New York City’s maverick handbag designer, the Brazilian-born Carlos Falchi, began his multibillion-dollar accessories brand in the bathtub of his Greenwich Village apartment.
In the 1960s, Falchi started by making leather clothing — bleaching snakeskin in his tub — for rock stars and jazz artists like Mick Jagger, Tina Turner and Miles Davis. But when he turned his attention to handbags, persuaded by Geraldine Stultz, the president of Henri Bendel, he found his true calling.
In a world flush with iconic “It” handbags, Falchi’s bags are distinctive and eye-catching, with soft, pliable forms, dazzling patchwork designs and dyed skins from exotic animals such as alligators, frogs, buffalo and water snakes. Even though he was a self-taught artisan, Falchi managed to reinvent the approach that yields the stiff, formal structure typically associated with the upright handbags of European luxury houses. His groundbreaking and oft-imitated Buffalo bag, an unconstructed and lightweight satchel made from a single skin with only two seams and a gathered front, went on to garner universal success for the craftsman, with Women’s Wear Daily deeming it “the most copied bag in the industry.” For his celebrated slouchy bag, Falchi was inspired by the draping techniques he learned while attending art school in Japan. In 1983, he won a Coty American Fashion Critics Award for the accessory.
Falchi made his clutches, shoulder bags and top-handled bags by hand in his New York City atelier, and the designer’s work garnered praise from fashion legends such as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Barbra Streisand and Sarah Jessica Parker. In the years leading up to his death in 2015, Falchi began to sell inexpensive versions of his handbags on the Home Shopping Channel. A sampling of his work is held today in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Find a range of vintage Carlos Falchi handbags and purses on 1stDibs.
Carlo Falchi Black Suede Accented with Crocodile-Skin Shoulder Bag
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New York, NY
Carlo Falchi wonderful soft black suede shoulder bag accented with soft crocodile-skin. The interior is accented with black silk. The s...
$971Sale Price|25% Off
1980s Carlos Falchi XL Python Snakeskin White Taupe Vintage Shoulder Bag Clutch
By Carlos Falchi
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic 80s CARLOS FALCHI extra large white and taupe python snake shoulder bag, messenger bag ( crossbody ) or clutch ! The possibilities are endless with this neutral beauty. Snaps sh...
Carlos Falchi Green Suede Gathered Shoulder Bag
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New York, NY
Carlos Falchi graphic green suede gathered shoulder bag with zebra print. Signature "gathered" flap with interior drawstring closure. Long strap can be worn crossbody. Lined in black...
Carlos Falchi Large Purple Signature Buffalo with Pylon, Lizard and Cobra Clutch
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New York, NY
Carlos Falchi Large signature purple buffalo-skin accented with multi-colored Pylon, Lizard and Cobra skins along the center. Optional shoulder strap of buffalo-skin nicely tuck...
$885Sale Price|46% Off
Rare Carlos Falchi Multi-Skins Multi-Color Large Shoulder Bag & Clutch
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New York, NY
This wonderfully rare Carlos Falchi large shoulder bag with the option to wear use as a clutch is combined with multi-skins of snakeskin, lizard skin and pylon skins as well ...
Carlos Falchi '80s large hobo shoulder bag
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New York, NY
This '80s Carlos Falchi hobo bag is great for everyday use. Made of butter-soft leather. And you can tuck the straps inside the bag and use it as a clutch. The signature Carlos Falch...
Carlos Falchi Textured Calfskin Zippered Patchwork "Jungle" Scene Shoulder Bag
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New York, NY
Carlos Falchi wonderfully detailed textured calfskin shoulder bag has a zippered top. The patchwork "Jungle" scene consists of a metallic bronze "moon", leopard print pony, py...
Carlos Falchi Cream & Black Faux Fur Crossover Shoulder Bag
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New York, NY
Carlos Falchi wonderful cream & black faux fur cross-body shoulder bag features a silk cream lining including a zippered compartment. The exterior corners are accented with r...
Carlos Falchi Textured Violet Buffalo Shoulder Bag With Embossed Detail
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New York, NY
Carlos Falchi wonderful textured violet buffalo shoulder bag is detailed with their signature name logo embossed on the exterior front flap...
Carlos Falchi Black & Gold Embossed Alligator Calfskin Clutch/ Shoulder Bag
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New York, NY
Carlos Falchi wonderful black and metallic gold embossed alligator calfskin clutch has the option to use as a shoulder bag as well if desired. Black lizard skin is detailed on...
New Kate Spade Her Rare Large Collectible Spring 2005 Green Wicker Basket Bag
Located in Conroe, TX
Kate Spade Wicker Bag Very Rare From Her Spring 2005 Collection DESIGNED BY KATE SPADE This is the last collection before she sold her brand to Neiman Marcus Impossible to Find Bran...
Christian Dior Y2K Brown & Cream Pony Hair Shoulder Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the Christian Dior Y2K Brown & Cream Pony Hair Shoulder Bag, a stunning accessory that embodies the essence of early 2000s fashion while remaining effortlessly chic. Circa 2004, during John Galliano's visionary era, this bag features a luxurious pony hair exterior dyed in rich brown and cream tones, offering a tactile yet sophisticated finish. The adjustable shoulder strap, adorned with a striking silver-toned chain accent featuring the iconic "Dior" branding, can be worn in various ways for versatile styling. With a practical design that includes a large back pocket and a cleverly protected front pocket, this bag is not only fashionable but functional. Perfect for day-to-night transitions...
Stuart Weitzman Black and Brown Stone Clutch and Bag
By Stuart Weitzman
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This Stuart Weitzman bag is made of black satin with dark brown stones all along the front. The bag can be used as a clutch or shoulder bag and com...
2017 Fendi Python multicoloured macro baguette elaphe waves
By Fendi
Located in Capri, IT
2017 Fendi Python multicoloured macro baguette elaphe waves From the resort 2017 collection, violett, coral, seafoam, ivory and tangerine python colour micro baguette with a single c...
1990s Bottega Veneta Black Quilted Satin Bag
By Bottega Veneta
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Lovely Bottega Veneta mailbag from the 1990s. Black quilted satin with black top stitching. Demi lune shape with two black pom poms. Black satin interior. The long, thin black strap ...
1960's Vintage PIERRE CARDIN Crocodile Skin Pouch Bag with Shoulder Strap
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Sheffield, GB
A rare 1960's PIERRE CARDIN pouch bag, with Singular shoulder strap and made entirely from crocodile skin with large and iconic sixties Cardin Logo. Features; Iconic PIERRE CARDIN exterior Emblem logo /Press stud closure One large leather lined interior with additional small interior compartments Singe Strap. MADE IN FRANCE ONE SIZE. Measurements provided in inches; Length; 7'' Depth; 6'' Width; 2'' Strap; 25'' Condition 5/10. The bag is considered an Archival Museum Quality Piece...
$640
W 4.5 in D 1 in L 8 in
Dolce & Gabbana 2000'S Python Skin & Swarovski Crystal Black Satin Shoulder Bag
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Sheffield, GB
A Chic early 2000's Vintage Black Python skin, Satin & Swarovski crystal shoulder bag by DOLCE & GABBANA. Features; Press stud fasten / Metal Chain shoulder strap / Interior...
S/S 2000 Gianni Versace by Donatella Brown Velvet Rhinestone Shoulder Bag
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a gorgeous deep brown velvet adjustable shoulder bag designed by Donatella Versace. This bag features iridescent rhinestone accents featured on both the S/S 2000 runway. A...
1980s Dominique Aurientis Paris Leopard Print Stenciled Calfskin Shoulder Bag
By Dominique Aurientis Paris
Located in Gresham, OR
A beautiful 1980s Dominique Aurientis Paris leopard print stenciled calf skin shoulder bag or clutch convertible. Suede lined. Magnetic gold-tone closure...
1980s Judith Leiber Black Lizard Convertible Clutch Handbag w/ Obsidian Cameo
By Judith Leiber
Located in Gresham, OR
1980s Judith Leiber oval black lizard skin convertible clutch handbag with obsidian cameo clasp. Optional chain handle disappears into bag for clutch. Size...
Gucci by Tom Ford Horse Bit Mini Bag Chain GG Monogram Green & Red Webbing
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a mini GG horse-bit hobo bag by Tom Ford for Gucci. This early 2000s bag features the classic 'GG' monogram weave accented with the red and green Gucci web down the front and back center. An oversized horse...
$175Sale Price|22% Off
H 4.5 in D 2.25 in L 7 in
SAKS FIFTH AVENUE Black Satin Egg Shaped Versatile Clutch - Shoulder Bag c 1980s
By Saks Fifth Avenue
Located in University City, MO
SAKS FIFTH AVENUE Black matte satin egg shaped clutch - shoulder bag c 1980s The elegant black satin evening bag is adorned with a cluster of clear diamante' crystals encrusted in ...
Carlos Falchi Printed Leather Slouch Bag
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New York, NY
Carlos Falchi Printed Leather Slouch Bag with signature gathered flap. Super long cross body strap (which can be knotted to shorten) with fold over ...
CARLOS FALCHI c.1990’s Brown Embossed Leather Patch Detail Flap Shoulder Bag
By Carlos Falchi
Located in Thiensville, WI
CARLOS FALCHI c.1990’s Brown Embossed Leather Patch Detail Flap Shoulder Bag Circa: 1990’s Style: Flap shoulder bag Color(s): Shades of brown Lined: Yes Unmarked Fabric Content (f...
Vintage Carlos Falchi Black Buffalo Leather Shoulder Bag or Crossbody Purse
By Carlos Falchi
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic and classic signature CARLOS FALCHI black buffalo leather shoulder bag or crossbody messenger bag! The strap is long enough to function as either. Buffalo leather is one of the ...
Carlos Falchi Multi-Color, Snake, Pylon, Crocodile and Alligator Skin Clutch
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New York, NY
Carlos Falchi wonderfully detailed multi-color clutch and optional shoulder bag accented with Pylon, snake, crocodile and alligator skins into a wonderful "Patchwork" wonderla...
Sold
H 5 in W 1 in L 12 in
1980's CARLOS FALCHI asymmetrical snakeskin patchwork clutch bag with strap
By Carlos Falchi
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Asymmetrically shaped snakeskin patchwork clutch with thin concealable leather strap designed by Carlos Falchi dating to the 1980's. Measures approximately: 12" wide by 5" tall by 1"...
Carlos Falchi Large Signature Black Textured Buffalo Shoulder Bag
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New York, NY
Carlos Falchi wonderful signature large black textured buffalo skin shoulder bag detailed with his renowned hand-etched patches on the front flap. The front flap measures 11 i...
Vintage Carlos Falchi Black Buffalo Leather Shoulder Bag or Crossbody Purse
By Carlos Falchi
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic and classic signature CARLOS FALCHI black buffalo leather shoulder bag or crossbody messenger bag! The strap is long enough to function as either. Buffalo leather is one of the ...
Bubblegum Pink Carlos Falchi Cinched Shoulder Bag
By Carlos Falchi
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
1980s Carlos Falchi cinched flap shoulder bag! 100% leather in a unique bubblegum pink color. Flap closes with magnet. Features a drawstring closure on the interior beneath the flap....
1980's CARLOS FALCHI blue patchwork convertible clutch made of reptile skins
By Carlos Falchi
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Vivid blue patchwork clutch made of reptile skins and straw from Carlos Falchi. Cleverly pieced so that pattern symmetrically matches on body of bag and flap. Bag measures approximat...
Carlos Falchi Pieced Snake and Calf Bag
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New York, NY
Carlos 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 ...
Carlos Falchi Black Python Shoulder Bag rt. $2, 895
By Carlos Falchi
Located in New York, NY
Features leather shoulder straps and zip top closure Color: Black Hardware: Silvertone Materials: Python and leather Lining: Multicolor printed textile Clo...
CARLOS FALCHI Muted Burgundy Marsala Alligator Woven Shoulder Bag
By Carlos Falchi
Located in San Francisco, CA
Fabulous FATTO A MANO by CARLOS FALCHI shoulder bag. A unique work of art, this piece comes in luscious muted burgundy marsala colored alligator leather and features top stitch and w...