There’s something endlessly fascinating about vintage handbags. They carry the patina of time, the memory of a gesture, and that discreet elegance that modern creations sometimes seem to have lost. If I could, I think I would collect them the way some people collect watches or fine wines :).
What I love most are their unique designs, often forgotten ones: shapes you no longer see, old logos, and signatures that the Maisons have since abandoned. I have a weakness for those bags that aren’t immediately recognizable, for the ones whose logo is invisible or so subtle it feels almost like a secret. People often ask where my vintage Céline Horse Carriage bag is from, what brand it is, or even if it’s a new model. It’s proof, really, of how cyclical fashion can be.
When you take the time to browse through vintage pieces, a whole world opens up: daring silhouettes, incredible leathers, and styles that have crossed decades without ever losing their charm. Some bags even feel more modern today than they did when they were first created. After spending hours browsing Vestiaire Collective site to expand my own collection, I thought I’d share a few finds that, to me, are truly worth discovering. My seasonal coups de coeur? The vintage Diorissimo evening bags adorned with their old interlaced gold-letter logo, and the Hermès pieces of another era, no visible logo, just pure lines, less known than the Kelly or the Birkin, but no less sublime.
Before you dive into my selection, a small piece of advice: if you decide to buy a vintage bag, always add a physical authentication to your order. It’s something I always do, a simple way to make sure that what you’re buying truly has a story to tell.
Select links in this article are shared with compensation from Vestiaire Collective. It is not a sponsored article; the writing and choices remain entirely my own. Some links are also affiliate, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase, always at no cost to you.
