Marc Jacobs Handbags and Purses
Fashion connoisseurs love vintage Marc Jacobs bags. Balancing tradition with innovation, the label is known for its founder’s rebelliousness and authenticity. Jacobs creates ready-to-wear fashion, cosmetics, handbags and accessories, and the brand’s admirers can’t get enough of the bright colors and oversize prints that characterize its offerings.
Marc Jacobs bags are revered all over the world for their enduring fusion of sophistication and edginess. Some of the label's most well-known and best-selling shoulder bags, crossbody bags and tote bags are the Tote, the Eclipse, the Traveler tote and the Snapshot. A leather Bucket bag is ideal for those in need of a casual and spacious but structured on-the-go accessory, while the Softshot pairs a rounded form with the iconic double-J hardware and a crossbody strap. And although Marc Jacobs handbags are lower in price than those designed by the world’s most well-known luxury purse brands, one of the most sought-after bags is the Carolyn Crocodile handbag, priced at around $30,000.
In 1984, Jacobs and his friend and business partner Robert Duffy launched the Marc Jacobs label. A year later, Jacobs received the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s Perry Ellis Award for New Fashion Talent. In 1997, Jacobs was named the creative director of Louis Vuitton, a position he held until 2014.
Jacobs pushed Louis Vuitton forward through collaborations with major contemporary artists and designers like Stephen Sprouse, Takashi Murakami, Richard Prince and Yayoi Kusama. This cooperative model has become a mainstay of the brand.
The first Louis Vuitton x Murakami bags appeared on the Spring/Summer 2003 runway, accessorizing a parade of Peter Pan–collared day dresses in pastel duchesse satin. The bags, which owed to Jacobs’s conversations with Murakami, were instant icons. The Louis Vuitton x Kusama bags, which were unveiled in 2012, represented Vuitton’s biggest launch to date. Jacobs saw the collab as an opportunity to share Yayoi Kusama's vision with a wider audience.
Bag lovers also covet vintage Marc by Marc Jacobs handbags as well as the accessories that fall under the Heaven line, which launched in 2020. A collaboration with Australian-born Ava Nirui — the art director at Jacobs’s flagship brand — the line comprises bags and other garments and accessories that are aimed at a younger audience and draw on our era’s renewed appreciation for 1990s fashion.
Find vintage Marc Jacobs quilted bags, clutches, purses and other handbags on 1stDibs.
21st Century and Contemporary American Marc Jacobs Handbags and Purses
Shop New and Vintage Handbags and Purses 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 Marc Jacobs
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 20, 2024The best way to tell a real Marc Jacobs design from a fake depends on the type of product. Whether you're looking at apparel, bags, shoes or other accessories, check out the tag. Ensure that the brand name appears correctly in the right font. The letters should be crisp and evenly spaced. Also, examine the stitching. If the tag seems loose or the stitches are uneven, you may have a replica on your hands. Materials are important, too. An authentic Marc Jacobs Traveler tote in cotton canvas or Snapshot bag in Saffiano leather, for example, will feel luxurious but also well-made and durable. On 1stDibs, find a variety of vintage Marc Jacobs bags and accessories.
- Who sells Marc Jacobs?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 20, 2024Many stores and online platforms sell Marc Jacobs. You can buy the brand’s coveted bags and apparel directly from Marc Jacobs’s physical locations or from its official website, and you can visit the brand’s site to find out where the nearest Marc Jacobs store is. Find a collection of vintage Marc Jacobs clothing and accessories on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 20, 2024Yes, Marc Jacobs occasionally designs menswear but that particular segment of the label’s business is small compared to his ready-to-wear collections for women and his range of covetable handbags. In 2019 the brand re-entered the menswear arena after having suspended it in 2017 as a cost-cutting measure. Shop a collection of vintage Marc Jacobs clothing and accessories from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Who owns the Marc Jacobs brand?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 20, 2024LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH) owns the Marc Jacobs brand. In 1984, Jacobs and his friend and business partner Robert Duffy launched the Marc Jacobs label. A year later, Jacobs received the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s Perry Ellis Award for New Fashion Talent. In 1997, Jacobs was named the creative director of Louis Vuitton, a position he held until 2014. Shop vintage Marc Jacobs clothing and accessories on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022During his years at the brand, Marc Jacobs designed a number of bags for LV. One of his most popular designs was the Louis Vuitton Eye Love Monogram collection that brought the classic LV monogram print to life in vivid colors. Another is the Graffiti Speedy, a collaboration with street artist Stephen Sprouse. On 1stDibs, find a selection of expertly vetted Marc Jacobs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Closing a metal watch by Marc Jacobs is best done with a watch case press that has nylon dies so as not to damage the watch metal or glass. If you do not have the appropriate tools, it’s best to take your watch to a jeweler or watch repair shop so it is not damaged and continues to work properly. Shop a collection of authentic Marc Jacobs products from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022There are many different types of Marc Jacobs watches, which means that there are different ways to set these watches. Some are set manually and there are even smartwatches that you can set from your phone. The best way to determine how to set your Marc Jacobs watch is to look at the original instructions so that you’re following the specific instructions for that watch. Find Marc Jacobs clothing and accessories from expertly-vetted retailers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Marc Jacobs website recommends cleaning their watches with a soft cloth and water only. It doesn’t matter what type of metal the watch is, the instructions are the same. Unless you have a water-rated watch, it’s not advisable to submerse the watch in water for any reason. The bracelet part of the watch can be cleaned gently with a soft brush and soapy water, if necessary. Shop a collection of Marc Jacobs watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022If you want to clean the inside of your Marc Jacobs bag and it is fabric, you can wash it gently with warm water that has a few drops of detergent in it. If possible, pull the lining out so you can work on it without getting the exterior of the bag wet. Water can create stains so it’s best to be careful. Use a sponge soaked in the soapy water to blot out stains and clean the bag. If possible, run it under clean water to rinse out the soap residue and let it air dry. You’ll find a variety of Marc Jacobs handbags from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is a Marc Jacobs Stam?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Marc Jacobs Stam has become an iconic handbag for the brand. Named after model Jessica Stam, this large handbag features a quilted leather look with metal hardware and a noteworthy partial chain strap. The Stam bag was discontinued in 2013 but continues to be a highly sought-after handbag. Find a collection of expertly vetted Marc Jacobs handbags from some of the world’s top reputable boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Marc Jacobs sunglasses have the Marc Jacobs name written on the side of them. Checking for the Marc Jacobs name on the sunglasses is one of the ways you can authenticate your sunglasses if you didn’t buy them directly from Marc Jacobs or one of their retail partners. Shop a collection of Marc Jacobs sunglasses from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Do Marc Jacobs shoes run small?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Some people report that the Marc Jacobs sneakers run true to size, or the same as your street size. Other shoes and boots by Marc Jacobs seem to run a little bit small and some buyers have suggested buying up half of a full size. Of course, trying on the specific shoe that you’re interested in is the best way to get the right fit. Find a collection of expertly vetted Marc Jacobs fashions, accessories and handbags from some of the world’s top reputable boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Starting in 2005, Marc Jacobs began including serial numbers in its bags. Older Marc Jacob bags do not have serial numbers. You can find a collection of expertly vetted Marc Jacobs handbags from some of the world’s top reputable boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022There are several different methods for checking if your Marc Jacobs bag is real. One area to check is the interior of the bag to see if the name is printed on the inside lining. Below the Marc Jacobs name, you’ll see “Made in” and then the region where the bag is made. The “Made in” font should be consistent with the Marc Jacobs logo. While you’re looking, it helps to have an image of an authentic interior printing to compare it with as it’s been noted that many fakes have irregular spacing and positioning. This comparison can help. Find a collection of expertly vetted Marc Jacobs fashions, accessories and handbags from some of the world’s top reputable boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022How you wear your Marc Jacobs Snapshot bag is up to you. That said, the adjustable strap on a Marc Jacobs Snapshot bag makes it easy to wear it over one shoulder like a shoulder bag or to lengthen the strap and wear it as a crossbody bag. Shop a collection of Marc Jacobs handbags from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022You can find the Marc Jacobs Chelsea boot at a Marc Jacobs store, through one of their retail partners or online. Marc Jacobs boots are available for purchase through multiple platforms, including 1stDibs. It’s important to purchase from a vetted seller or vendor to ensure authenticity. While Marc Jacobs has at times inspired knockoffs, 1stDibs partners with only expertly-vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Andrew Marc and Marc Jacobs are both American designers who have a strong connection to New York City. The Marc Jacobs line of clothing features high-end and quality ready-to-wear garments, handbags, accessories, shoes and fragrances. Andrew Marc is mainly known for making premium leather jackets and high-end outerwear. Shop a collection of Marc Jacobs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What stores carry Marc Jacobs?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Marc Jacobs is carried directly through their stores and online, you can also find Marc Jacobs products in stores like Nordstrom, Macy’s, Bloomingdales, Bergdorf Goodman and many others. These are trusted retail partners and they carry authentic and new Marc Jacob items. Find a collection of expertly vetted Marc Jacobs fashions, accessories and handbags from some of the world’s top reputable boutiques on 1stDibs.
- What is the marc jacobs?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Marc Jacobs is an American fashion designer and it’s a brand that was created by the owner. Marc Jacobs attended the Parsons School of Design and was quite successful in carving a name and reputation for himself at a very young age. He was able to convince his former bosses to provide the financial backing necessary to begin the Marc Jacobs label with Robert Duffy in the mid-1980s. Jacobs’s solo professional career was on the rise and as he earned a solid reputation, he was able to build his eponymous brand. Find a variety of Marc Jacobs clothing and accessories from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Authenticating a Marc Jacobs bag can be done in a few different ways. One thing to check is the stitching to make sure it’s neat and single-stitched on the bag itself. You’ll find double-stitched loops where the pocket corners and the side are attached. You can also check the hardware on the strap and bag to find the Marc Jacobs logo on each piece—ensure that the engraving is clean and crisp. Find a collection of expertly vetted Marc Jacobs handbags from some of the world’s top reputable boutiques on 1stDibs.