While my collection of handbags is vast, it lacks in the vintage department. Out of the 16 designer bags I own, only two are vintage. It’s worth noting that one of them is my Dior Saddle Pochette, which was my very first designer purchase. It has stayed with me all these years, so it wasn’t exactly considered vintage when I bought it.
On the Hunt
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve curated my collection and honed in on my aesthetic a bit more, looking only to keep bags I hope to hold onto forever. I’ve also furthered my knowledge of various designers, both vintage and current, and discovered and fell for bags that were created well before my time.
Thus, I’ve made it a point to start a list of vintage bags I’d like to add to my collection, and when I went to Paris earlier this month, I was on the lookout for those rare gems.
I was mainly looking for the perfect vintage Fendi Baguette, but time after time, I kept striking out. I had my eyes peeled for other options, as I really wanted to leave with a vintage bag, but nothing spoke to me enough to spend. Hindsight is 20/20 because shortly after I returned, I discovered the Tom Ford-era Gucci bag of my dreams.
A Vintage Dream
Tom Ford’s Gucci pieces remain some of the most coveted items on the vintage market, with certain pieces selling well beyond their original retail value. As an adult, I’ve most enjoyed rediscovering this period in fashion, and I’ve wanted to add a vintage bag from his tenure to my collection for a long time.
While certain bags, like the Horsebit Shoulder Bag, are well known, the designer was responsible for dozens of designs at the brand’s helm. When I saw a slim black shoulder pouch with a chain strap that is indicative of Tom Ford’s designs on Instagram, I instantly had to have it.
A shop I follow, Nünü Vintage, was selling the bag for $750. I almost—and let me repeat, almost—purchased it immediately, but I know better than to buy anything secondhand without using my secret weapon: Google Lens.
Using the Google App on my phone, I quickly popped the image into Google Lens, locating a Poshmark listing within seconds. Immediately, I sent the seller an offer, and just like that, I snagged the vintage Tom Ford-era Gucci Bag of my dreams for $382.
Pretty cool, right? I haven’t worn her out yet, but I picture this being the perfect mini for nights out, weddings, and black-tie events—the perfect vintage mini I’ll keep forever.
Thank you! I should try that too!
I also love vintage shopping in Japan. Got a couple of Gucci bag with bamboo handles for only a few thousand yen!
It’s such a good trick! If you have the app on your phone it’s super easy to do in the fitting room. When I was in Paris I used it a few times to make sure I wasn’t buying something I could find online for less!
Poshmark is full of fakes! Be careful.
Agree! I compared the item to the listing I originally saw before accepting the item from the Poshmark seller. Interior tag with the style number was exactly the same, as was the number of links and the number of rows and placement of monogram. Of course, I am not an authenticator but I am confident it is authentic.
Great advice thanks! I also use gem.com for hunting down vintage clothing and bags. If you don’t find what you’re looking for currently for sale you can subscribe to the description of what you want and they will email you when they find a match. I takes you to many different resale sites that you not have ever knew existed and also as soon as the item lists so you don’t miss it!
Thank you for sharing!!
I have a TF Gucci also and it’s amazing. I’m curious, what other bags are on your list?
As mentioned a vintage Fendi Baguette is on the TOP of the list! Other vintage bags I’m eyeing are the Hermès Kelly which is my ultimate Holy Grail, Loewe Amazona (there are great deals on TRR I am always looking), Dior Newsprint Saddle bag (one can dream!) and a vintage Celine Box Bag (with horse logo, not PP Celine).
I’m not a big fan of the Dior saddle bag, but with the Dior Newsprint I will make an exception. Also, thanks for this article! I’m always learning something new, from you, and because I followed your advice I found my “holy grail” vintage Chanel bag at 1/2 the price of another one. 😊
Wow YAY love to hear that! Which bag!?
The Chanel Caviar CC Shoulder Bag Black from 1990. 😊