Vassar Purse
20th Century Handbags and Purses
Recent Sales
1980s Unknown Handbags and Purses
1950s Top Handle Bags
People Also Browsed
Early 2000s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
1990s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
Center snap closure compartment with 2 side compartment.
1970s American Top Handle Bags
1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
21st Century and Contemporary Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
1990s French Skirt Suits
1960s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
Mid-20th Century Italian Top Handle Bags
1990s French Top Handle Bags
21st Century and Contemporary French Tote Bags
1990s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
2010s Evening Gowns
1970s European Suitcases and Trunks
2010s European Top Handle Bags
Late 20th Century Italian Tote Bags
1990s French Shoulder Bags
Finding the Right Handbags And Purses for You
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, lovers of vintage handbags are savvier and have a wider range of shopping options. Nevertheless, classics created by the likes of Louis Vuitton, Dior and Balenciaga 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.
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Naomi Campbell Strutted down the Runway Carrying This ’90s Dior Bag
Accented with a sculptural golden handle and a pair of swishy tassels, the design never went into production.
The Hermès Kelly Is the Current Bag of Choice for Victoria Beckham and Timothée Chalamet
These celebrities prove that the famous design works with both sleek dresses and streetwear.
Early-Aughts Handbag Styles Are Back in a Big Way
Fashion designers are revisiting and reimagining the era's It bags.
The Original Birkin Bag Fetches $10 Million At Auction
The sale sets a new record for the highly coveted handbag.
This Hermès Picnic Garden Party Bag Is Elegant and Errand-Friendly
Does wicker get more high-end than this?
In a Sale of Princess Diana’s Wardrobe, a Lady Dior Bag Fetched $325,000
Several of the pieces sold for well above their estimates.
The Loewe Puzzle Bag Turns 10
On the purse’s anniversary, we reflect on its remarkable versatility.
Louis Vuitton and Murakami’s Collab Is As Fresh As Ever
The Japanese artist is one of many creators with whom the French fashion house has partnered to impressive effect.