Luxury fashion has become one of the best trend forecasters for vintage shoppers.
When I see a runway full of wood beads, silk shantung, raffia, or tapestry, I don’t think, I should buy that.
I think: Time to start searching Etsy/head to an estate sale/scour the thrift for said item.
This is especially true in the world of evening bags, where brands like Rabanne, Le Sundial, and others are producing pieces that look strikingly similar to handbags made in other eras.
Take a look at Net-a-Porter or Moda Operandi and you’ll notice that some of the most coveted designer bags today aren’t exactly new ideas, but reinterpretations (of silhouettes and materials that were commonplace decades ago). The best part: many of the originals are still waiting to be discovered in thrift shops, estate sales, and in Etsy listings.
And in many cases, the vintage versions are more intricate, better made, and cost a fraction of the price of the new versions.
Most of us do not have the budget for a $900 evening bag — but maybe we’d still like the look, without resorting to a poorly-made dupe.
With that in mind, here are the vintage bags I’d buy instead (plus keywords and brands to look for if you want do more digging on your own).
If you’re into Le Sundial’s $885 shantung pouch ….
….might I recommend this $81 silk gathered antique pouch?
or this $145 silk gathered vintage bag?
Or maybe you’re more into Paco Rabanne’s beaded wooden bag, which will set you back a cool $1,790?
Why not just opt for this vintage wood bead bag, which has a fun pattern and interesting shape?
or this one, for $55?
or, if it’s the wood bead fringe you’re after, this 1920s bag is $28!
In truth, any one of the below bags looks like it could be from a high-end store. No one will be the wiser if you tell them it was! But isn’t it so much better to say, “Thanks! Vintage for $20” or whatever?
There are quite a few keywords and brands I’ve been searching to yield all of the above and more.
