What is a vintage purse?

A vintage purse is a purse which is at least 20 years old. The appeal of vintage bags has broadened over time, and today, vintage purses from Chanel, Hermès and other luxury fashion brands are in high demand. On 1stDibs, you can find a wide variety of vintage and designer purses and other bags.

Were pearls popular in the 1950s?

Yes. While the gem has always been a mainstay in jewelry, there was a boom in demand for pearl pieces in the 1950s. The style at the time was black-and-white-chic, and pearls were an excellent accompaniment to pieces like the classic little black dress. Shop a collection of expertly vetted pearl jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

What is 1950s furniture called?

1950s furniture is called vintage furniture. Some pieces produced during this period may be considered mid-century modern based on their characteristics. Mid-century modern design refers to the variety of modernism that rose to prominence in the 1940s and ’50s. It displays many of the characteristics of the earlier versions of modernism, including simple forms and a focus on functionality. Other traits common in mid-century modern furniture include unadorned silhouettes, clean lines and mixed materials, emphasizing wood, wool, steel and plastic. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of 1950s furniture.

What watches were popular in 1950s?

Some popular watches for men during the 1950s were the Rolex Submariner, the Enicar Sherpa Dive, the Breitling Navitimer, Omega, Constellation and the Rolex GMT-Master. Rolex, Timex, Orvin, Tower and Elgin were among the top watchmakers for women during the decade. On 1stDibs, find a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary watches.

What was the clothing style in the 1950s?

The clothing style in the 1950s was well tailored and classic. For women, dresses with padded busts, cinched waists and hips, and full circle skirts were popular, and the collared button-up shirt dress came into fashion during the decade. Men tended to wear suits in neutral gray, dark blue and brown colors made out of easy-to-care-for synthetic fabrics. Straight-cut double-breasted blazers were commonly worn for casual occasions. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of vintage clothing from the 1950s.

What diamond cuts were popular in the 1950s?

In the 1950s, several diamond cuts were popular. They included the brilliant round cut, the Asscher cut, the emerald cut and the marquise cut. Rings that featured a large central stone flanked by smaller baguettes were also trendy during the decade. Find a collection of vintage diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.

How much was a Chanel bag in the 1950s?

In the 1950s, a Chanel bag was priced between $200 and $300. The iconic Chanel 2.55 bag cost $220 when first introduced in February 1955. Accounting for inflation, that works out to around $2,536 in today's money. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of Chanel bags from some of the world's top boutiques.

What were the popular diamond cuts in the 1950s?

There were a few popular diamond cuts in the 1950s. One was the brilliant round cut, which is still common today due to its simple shape and prominent sparkle. Other favorite cuts of the decade included the Asscher cut, the emerald cut and the marquise cut. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of engagement rings.

What is the 1950s furniture style called?

The best-known 1950s furniture style is called mid-century modern. Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three phrases that describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style emerged primarily in the years following World War II through creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living. Mid-century modern designers combined natural and human-made materials, such as teak, rosewood and oak woods as well as steel, fiberglass and molded plywood. Some well-known mid-century modern designers include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia, Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of mid-century modern furniture.

Which artist became famous for his series of black paintings in the late 1950s and early 1960s?

Frank Stella is the artist who became famous for his series of black paintings in the late 1950s and early 1960s. These works featured bands of black paint separated by thin, precise stripes of bare canvas. At a time when contemporary painting was all about wild gestures, thick paint and formal abandon, the “Black Paintings” created a sensation. Explore a range of Frank Stella art on 1stDibs.

Vintage Purses 1950s

Beaded Evening Bags

Lucite Bags

Bakelite Purses

Vintage Lucite Handbags

1950s Italian Fashion

1950s Leather Bag

Vintage Italian Leather Bags

Lucite Purses

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Vintage Purses 1950s

1950s Art Deco Style Cream Toned Bakelite and Leather Evening Bag

$356

Bobbie Jerome 1950s Sculptural Velvet Handbag with Bakelite Handles

Located in Water Mill, NY

A gorgeous rich black silk velvet handbag with rounded deep orange Bakelite top handles. It has a gently curved top and gold clasp closure. The bag is lined in black silk with 2 Ins...

Category

1950s American Vintage Purses 1950s

Bobbie Jerome 1950s Sculptural Velvet Handbag with Bakelite Handles

$375

1950s Black Genuine Crocodile Large Top Handle Handbag w Gold Hardware.

Located in Gresham, OR

1950s Black Genuine Crocodile Large Top Handle Handbag w Gold Hardware: A leather-lined bag of the

Category

1950s Hong Kong Vintage Purses 1950s

1950s Black Genuine Crocodile Large Top Handle Handbag w Gold Hardware.

$850

1950s Dark Brown Crocodile Handbag with Gold-Tone Hardware - Leather Lined

Located in Gresham, OR

1950s Dark Brown Crocodile Handbag with Gold-Tone Hardware - Leather Lined: A great size brown

Category

1950s American Vintage Purses 1950s

1950s Dark Brown Crocodile Handbag with Gold-Tone Hardware - Leather Lined

$850

1950s Koret Genuine Black Alligator Handbag w Rare Unusual Asymmetric Closure

By Koret

Located in Gresham, OR

1950s Koret Genuine Black Alligator Handbag w Rare & Unusual Asymmetrical Closure. Inner lining and

Category

1950s American Vintage Purses 1950s

1950s Koret Genuine Black Alligator Handbag w Rare Unusual Asymmetric Closure

$1,200

Merlot Leather Bag With Custom LOVE Graffiti Art, 1950s

Located in Gresham, OR

1950s Merlot leather handbag with hand-painted custom LOVE graffiti art. Original working locks and

Category

1950s French Vintage Purses 1950s

Merlot Leather Bag With Custom LOVE Graffiti Art, 1950s

$2,500

1950s Retro High Quality Black Leather and Brass Italian Evening hand-Bag

Located in Aci Castello, IT

Step into an era of refined glamour with this exquisite 1950s evening handbag, where deep black

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Vintage Purses 1950s

1950s Vintage High Quality Black Leather and Brass Italian Evening hand-Bag

1950s Retro High Quality Black Leather and Brass Italian Evening hand-Bag

$415

Vintage Bag in black red and beige Chenille by Garay in the 1950s USA

By Garay

Located in Stuttgart, DE

A fun young bag designed in the 1950s USA with one longer handle made of printed Velvet/Chenille

Category

1940s American Vintage Purses 1950s

Vintage Bag in black red and beige Chenille by Garay in the 1950s USA

$332 Sale Price

26% Off

New Lucille de Paris Large Black Gloss Crocodile Top Handle Bag - 14”, 1950s

By Lucille de Paris

Located in Tucson, AZ

***PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO EXPORT RESTRICTIONS THIS ITEM MAY ONLY BE SHIPPED TO A U.S. ADDRESS

Category

1950s American Vintage Purses 1950s

New Lucille de Paris Large Black Gloss Crocodile Top Handle Bag - 14”, 1950s

$2,500

Josef Attrib. Silk Brocade Chinoiserie Handbag w Cabochon Studded Flap, 1950s

By Bags by Josef

Located in Tucson, AZ

angles of the purse to be seen to full effect, while the slipper satin change purse—tethered to the

Category

1950s French Vintage Purses 1950s

Josef Attrib. Silk Brocade Chinoiserie Handbag w Cabochon Studded Flap, 1950s

$400

Wadsworth Pandora Minaudière Compact Carry All Evening Bag with Comb 1950s

By Wadsworth

Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL

This vintage minaudière or small make up compact clutch was made by Wadsworth, most likely in the 50s. Coined "Pandora" it's made from gold metal, and features a black jet bead desi...

Category

1950s American Vintage Purses 1950s

Wadsworth Pandora Minaudière Compact Carry All Evening Bag with Comb 1950s

$420

Modernist Mahogany Gloss Geometric Center Cut Medium Alligator Handbag, 1950s

Located in Tucson, AZ

ITEM MAY ONLY BE SHIPPED TO A U.S. ADDRESS***

Category

1950s American Vintage Purses 1950s

Modernist Mahogany Gloss Geometric Center Cut Medium Alligator Handbag, 1950s

$475

Hand-Painted "Giraffe Safari" Artist Up-Cycled 1950s/1960s Bordeaux Red Handbag

Located in Munich, DE

Eye-catching "Don't be like the rest of them, Darling!" up-cycled 1950s/1960s vintage handbag hand

Category

1960s German Vintage Purses 1950s

Hand-Painted "Giraffe Safari" Artist Up-Cycled 1950s/1960s Bordeaux Red Handbag

$627

1950s Black Glossy Patent Handbag with Faux Tortoise Shell Handles and Frame

Located in Gresham, OR

1950s Black Glossy Patent Handbag with Faux Tortoise Shell Handles and Frame: Classic 1950s style

Category

1950s American Vintage Purses 1950s

1950s Black Glossy Patent Handbag with Faux Tortoise Shell Handles and Frame

$350

Evans Gilt Metal Guilloche Enamel Evening Bag Compact Case c 1950s

By Evans Case Company

Located in University City, MO

Evans Opulent gilt metal guilloche enamel evening bag - compact case c 1950s The elegant gold

Category

1950s American Vintage Purses 1950s

Evans Gilt Metal Guilloche Enamel Evening Bag Compact Case c 1950s

$235 Sale Price

20% Off

Opulent Mother of Pearl Crystal Encrusted Compact Evening Bag by Elgin c 1950s

By Elgin

Located in University City, MO

Opulent mother of pearl crystal encrusted evening bag- compact case designed by Eligin c 1950s

Category

1950s American Vintage Purses 1950s

Opulent Mother of Pearl Crystal Encrusted Compact Evening Bag by Elgin c 1950s

$375 Sale Price

21% Off

A hand embroidered handbag, depicting a rustic scene, Morabito, Paris, 1950s

By Morabito

Located in Greyabbey, County Down

A beautifully hand stitched and sewn handbag with a charming antique rustic scene with two figures by master craftsmen and luxury good manufacturer Morabito. executed in silk, in fin...

Category

1950s French Vintage Purses 1950s

A hand embroidered handbag, depicting a rustic scene, Morabito, Paris, 1950s

$678

Longchamps Paris Ivory Floral Micro Bead Evening Bag w Chain Handle, 1950s

By Longchamps

Located in Tucson, AZ

A rare Longchamps--not Longchamp--evening purse made even more noteworthy by its swirling micro

Category

1950s French Vintage Purses 1950s

Longchamps Paris Ivory Floral Micro Bead Evening Bag w Chain Handle, 1950s

$425

Ornate Brass Metal Cherub Emblem Black Cloth Evening Bag c 1950s

Located in University City, MO

Ornate brass metal cherub emblem black cloth evening bag c 1950s The elegant midcentury evening

Category

1950s Unknown Vintage Purses 1950s

Ornate Brass Metal Cherub Emblem Black Cloth Evening Bag c 1950s

$275

Vintage Handbag by Garay USA, Chenille flowers in diferent colors, USA 1950s

By Garay

Located in Stuttgart, DE

This timeless collectable from the 1950s is an oversized, eyecaticng statement piece that adds a

Category

1940s American Vintage Purses 1950s

Vintage Handbag by Garay USA, Chenille flowers in diferent colors, USA 1950s

$332 Sale Price

20% Off

Tyrolean Bronze Caviar Bead Evening Bag w 24-Karat Gold Plate Surround, 1950s

Located in Tucson, AZ

purse’s pattern resembles cobblestones surrounding a bugle bead lotus flower at the center. The real eye

Category

1950s American Vintage Purses 1950s

Tyrolean Bronze Caviar Bead Evening Bag w 24-Karat Gold Plate Surround, 1950s

$550

1950s Koret Coral Seed Beaded Handbag w Seed Bead Loop Fringed Bottom

By Koret

Located in Gresham, OR

1950s Koret coral color seed beaded handbag with beaded handle, seed bead looped fringe bottom and

Category

1950s American Vintage Purses 1950s

1950s Koret Coral Seed Beaded Handbag w Seed Bead Loop Fringed Bottom

$600

A white micro beaded evening bag, for Saks Fifth Avenue, France, 1950s.

Located in Greyabbey, County Down

additional change purse. Understated but very elegant, this would lend the wearer a touch of true Parisian

Category

1950s French Vintage Purses 1950s

A white micro beaded evening bag, for Saks Fifth Avenue, France, 1950s.

$541

Tri-Tone Straw Woven Square Structured Handbag With Brass Toggle Closure, 1950s

Located in Gresham, OR

A smart 1950s tri-tone woven straw structured handbag. Square shape with a brass toggle closure at

Category

1950s American Vintage Purses 1950s

Tri-Tone Straw Woven Square Structured Handbag With Brass Toggle Closure, 1950s

$250

1950s Vintage Brown Suede and Brass Italian Cosmetic Bag

Located in Aci Castello, IT

This is a magnificent example of a 1950s-1960s Black Suede and Brass Evening Bag/Vanity Case that

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Vintage Purses 1950s

1950s Vintage Brown Suede and Brass Italian Cosmetic Bag

$475

1950s fine Tooled Leather Western Theme Ladies Handbag Purse

Located in Ferndale, MI

Nicely and highly tooled western theme leather purse . Decorated on both sides and the interior

Category

Mid-20th Century American American Classical Vintage Purses 1950s

Materials

Leather

1950s fine Tooled Leather Western Theme Ladies Handbag Purse

$650

White Caviar Bead Box Purse w Tortoiseshell Celluloid Lid and Long Strap, 1950s

Located in Van Nuys, CA

This charming 1950s purse is a true vintage gem. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, it

Category

Mid-20th Century Vintage Purses 1950s

Materials

Tortoise Shell, Lucite

White Caviar Bead Box Purse w Tortoiseshell Celluloid Lid and Long Strap, 1950s

$318 Sale Price

25% Off

1950s Whiting and Davis Gold Mesh Jewel Closure Evening Clutch with Coin Purse

By Whiting Davis

Located in Philadelphia, PA

From the mid-late 1950s, a gold mesh evening clutch made by Whiting and Davis, the company who

Category

Mid-20th Century American International Style Vintage Purses 1950s

Materials

Crystal, Metal

1950s Whiting and Davis Gold Mesh Jewel Closure Evening Clutch with Coin Purse

$555

1950s Black and White Pearl Encrusted Vintage 50s Saucer Hat and Purse Bag

Located in San Diego, CA

velvet inner headpiece Purse: 9 inches from top to bottom 11 inches from side to side

Category

1950s American Vintage Purses 1950s

1950s Black and White Pearl Encrusted Vintage 50s Saucer Hat and Purse Bag

$1,475

1950s Demi Couture Gunmetal Silver Grey Silk Taffeta Vintage Dress and Purse Bag

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful 50s demi couture gunmetal / silver gray silk taffeta dress and handbag ensemble ! Features a beautiful gunmetal color with just the right amount of slight sheen. Flowers pr...

Category

1950s American Vintage Purses 1950s

1950s Demi Couture Gunmetal Silver Grey Silk Taffeta Vintage Dress and Purse Bag

$1,475

Lucite Vintage Handbag Purse, 1950s

Located in Antwerp, BE

Purses were considered the height of fashion in the 1950’s and carried a hefty price tag. Measurements:L

Category

1950s Unknown Vintage Purses 1950s

Lucite Vintage Handbag Purse, 1950s

$475

Leather Top Handle Vintage Bag / Purse, 1950s

Located in Antwerp, BE

Vintage 1950s handbag in reptile skin leather is an exquisite piece of craftsmanship. Warm

Category

1950s French Vintage Purses 1950s

Leather Top Handle Vintage Bag / Purse, 1950s

$1,009

Vintage 1950 s Lucite Purse

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Fabulous beige marble look exterior. Interior is a soft beige striped velvet, and has the original label and mirror in perfect condition.

Category

1950s Vintage Purses 1950s

Vintage 1950 s Lucite Purse

$305

1950 s Lavishly Embellished Carryall/Compact Purse/Handbag

Located in Oradell, NJ

Offered for sale is this 1950's vintage, gold-toned metal carryall/compact purse with a thin gas

Category

1950s Vintage Purses 1950s

1950 s Lavishly Embellished Carryall/Compact Purse/Handbag

$345

Vintage Brown Crocodile Purse - Late 1950 s

Located in Boca Raton, FL

Presented here is a magnificent late 1950's brown crocodile purse. This magnificent example of the

Category

1950s Unknown Vintage Purses 1950s

Vintage Brown Crocodile Purse - Late 1950 s

$650

Mod Hat with Matching Purse - Late 1950 s

Located in Boca Raton, FL

find something from the late 1950's early 1960's of a matching set in such mint condition. If this

Category

1950s American Vintage Purses 1950s

Mod Hat with Matching Purse - Late 1950 s

$495

1950 s WILARDY Tortoise Acetate Hard Bodied Plastic Purse

Located in Palm Springs, CA

1950's WILARDY tortoise acetate hard bodied plastic purse. These bags are frequently mis-called

Category

1950s American Vintage Purses 1950s

1950 s WILARDY Tortoise Acetate Hard Bodied Plastic Purse

$695

1950s Wicker Fish Purse - BIG Catch

Located in Bozeman, MT

anniversary this November. See you there! Extremely covetable figural straw purse in

Category

1950s Vintage Purses 1950s

1950s Wicker Fish Purse - BIG Catch

$500

Rare 1950 s Morris Moscowitz Beige Leather Purse - Bakelite Hardware

By Morris Moscowitz

Located in Boca Raton, FL

Presented here is a beautiful purse produced by Morris Moscowitz Co. The bag is from the 1950's

Category

1950s American Vintage Purses 1950s

Rare 1950 s Morris Moscowitz Beige Leather Purse - Bakelite Hardware

$450

1950s Mexican Souvenir Doll Purse

Located in San Francisco, CA

1950s Mexican Souvenir Doll Purse. Adorable mini woven straw purse with whimsical three dimensional

Category

1950s Vintage Purses 1950s

1950s Mexican Souvenir Doll Purse

$180

1950 s Clutch

By Rodo

Located in Toronto, ON

Black purse with gold toned chains and four amber colored rhinestone flower accents. Circa 1950

Category

1950s American Vintage Purses 1950s

1950 s Clutch

$1,200

1950 s Gucci Lizard Skin Handbag

By Gucci

Located in New York City, NY

Indulge your 1950's glamour fantasies with this gorgeous Gucci handbag in light yellow lizard skin

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Purses 1950s

1950 s Gucci Lizard Skin Handbag

$1,475

1950 s, Jolles Original, White Seed Beaded Handbag

Located in Oradell, NJ

1950's vintage. The frame and the clasp or the hardware of a purse is usually what sets a bag apart as

Category

1950s Vintage Purses 1950s

1950 s, Jolles Original, White Seed Beaded Handbag

$595

1950 s Whiting Davis Gold Mesh Handbag-Rhinestone Clasp

By Whiting Davis

Located in Oradell, NJ

This is a 1950's vintage, gold metal mesh evening bag with a clasp comprised of one large marquis

Category

1950s American Vintage Purses 1950s

1950 s Whiting Davis Gold Mesh Handbag-Rhinestone Clasp

$300

1950 s Petit Point Handbag-Floral Design on Black Background

Located in Oradell, NJ

This is a 1950's petit point evening bag with a floral design in hues of red, blue, ochre, and

Category

1950s Vintage Purses 1950s

1950 s Petit Point Handbag-Floral Design on Black Background

$225

1950s Black and White Polka Dots Leatherette Purse with Matching Belt

Located in San Francisco, CA

1950s Black and white polka dot leatherette purse with brass hardware and black lining with two

Category

1950s Vintage Purses 1950s

1950s Black and White Polka Dots Leatherette Purse with Matching Belt

$149

Rare Aqua Blue 1950 s Lucite Handbag

Located in New York, NY

Great Aqua Blue and Clear Carved Lucite Handbag Hand Crafted in Florida in The 1950's.In Perfect

Category

1950s American Vintage Purses 1950s

Rare Aqua Blue 1950 s Lucite Handbag

$1,250

Rhinestone Lucite 1950 s Bracelet Unusual

Located in Boca Raton, FL

This is a magnificent Lucite and rhinestone bracelet from the 1950's. The outside is a square shape

Category

1950s Unknown Vintage Purses 1950s

Rhinestone Lucite 1950 s Bracelet Unusual

$350

1950 s Great Lucite Encased Flower Lucite Handbag

Located in New York, NY

with Green Leaves.Designed in the 1950's this is a real showstopper that is perfect for the summer to

Category

1950s American Vintage Purses 1950s

1950 s Great Lucite Encased Flower Lucite Handbag

$1,500

1950 s Walborg Metal Chain Evening Bag

By Walborg

Located in Boca Raton, FL

1950's Walborg evening bag. The bag is lined in fabric with an exterior completely covered in a

Category

1950s Japanese Vintage Purses 1950s

1950 s Walborg Metal Chain Evening Bag

$275

Five Great 1950 s Lucite Handbags $750 per Handbag

Located in New York, NY

Great looking Lucite Handbags Circa 1950's priced per Handbag 1) Lucite Encased Black lace and

Category

1950s American Vintage Purses 1950s

Five Great 1950 s Lucite Handbags $750 per Handbag

$750

Hermès vintage 1950 s black leather Kelly bag.

By Hermès

Located in Lugano, CH

Vintage black leather Kelly bag. Featuring a trapeze body, top flap closure with twist-lock strap fastening, gold-tone hardware, front embossed logo stamp, a detachable leather cloch...

Category

1950s Unknown Vintage Purses 1950s

Hermès vintage 1950 s black leather Kelly bag.

$3,141

1950 s Metallic Beaded Handbag Made in France

Located in Los Angeles, CA

"Hand made in France". Etched gold-toned frame and clasp with marcasite. Tan satin lining with side pockets. Measurements- Top Width: 7 1/4" Bottom Width: 9&...

Category

1950s French Vintage Purses 1950s

1950 s Metallic Beaded Handbag Made in France

$350

1950s bag

Located in San Francisco, CA

1950s peachskin bag with a beautiful lining.

Category

1950s Vintage Purses 1950s

1950s bag

$350

1950 s Whiting Davis Gold Mesh Handbag for Evening

By Whiting Davis

Located in Oradell, NJ

This is a wonderful 1950's vintage, Whiting & Davis gold mesh evening bag whose frame is

Category

1950s American Vintage Purses 1950s

1950 s Whiting Davis Gold Mesh Handbag for Evening

$375

Gucci Italy 1950s

By Gucci

Located in San Francisco, CA

Beautiful 1950s red leather bag by Gucci. Made in Italy. Goldtone hardware. Excellent condition.

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Purses 1950s

Gucci Italy 1950s

$900

Unusual 1950s Tourist Bag

Located in New York, NY

A rare and unusual bag for tourists circa 1950s. Plastic baby with a mohawk is in a suede fringed

Category

1950s American Vintage Purses 1950s

Unusual 1950s Tourist Bag

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Vintage Purses 1950S For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, there are many options to choose from in our collection of vintage purses 1950s. If you’re looking for Black vintage purses 1950s and you’re unable to find the right fit, there are plenty of variations in Brown, Gray and more. The ideal items for you are waiting among the distinctive accessories we have available, which include versions made as long ago as the 20th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 20th Century. Vintage purses 1950s such as these have likely been a part of the legacy of many fashion designers, but those produced by Koret, Elsa Schiaparelli and Josef are consistently popular. If you’re browsing our inventory for these accessories, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for men and unisex.

How Much are Vintage Purses 1950S?

On average, vintage purses 1950s on 1stDibs sell for $700, while they’re typically $275 on the low end and $6,000 for the highest priced versions of these items.

Finding the Right Handbags-purses-bags 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.

Questions About Vintage Purses 1950s

What is a vintage purse?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021
A vintage purse is a purse which is at least 20 years old. The appeal of vintage bags has broadened over time, and today, vintage purses from Chanel, Hermès and other luxury fashion brands are in high demand. On 1stDibs, you can find a wide variety of vintage and designer purses and other bags.
Were pearls popular in the 1950s?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Yes. While the gem has always been a mainstay in jewelry, there was a boom in demand for pearl pieces in the 1950s. The style at the time was black-and-white-chic, and pearls were an excellent accompaniment to pieces like the classic little black dress. Shop a collection of expertly vetted pearl jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What is 1950s furniture called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
1950s furniture is called vintage furniture. Some pieces produced during this period may be considered mid-century modern based on their characteristics. Mid-century modern design refers to the variety of modernism that rose to prominence in the 1940s and ’50s. It displays many of the characteristics of the earlier versions of modernism, including simple forms and a focus on functionality. Other traits common in mid-century modern furniture include unadorned silhouettes, clean lines and mixed materials, emphasizing wood, wool, steel and plastic. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of 1950s furniture.
What watches were popular in 1950s?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJune 30, 2023
Some popular watches for men during the 1950s were the Rolex Submariner, the Enicar Sherpa Dive, the Breitling Navitimer, Omega, Constellation and the Rolex GMT-Master. Rolex, Timex, Orvin, Tower and Elgin were among the top watchmakers for women during the decade. On 1stDibs, find a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary watches.
What was the clothing style in the 1950s?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024
The clothing style in the 1950s was well tailored and classic. For women, dresses with padded busts, cinched waists and hips, and full circle skirts were popular, and the collared button-up shirt dress came into fashion during the decade. Men tended to wear suits in neutral gray, dark blue and brown colors made out of easy-to-care-for synthetic fabrics. Straight-cut double-breasted blazers were commonly worn for casual occasions. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of vintage clothing from the 1950s.
What diamond cuts were popular in the 1950s?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023
In the 1950s, several diamond cuts were popular. They included the brilliant round cut, the Asscher cut, the emerald cut and the marquise cut. Rings that featured a large central stone flanked by smaller baguettes were also trendy during the decade. Find a collection of vintage diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
How much was a Chanel bag in the 1950s?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 27, 2023
In the 1950s, a Chanel bag was priced between $200 and $300. The iconic Chanel 2.55 bag cost $220 when first introduced in February 1955. Accounting for inflation, that works out to around $2,536 in today's money. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of Chanel bags from some of the world's top boutiques.
What were the popular diamond cuts in the 1950s?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023
There were a few popular diamond cuts in the 1950s. One was the brilliant round cut, which is still common today due to its simple shape and prominent sparkle. Other favorite cuts of the decade included the Asscher cut, the emerald cut and the marquise cut. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of engagement rings.
What is the 1950s furniture style called?
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1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
The best-known 1950s furniture style is called mid-century modern. Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three phrases that describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style emerged primarily in the years following World War II through creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living. Mid-century modern designers combined natural and human-made materials, such as teak, rosewood and oak woods as well as steel, fiberglass and molded plywood. Some well-known mid-century modern designers include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia, Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of mid-century modern furniture.
Which artist became famous for his series of black paintings in the late 1950s and early 1960s?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJanuary 27, 2025
Frank Stella is the artist who became famous for his series of black paintings in the late 1950s and early 1960s. These works featured bands of black paint separated by thin, precise stripes of bare canvas. At a time when contemporary painting was all about wild gestures, thick paint and formal abandon, the “Black Paintings” created a sensation. Explore a range of Frank Stella art on 1stDibs.