Purple Designer Bag
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2010s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
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Finding the Right Evening-bags-minaudieres for You
Vintage and designer evening bags and minaudières are elegant accessories that can elevate an ensemble and add an air of sophistication.
Evening bags began as coin purses and pouches. They were practical accessories before travel necessitated large cases and handbags eventually emerged and became a fashion statement. Evening bags grew in popularity with both men and women and, by the early 14th century, included details like embroidery and fine materials such as silk. As women began carrying hand fans, calling cards and perfumes, the evening bag became roomier while keeping its compact charm. Some designers added a thin shoulder strap. Today, the simplicity of a clutch or luxury evening bag remains as stylish as ever.
Minaudières are ornamental cases designed to hold personal items such as jewelry or cosmetics. A version of a vanity case, the minaudière was pioneered in 1933 by Charles Arpels of Van Cleef Arpels. Made from metal, it could be engraved, decorated with precious stones or lacquered. The decade saw the popularity of these jewel-like pieces and other evening bags with Hollywood celebrities and others.
Though some of the world’s best-known luxury brands followed suit, minaudières are now made by only a small number of fashion houses such as Judith Leiber, Chanel, Versace and Hermès.
Shop an array of luxury designer evening bags and vintage minaudières in a range of designs, colors and styles to complement any outfit on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024No one can say for certain who Donatella Versace is inspired by because she has never named a specific source of inspiration. Once in an interview, she did say, "I am inspired by everything and anything! This means it could be art, a film, an actor, music or just a person walking down the street." It is also likely that the work of her late brother and Versace founder, Gianni Versace, also influences her designs. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Versace apparel and accessories.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024The fashion designer's relationship with her brother, Gianni, and her work at Versace's Italian fashion house made Donatella Versace famous. During the 1990s, she became well-known in the fashion industry for assisting with casting supermodels in Versace's dramatic runway shows. Following her brother's death in 1997, Donatella became the creative director of the fashion house he founded. In 2000, she became a household name when Jennifer Lopez wore a bold green dress, nicknamed the Jungle Dress, designed by Donatella Versace to the Grammy Awards. Find a diverse assortment of Versace apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.