Chloe Handbags and Purses
Vintage Chloé bags and purses are cult favorites — the French house made waves during the late ‘60s and ‘70s with designs by a young Karl Lagerfeld, and it is among today's most celebrated and prominent fashion labels.
Chloé came to life in Paris in 1952 and is widely known for its stylish, sensual and feminine aesthetic. The brand expanded its accessory lines — including handbags, shoulder bags, totes and clutches — in 2002.
Born in Alexandria, Egypt, Gaby Aghion established her fashion label in 1952 with her business partner Jacques Lenoir to develop her own source of income, separate from her husband’s. Aghion was inspired to empower independent working women to break from the conservative dress of the 1950s and don more free-spirited, feminine designs that were appropriate for both work and social life. She was one of the first designers to embrace the concept of luxury prêt-à-porter as a middle ground between haute couture and off-the-rack for the masses.
Many talented early-career designers were tapped to lead Chloé over the years — its impressive roster has included Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney and others. Under Phoebe Philo’s leadership, Chloé expanded from women’s clothing to an accessories line and debuted the legendary Paddington bag in 2004.
The padlocked satchel, notorious for weighing a hefty three pounds while empty, became an instant success and one of the “It bags” of the decade (the brand’s double-handled Marcie holds its own in that regard). The entire 8,000-bag initial production run of the Chloé Paddington sold out via preorders.
Today, Chloé’s many leather bags are made in Italy and are known for their elegant appeal, and the accessories’ branding is also quite subtle compared to that of other designer labels. The Faye, the Drew, the Nile and the Marcie bags are some of the most popular styles.
The double-handled Marcie, which comes with a removable cross-body strap, is probably Chloé’s most popular and instantly recognizable satchel. Inspired by the equestrian world and imbued with ’70s nostalgia, it was designed in 2010 by the brand’s creative director at the time, Hannah MacGibbon.
Find a collection of vintage Chloé bags and accessories on 1stDibs.
1980s French Chloe Handbags and Purses
Early 2000s Italian Chloe Handbags and Purses
Early 2000s French Chloe Handbags and Purses
1990s Chloe Handbags and Purses
1990s Italian Chloe Handbags and Purses
2010s Italian Chloe Handbags and Purses
1990s French Chloe Handbags and Purses
2010s Italian Chloe Handbags and Purses
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Chloe Handbags and Purses
1990s Italian Chloe Handbags and Purses
2010s Italian Chloe Handbags and Purses
1990s French Chloe Handbags and Purses
21st Century and Contemporary Chloe Handbags and Purses
Shop Vintage Bags from Top Fashion Boutiques on 1stDibs
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 Chloé
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The main difference between Chloé and See by Chloé bags is the vision behind their designs. See by Chloé is a brand geared toward the tastes of a younger audience, while Chloé bags have a more timeless romantic style that appeals to a broad range of ages. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Chloe bags.
- Where are Chloe sunglasses made?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Chloe sunglasses are made in Italy by Kering Eyewear. The French luxury fashion house entered an agreement with the company to handle the production of their sunglasses in 2020. Kering also produces sunglasses for Cartier and Montblanc. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Chloe sunglasses.