Gucci Handbags and Purses
No list of iconic designer purses would be complete without vintage Gucci bags. One of the most recognizable fashion brands and the biggest-selling Italian label in the world, Gucci was founded by Guccio Gucci (1881–1953) in Florence in 1921. Today the brand is a giant in the fashion industry — it’s known for its eclectic, creative designs for handbags, shoulder bags, crossbody bags and other bags and accessories.
In the mid-1930s, a League of Nations embargo against Italy pushed Gucci to experiment with alternatives to imported leather. Its woven hemp fabric from Naples, produced with a pattern of small interconnected diamonds outlined in brown against a tan background — known as Gucci diamante — was a hit, and was first used on suitcases and other luggage before finding enduring popularity on handbags. Soon, Gucci found another solution for problematic leather shortages: bamboo from Japan.
Bamboo was easily available and could be formed into clever little horseshoe-shaped handles for purses and bags. It took 13 hours to make one Gucci Bamboo bag. But the slow process paid off. The purse, which launched in 1947, became Gucci’s first “It” bag. In the 1950s, Elizabeth Taylor carried one of Gucci’s bamboo-handled tote bags. After Jackie Kennedy was seen sporting a slouchy Gucci tote in 1961, it was quickly, officially (and wisely) rechristened the Jackie bag. Then Grace Kelly, on a visit to the boutique in Milan, inspired Rodolfo Gucci to work with Italian illustrator and Gucci textile designer Vittorio Accornero on the Flora print in 1966. Taking cues from Sandro Botticelli’s Primavera, with its pattern of flora and insects, it was painted entirely by hand and featured no fewer than 37 colors.
Vintage Gucci handbags are some of the most coveted purses on the market. They come in many different styles, but a recognizable marker is the GG Supreme canvas pattern. Some iconic Gucci bags are the canvas suitcase, the Dionysus bag — with its elegant chain and ornate tiger-head clasp — and the GG Marmont.
Designer Alessandro Michele, who stepped into the role of creative director at Gucci in early 2015, staged a revolution by scrapping the brand’s hyper-sexy jet-set vibe for a nerdy, flea-market-romantic, gender-bending cool. He brought back and updated the brand’s double G logo and used it on the much-sought-after Marmont flap bag. With its joyful ’70s vibe, the iconic piece pairs as well with jeans and T-shirt as with the mixed patterns and eclectic combinations of Gucci’s collections in recent years.
Long before Alessandro Michele first sent his youthful, fanciful visions down the Gucci runway, this heritage brand was a favorite of counterfeiters, and it's important to know how to tell if a vintage Gucci bag is real — read about how to determine if the accessory you're holding is an authentic Italian luxury item or a cheap knockoff.
Find a range of authentic vintage Gucci clutches, top handle bags, backpacks and other bags on 1stDibs.
21st Century and Contemporary Gucci Handbags and Purses
1970s Italian Gucci Handbags and Purses
1990s Italian Gucci Handbags and Purses
2010s Italian Gucci Handbags and Purses
2010s Italian Gucci Handbags and Purses
21st Century and Contemporary British Gucci Handbags and Purses
21st Century and Contemporary Gucci Handbags and Purses
1970s Unknown Gucci Handbags and Purses
20th Century Unknown Gucci Handbags and Purses
1960s American Gucci Handbags and Purses
Early 2000s Italian Gucci Handbags and Purses
Early 2000s Gucci Handbags and Purses
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Gucci Handbags and Purses
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Gucci Handbags and Purses
Late 19th Century American Gucci Handbags and Purses
1880s American Gucci Handbags and Purses
2010s Italian Gucci Handbags and Purses
2010s Italian Gucci Handbags and Purses
2010s Italian Gucci Handbags and Purses
2010s Italian Gucci Handbags and Purses
2010s Italian Gucci Handbags and Purses
2010s Italian Gucci Handbags and Purses
2010s Italian Gucci Handbags and Purses
2010s Italian Gucci Handbags and Purses
2010s Italian Gucci Handbags and Purses
2010s Italian Gucci Handbags and Purses
Early 2000s Italian Gucci Handbags and Purses
2010s Italian Gucci Handbags and Purses
Find Vintage Handbags, Shoulder Bags and Other Bags and Purses for Sale 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 Gucci
- What is Gucci ophidia?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Gucci Ophidia is a line of handbags from a collection that premiered in 2018. Primarily crafted from canvas, the iconic stripe and webbed design exudes vintage charm. You’ll find a variety of Gucci handbags from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Are Gucci purses made in China?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022No, Gucci handbags are not made in China — according to Gucci, their purses are 100 percent made in Italy. If you see Gucci purses stamped “Made in China,” they’re not authentic. Find an assortment of vintage and contemporary Gucci bags from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Can I polish Gucci belt buckles?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, to polish your Gucci belt buckle, wipe the metal buckle down with a dry cloth and vinegar to dissolve the tarnish. Apply a small amount of metal polish to a cotton cloth, and rub for three to five minutes. Find Gucci belts and other accessories from the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Do Gucci shoes crease?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022It depends. If you take care of your Gucci shoes and don’t wear them daily, they’re less likely to crease. Some may find that Gucci shoes crease easily, while others don’t find it an issue. Find expertly vetted vintage and modern Gucci shoes on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022No, not all old Gucci handbags have serial numbers. Some of them have model numbers, some have no numbers and some have serial numbers. If you’re looking to authenticate a vintage Gucci bag, a serial number can help but looking at quality and other features is important too. Always purchase Gucci bags from a reputable seller to ensure authenticity. Shop a large collection of Gucci bags from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Are Gucci watches good?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Gucci watches are more fashion than function, so if you want a super-stylish watch that simply tells time, a Gucci watch is great. However, if you're looking for a highly functional one, you may want to look at watch brands known for their functionality, such as Rolex.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021You can tell if a Gucci belt is real by looking at the sticker on the Gucci belt that contains a serial number and phrase “Made in Italy”. The serial number should be 21 digits long and will typically begin with the numbers 223 or 114. Many knockoff Gucci belts have serial numbers beginning with 1212.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021The best way to distinguish whether or not a Gucci purse is real is by looking for the serial number tag. These are typically located on the leather patch on the top of the inside. Find a variety of authentic Gucci handbags and purses on 1stDibs.Couture ClosetsMarch 21, 2021Stitching Should Be Even, Interior Tag Should Be Intact, Monogram Pattern Should Be Clear and Symmetric, Hardware Should Be Top Quality, Body Made From Premium Leather, Check Dustbag and Authenticity Cards, Logo Should Be Clear & Precise.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022An authentic Gucci bag often has a serial number stitched on a tag in the bag's interior. Gucci serial numbers don't contain letters, and any letters present in the serial number are an indication that your bag is a fake. Check the bag for any signs of messy craftsmanship — luxury goods have impeccable stitching and stray threads are a warning sign. Ensure the hardware is of good quality and not rusted or chipped. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of expertly-vetted Gucci bags from some of the world’s top sellers.
- Are Gucci shoes true to size?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertJanuary 4, 2022Gucci shoes typically run true to size, although different styles may have slight deviations from the true size. All Gucci shoes fall within one-half of the true size's range. Shop a collection of Gucci shoes from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 4, 2022You can tell if a Gucci watch is real by looking at the back. An authentic Gucci watch will have a Gucci logo and model number on the back plate. Additionally, on the face, at the 6:00 position, it will say "Swiss Made." Shop a collection of Gucci watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022How you wear a square Gucci scarf comes down to a matter of preference. The versatile design means you can secure it in a knot or simply wear it loose around your shoulders. Shop a collection of Gucci scarves from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- How do I spot a fake Gucci bag?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To spot a fake Gucci bag, examine the interior tag. On a real Gucci bag, the registered trademark symbol appears at the top above the brand name and the words "made in Italy" are in lowercase letters. The back of the tag should display two sets of numbers arranged horizontally or vertically. In total, 10 to 13 numbers appear on real Gucci tags. Find a variety of expertly authenticated Gucci bags on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The way you wear Gucci belt bags is a matter of preference. Belt bags can be styled as a classic belt bag or as a hands-free bag. Whether you like to wear it around your waist or as a crossbody bag, you’ll find a range of Gucci belt bags on 1stDibs.
- Who makes Gucci shoes?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Gucci shoes are made by Gucci in Italy. Gucci takes pride in the fact that the majority of its items are made in Italy with Italian products, such as fine Italian leather. Find an assortment of authentic Gucci shoes from the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Gucci Marmont is a collection of handbags crafted with matelassé leather. Matelassé is the stitching technique that gives Marmont bags their classic padded look. You’ll find a variety of Gucci Marmont bags from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What do I wear with Gucci mules?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022What to wear with Gucci mules really comes down to personal preference! Boasting an open back and a sleek design, you can dress Gucci mules up with tights or pair them with jeans for a laid-back look. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Gucci footwear from some of the world’s top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The way you style Gucci Blooms slides is a matter of preference. Whether you pick out a pair of heeled or sandal slides, the floral print will enhance any outfit, and these backless shoes can be paired with jeans and a casual tee as often as they can with a short sleeve vintage day dress. Find a wide variety of Gucci Blooms slides on 1stDibs.
- How do I wear Gucci fur loafers?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022How to wear Gucci fur loafers comes down to a matter of preference. Loafers can be dressed up with tights or paired with jeans for a casual look. For extended product life, take special care to protect them from direct light, heat and rain. Shop a collection of Gucci loafers on 1stDibs.
- Do Gucci polos run small?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 5, 2024No, Gucci polos don’t run small. The iconic Italian luxury brand’s shirts generally fit true to size. The brand recommends that you consult the clothing sizing guide on the official Gucci website before you make a purchase. On 1stDibs, find a variety of authentic vintage Gucci polos and other Gucci shirts.