Clutches
1980s Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches
1980s Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches
1980s Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
1990s French Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
Early 2000s Italian Clutches
2010s French Clutches
2010s Italian Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary British Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary British Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary British Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
1990s Unknown Clutches
20th Century French Clutches
2010s Italian Clutches
20th Century French Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
1950s Italian Clutches
1980s Italian Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Clutches
Early 2000s French Clutches
2010s Italian Clutches
2010s Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
2010s Italian Clutches
1970s Italian Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
2010s Italian Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary European Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Clutches
1980s Clutches
2010s Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches
2010s Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary British Clutches
1990s French Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Clutches
2010s Clutches
1980s Clutches
1960s Clutches
2010s Italian Clutches
2010s Italian Clutches
2010s Italian Clutches
Vintage and Designer Clutches
Vintage and designer clutches are the perfect size to hold exactly what you need. While they’re typically small, they can make a big impact on an outfit. They also have a fascinating history.
Clutches are handbags without handles that are carried by hand. One of the oldest known clutches was made in Mosul, Iraq, in the 14th century. It was made of brass and inlaid with gold and silver in geometric patterns. Although the loops on the side indicate it likely had handles to wear as a shoulder bag, manuscripts show a similar example being carried by hand.
Fashion designers often made clutches to reflect the wealth of the holder. In Medieval Europe, men and women securely carried items in small bags hidden inside their clothing as tie-on pockets. Women carried their possessions, scented and secreted, in the folds of their voluminous skirts. Pockets eventually became integral to garment design, but bigger sacks were needed to carry books and documents. When women’s clothing became lighter, consisting of fewer layers, it could no longer easily hide their handbags or pockets.
Changes in fashion led to handbags becoming a popular fashion accessory, and today, even as we’re overwhelmed by options from a variety of high-end brands, iconic luxury handbags still rule. The highly decorative bags of the 19th century faded from popularity when women entered the workforce and the clutch became the dominant business accessory. Flappers in the 1920s, clad in the dazzling Art Deco jewelry of the era, also loved the freedom of carrying clutches as they didn’t get in the way of dancing.
The simplicity of the clutch remains stylish today. Once made to be carried on special occasions, they are now an accessory for everyday use. Find a collection of vintage and designer clutches from Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton and more on 1stDibs.