1980s Burberry Wristlet Envelope Tan Leather Clutch
View Similar Items
1980s Burberry Wristlet Envelope Tan Leather Clutch
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2038216512772
Burberry
Universally renowned for its trench coats, jackets, footwear, leather goods and other accessories, luxury British fashion house Burberry has undergone several transformations since its inception in the 19th century.
When the 21-year-old apprentice draper Thomas Burberry (1835–1926) opened a small clothing outfitter in Basingstoke, Hampshire, in 1856, he catered to the needs of the local population, focusing on weatherproof clothing designed for outdoor activities like hunting, riding and fishing. Building on his success, Burberry researched more fabrics that would be suitable for these country pursuits. In 1888, he patented gabardine, a durable, breathable fabric that was ready for any British weather. The material was groundbreaking for rainwear, which previously had been bulky and heavy. Norwegian explorer Fridtjof Nansen wore it on his 1893 North Pole expedition and Burberry later outfitted Sir Ernest Shackleton on his Antarctic expeditions. These high-profile demonstrations of its design for extreme conditions fueled Burberry’s growth as a trusted brand.
The Tielocken coat — a forerunner to the trench coat — was patented in 1912, featuring just a button at the collar and a single strap. Higher-ranking British officers during World War I donned trench coats designed by the likes of Burberry, Aquascutum and other firms. The design of Burberry’s classic trench demonstrated a consideration of the demand for both weather protection and function on the battlefield, with every element having its purpose, whether it was the epaulets for an officer’s rank or the gun flap at the breast. When the now-familiar check — a plaid check with black, white and red stripes on a background of beige — was added as a lining during the 1920s, a fashion icon was born. Scarves and other items featuring the pattern rendered the Burberry plaid an instantly recognizable hallmark of the house around the globe.
The brand continued to gain popularity throughout the 20th century, but by the 1990s, it was in dire need of a refresh. By the time Christopher Bailey was named design director at Burberry in 2001, the check was so ubiquitous through rampant knockoffs that it had become a reference for kitsch rather than quality.
Drawing on its heritage of craftsmanship with a new streetwear edge, Bailey helped rebuild Burberry’s relevance as a reputable fashion brand. Key to this reimagining was developing an understanding of how to democratically market high-end luxury fashion. Milestones in this regard materialized in 2010, when Burberry became the first brand to livestream a fashion show (and did so using 3D technology), and in 2020, when the house brought its London Fashion Week presentation to Twitch, a popular American livestreaming service. The international visibility brought with it renewed interest in the brand, which eventually revived its tartan after dropping it from many of its clothes, including in a 2018 collaboration with Russian designer Gosha Rubchinskiy that swathed shirts, dresses, coats and bags in the check.
Although tastes have changed, the signature trench coats that date back to Burberry’s beginnings remain at the brand’s core, with new fabrics and fits continuing to adapt this British style classic to contemporary trends.
Find vintage Burberry trench coats, shoes, handbags and other accessories on 1stDibs.
- 2000s Givenchy Burgundy Monogram Logo Print Leather BagBy GivenchyLocated in London, GBGivenchy burgundy leather bag, monogrammed logo print, brass tone zip closure, internal compartments, one zipped pocket, logo leather tag, leather...Category
1990s French Shoulder Bags
- 1990s Judith Leiber Karung Black Shoulder Bag with Gems and GoldwareBy Judith LeiberLocated in London, GBJudith Leiber Karung Black Shoulder Bag with Gems and Goldware, tiop clutch closure, gold metalware, coloured gems, leather strap, inside pocket ...Category
1990s Italian Clutches
$372 Sale Price34% Off - 1970s Balmain Paris White Cream and Gold Leather Shoulder BagBy BalmainLocated in London, GBBalmain Paris Handbag White cream Leather, brass metal ware, strong magnetic clasp closure, inside zipped pocket, suede interior This timeless and sophisticated design is crafted fro...Category
1970s French Shoulder Bags
$289 Sale Price40% Off - 2000s Christian Dior CD Denim Saddle Bag Shoulder StrapBy Christian DiorLocated in London, GBChristian Dior's light denim bag strap features durable, shiny silver-toned metal accents stamped CD Condition: 200os, vintage, like new Measurements: 34x0.5in / 90x2cmCategory
Early 2000s French Clutches
- 1980s Fendi Red Suede Clutch Crossbody BagBy FendiLocated in London, GBThis one-of-a-kind 1980s Fendi pouch bag features a red suede exterior with zig zag details and a clutch closure boasting a sleek metal hardware piece ...Category
1980s Italian Clutches
- 1990s Versace Versus Nylon Medusa Pin Top Handle Clutch BagBy Gianni Versace, VersusLocated in London, GB
Discover the essence of Italian luxury with the iconic 1990s Versace Versus Nylon Medusa Clutch Bag, featuring a vibrant blue Medusa pin graphic print ...
Category1990s Italian Top Handle Bags
$265 Sale Price30% Off
- Chanel 1997 Vintage Rare Letters Nameplate Kelly Top Handle Classic Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLVintage Chanel canvas black and white flap with name plate chain 1997 {VINTAGE 25 Years} Silver hardware Interior center zipper pocket Additional center pocket Magnetic closure Mad...Category
1990s French Clutches
- Chanel Vintage 2004 CC Pink Caviar Top Handle ClutchBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Vintage 2004 CC Pink Caviar Top Handle Clutch circa 2004 petal pink caviar leather gold-tone hardware signature interlocking CC stitch intern...Category
Early 2000s French Tote Bags
- Chanel Mini Two Tone Double Flap Mademoiselle Reissue SatchelBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Mini Two Tone Double Flap Mademoiselle Reissue Satchel This stylish clutch is crafted of beige and black lambskin leather. The clutch features a black rolled leather handle ...Category
Early 2000s French Tote Bags
- Chanel 2014 Vintage Classic Classic Ombre Triple Chain Flap Orange Fur BaguetteBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Ombre Chanel fur triple interwoven chain flap with classic cc Turnlock closure Year: 2014 Silver hardware Interior brown lambskin lining Interior br...Category
2010s French Tote Bags
- Balmain Evening Clutch in Lame Gold Fabric and EmbroideriesBy BalmainLocated in Paris, FRStunning Balmain evening clutch. It is entirely handmade in Paris. Work of haute couture. Fabric in lamé gold, embroidered of multi red, gold and black ribbons and squares of mirror ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches
- Balmain 'Patricia' Clutch in Aged Off-White Embroidered LeatherBy BalmainLocated in Paris, FRSuperb Balmain 'Patricia' clutch in aged off-white leather fully embroidered with gold, gold metal parts, mirrors and pearls. Small inside pocket. It can be worn both during the day...Category
2010s Clutches
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
How to Tell If Your Burberry Coat or Bag Is Authentic
The iconic British brand is irresistible to fashion lovers — and counterfeiters. Find out how to tell the real deal from a convincing fake.
The Stories behind the Most Famous Luxury Fashion Logos
From Chanel to YSL, the logos of some legacy fashion houses spark instant brand recognition and have come to symbolize a kind of luxury that feels at once aspirational and attainable.