Fendi Woven Clutch, 1980s
View Similar Items
Fendi Woven Clutch, 1980s
About the Item
Fendi
Like other major European luxury fashion houses, Fendi started small. Adele Casagrande was an Italian creative who loved fashion and sold leather and fur accessories from a tiny workshop she opened in Rome in 1918. However, after marrying Edoardo Fendi in 1925, her business model was altered dramatically. Together, the couple changed the boutique’s name to Fendi and moved into a bigger storefront, which quickly became the favorite shop of women all over Italy’s capital city for furs and leathers, such as handbags, coats and accessories.
As time moved on for Adele and Edoardo, the couple began to share more responsibility to their five daughters, who assumed management of the company during the 1950s. Fendi’s audience broadened and its profitability has soared over the years, owing to the brand’s fresh perspective on fashion world happenings and innovative sensibility. The maison also has a distinctive relationship with old-world Italian craftsmanship. The Selleria bags were the work of master saddlers in Rome, and Fendi partnered with lace artisans in southern Italy as well as craftsmen in the east trained in the intrecciato (intertwined) technique (an idea that Adele introduced during the 1940s), which, in Fendi’s case, sees an interwoven leather fabric integrated in the creation of its handbags, countering leather’s traditional rigidity with a bag that is soft, versatile and fitted with an alluring slouchy curve.
It wasn’t until 1965, however, when a young German designer named Karl Lagerfeld took the creative helm that Fendi became a world-renowned fashion house. In fact, Lagerfeld, who produced four to five collections yearly for the brand, is credited with creating Fendi’s instantly recognizable double-F logo (which stands for “Fun Furs”) in “less than five seconds.” Until Lagerfeld started designing for the brand, fur was a material mostly associated with heavy coats that few people actually wore. Lagerfeld reimagined fur in creative ways, using it as an accent on purses, cuffs on dress sleeves and collars on wool coats.
Over the ensuing years, Fendi has broken into the home-goods market with Fendi Casa and has become synonymous with luxury fashion, producing such pieces as the iconic Baguette, which was rendered ever popular on the television series Sex and the City. In fact, an entire episode during the third season was dedicated to the “original It bag,” a slim accessory tapered in a manner that recalls its namesake, designed in 1997 by Adele and Edoardo’s granddaughter Silvia Venturini Fendi, who was named creative director of accessories three years earlier.
Perhaps just as well known as its vintage Baguette handbags and creative use of fur is the brand’s devotion to its Italian roots. In 2013, Fendi donated more than 2 million euros to restore Rome’s Trevi Fountain, and when it was reopened to visitors, Fendi hosted its Autumn/Winter 2017 show on top of the landmark.
Fendi was a family-controlled brand until 1999 and is now owned by LVMH. In late 2020, British fashion designer Kim Jones was named the house’s artistic director for womens wear.
Find a wide variety of vintage Fendi handbags and purses, clothing and other accessories on 1stDibs.
- Fendi Hard Case Logo ClutchBy FendiLocated in Scottsdale, AZWe are feeling this Fendi! Circa early 2000s, this rare clutch features 'Fendi' on the front face in black patent leather, a hard case exterior with a neutral colored speckled tortoise shell finish, and an optional chain shoulder strap (can crossbody). Includes a magnetic closure that opens to reveal a roomy woodgrain leather interior. Chic and hard to come by, this clutch is the ultimate novelty...Category
Early 2000s Italian Clutches
$3,250 - Gucci Velveteen Monogram Bag, 1970sBy GucciLocated in Scottsdale, AZThe classic Gucci monogram bag! Black and brown monogram all over print on velveteen fabric. Black leather piping and interior. “GG” gold metallic clasp- push from the top and bottom...Category
1970s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Judith Leiber Swarovski Crystal Cheetah MinaudiereBy Judith LeiberLocated in Scottsdale, AZElegance and glamor right this way! This is a highly designed handbag by none other than Judith Leiber that will no doubt catch people's attention from across the room. This is a BEAUTIFUL Judith Leiber Black Swarovski Crystal Minaudiere Evening Bag Clutch in excellent condition. The exterior of this bag is covered in black, cream, and black swarovski crystals in a cheetah minaudiere shape. This handbag is vintage from the late 20th century and is in pristine vintage condition. On the interior there is a gold leather lining that holds a thin gold chain shoulder strap to easily convert between clutch and shoulder styles. No stains, smells, or missing crystals. Don't miss the adorable details of this bag like the mini leather coin purse and the adorable paws on the bottom. Pair this handbag with a Moschino gown, some gold Chanel jewelry...Category
Late 20th Century American Clutches
- Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Gold ClutchBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Scottsdale, AZGorgeous Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent evening bag in the most stunning metallic gold crocodile embossed metal casing! Eye catching shiny g...Category
Early 2000s French Clutches
- Whiting & Davis Gold Chainmail ClutchBy Whiting & DavisLocated in Scottsdale, AZAdorable vintage Whiting & Davis gold chainmail clutch! Complete your going out look effortlessly with this timeless and versatile chainmail clutch. Features a gorgeous rhinestone-en...Category
Mid-20th Century Clutches
- Hermes Pouchette Rio Envelope in CamelBy HermèsLocated in Scottsdale, AZIntroducing the epitome of timeless elegance - the Hermes Rio Envelope Pochette in a camel tone brown. This luxurious accessory features a chic snap-style c...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches
- Hermes Small Bag or Clutch In Red LeatherBy HermèsLocated in Paris, FRLovely bag, or clutch from maison Hermes. The interior is lined in leather with a zipped pocket and a flat one. It is worn on the shoulder or as a clutch (the handle is removable). ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Shoulder Bags
- Taupe Woven Lambskin "Flap-Over" Closure Front Optional Clutch or Shoulder BagLocated in New York, NYWonderfully butter soft, this taupe woven lambskin optional clutch or shoulder bag has a taupe lucite "ball" for the closing loop. Shoulder strap is nicely tucked inside the clu...Category
1980s Italian Clutches
- Renaud Pelligrino Leather "Clam" ClutchLocated in New York, NYRenaud Pelligrino's elegant caramel "Clam" shaped clutch in textured leather with top stitched accents and rope shoulder strap. 1980's France. Lined ...Category
1980s French Clutches
- Carlos Falchi Pieced Snake and Calf BagBy Carlos FalchiLocated in New York, NYCarlos Falchi Pieced Snake and Calf Bag in an applied Cubist design. Varying alligator and snakeskin forms are patched onto the front. The form of the bag is ...Category
1980s American Clutches
- Carlos Falchi Textured Violet Buffalo Shoulder Bag With Embossed DetailBy Carlos FalchiLocated in New York, NYCarlos Falchi wonderful textured violet buffalo shoulder bag is detailed with their signature name logo embossed on the exterior front flap...Category
1980s American Shoulder Bags
- 1980s Dominique Aurientis Paris Leopard Print Stenciled Calfskin Shoulder BagBy Dominique Aurientis ParisLocated in Gresham, ORA beautiful 1980s Dominique Aurientis Paris leopard print stenciled calf skin shoulder bag or clutch convertible. Suede lined. Magnetic gold-tone closure...Category
1980s French Shoulder Bags
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
The Fendi Baguette Is an ‘It’ Bag Again, 25 Years After Its Introduction
Iconic Italian fashion houses Fendi and Versace teamed up on this delightfully outrageous Fendace reimagining.
14 Iconic Luxury Handbags and the Stories behind Them
When the name of a bag is as well-known as its brand, you know it's a classic.