulder bag.
Shop vintage Celine handbags, tote bags, clutches and other items on 1stDibs.
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Celine Handbags and Purses
2010s Italian Celine Handbags and Purses
2010s Italian Celine Handbags and Purses
2010s Italian Celine Handbags and Purses
2010s Italian Celine Handbags and Purses
2010s Italian Celine Handbags and Purses
2010s Italian Celine Handbags and Purses
2010s Italian Celine Handbags and Purses
2010s Italian Celine Handbags and Purses
2010s Italian Celine Handbags and Purses
2010s Italian Celine Handbags and Purses
2010s Italian Celine Handbags and Purses
2010s Italian Celine Handbags and Purses
2010s Italian Celine Handbags and Purses
2010s Italian Celine Handbags and Purses
2010s Italian Celine Handbags and Purses
2010s Italian Celine Handbags and Purses
2010s Italian Celine Handbags and Purses
2010s Italian Celine Handbags and Purses
2010s Celine Handbags and Purses
2010s Italian Celine Handbags and Purses
2010s Italian Celine Handbags and Purses
Early 2000s French Celine Handbags and Purses
2010s Italian Celine Handbags and Purses
Vintage Handbags, Shoulder Bags, Clutches and Other Bags and Purses for Sale
An integral part of fashion, handbags and purses have been indispensable accessories ever since we began to carry around personal items. Level of craftsmanship, style and shape matters — from coin purses in ancient Greece to early 20th-century opera bags and onward, handbags have evolved considerably over the years to meet our needs and desires, whether or not you happen to be prioritizing functionality over a flashy exterior.
Once, a single “It” handbag ruled each fashion season. No more. Today, handbag lovers are savvier and have a wider range of shopping options. Nevertheless, classic bags still rule.
“It is not a fashion bag — it is a statement bag,” says Mightychic's Debra Kent of Hermès's widely beloved accessories. “When you carry an iconic Hermès bag — Birkin, Kelly, Constance — no one knows how long you have been into this culture or if you are a newbie. Your status is validated immediately.”
First released in 1997, Fendi's Baguette rose to fame along with Carrie Bradshaw, the Sex and the City character portrayed by Sarah Jessica Parker. Recently, the design has seen such a resurgence in popularity that Fendi has reissued it.
They are part of design history, so owning a handbag has meaning. As New York–based fashion historian Sarah C. Byrd says, “You have made the choice to invest in this piece because you understand the value of it in the past and in the future to come.”
From a 1980s Chanel black leather quilted mini buckle bag to the rare Hermès Birkin 30cm Himalayan with diamond hardware to a range of 19th century bags, find a rich variety of vintage and designer handbags and purses spanning numerous brands on 1stDibs — seasonal “It” designation no longer needed.
Designers Similar to Celine
- Is Celine a designer?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, Celine is a designer of women's apparel and accessories. Céline and Richard Vipiana founded the luxury fashion house in 1945 in Paris, France. LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton now owns the brand, and its headquarters remain in the city. Hedi Slimane serves as its creative director. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Celine apparel.
- What is a Celine handbag?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021A Celine bag is manufactured by a French fashion company called Celine. Founded in 1945 by Céline Vipiana and her husband, Richard, the company produces timeless, high-quality, minimalist handbags that are both durable and stylish. Shop a collection of vintage Celine handbags from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- Who has designed for Celine?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024A number of talented designers have designed for Celine over the years. Céline Vipiana founded the French luxury fashion house in 1945 and served as its chief designer until 1997. Since then, Michael Kors, Roberto Menichetti, Ivana Omazic, Phoebe Philo and Hedi Slimane have all contributed to the brand's designs. On 1stDibs, explore an assortment of Celine apparel and accessories.
- Is Celine a luxury bag?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Celine is a luxury handbag company. The brand got its start with husband and wife duo, Richard and Celine Vipiana in 1945 when they opened a custom shoe boutique in Paris. They then branched into handbags, and by the 1970s earned a huge following. Today the bag is still a luxury product and very popular. Shop a collection of vintage and new Celine handbags from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- Is Celine French or Italian?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024Celine is French, not Italian. The luxury fashion house got its start in 1945 when Céline Vipiana and her husband, Richard, opened a made-to-measure shoe shop for children at 52 rue de Malte in Paris. In 1967, following an expansion into women's shoes and leather accessories, the Vipianas decided to expand their company's reach into women's ready-to-wear, focusing on high-end sportswear. Today, the brand continues to have its headquarters in Paris. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Celine apparel and accessories.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024The Celine brand is famous for producing chic womenswear. Featuring gold-tone fastenings and hardware, Celine's luxury leather handbags are also widely known. Some of the French fashion house's most iconic bags include the Ava, the Triomphe, the Box, the Trapeze and the Phantom. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of Celine bags, apparel and accessories.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To authenticate Celine jewelry, check images of yours against reference pictures of known authentic pieces. A jewelry expert near you can also test metals and other factors to determine authenticity. It’s important to purchase from a vetted seller or vendor to ensure authenticity. While Celine has at times inspired knockoffs, 1stDibs partners with only top-vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee.
- Is Celine a luxury brand?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024Yes, Celine is a luxury brand. The French fashion house carefully selects fine materials like natural calfskin leather, cashmere and organza silk for its pieces. Plus, skilled artisans craft every item, primarily at Celine's factories in Italy. On 1stDibs, explore a selection of Celine apparel, bags and accessories.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, the popular Celine Trio handbag has been discontinued. Vintage Celine Trio bags are available for purchase through multiple platforms, including 1stDibs. It’s important to purchase from a vetted seller or vendor to ensure authenticity. While Celine has at times inspired knockoffs, 1stDibs partners with only top-vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Shop a collection of vintage Celine Trip handbags from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022One of the easiest ways to spot a fake Celine Nano bag is to check the stitching. If it is uneven and irregular, that’s a red flag. The logo should also be crisp and clear and in the brand’s font. You can shop a collection of expertly vetted Celine designs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.