Rare 1980s Fendi Snakeskin Crossbody Bag
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Snakeskin
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Scottsdale, AZ
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU16722549283
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 distribute 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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Scottsdale, AZ
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- Ferragamo Woven Bronze Clutch/CrossbodyBy FerragamoLocated in Scottsdale, AZThis highly textured Ferragamo clutch will be your new favorite handbag! Salvatore Ferragamo is highly known to be a luxury Italian shoe designer who emigrated to Boston, MA and then shortly opened a store in Hollywood where he found success. He was always confused that shoes seemed to be beautiful but uncomfortable to wear, he so decided to study anatomy. Making an outfit stylized is all about mixing textures together. To mix textures, try pairing this crossbody/clutch with a soft knit dress, some leather Christian Louboutin knee high boots...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Clutches
- Nancy Gonzalez 2000s Genuine Crocodile ClutchBy Nancy GonzalezLocated in Scottsdale, AZShow some class with this Nancy Gonzalez clutch! Circa 2000s, this clutch is made from genuine crocodile skin with a black/brown finish. Features...Category
Early 2000s Colombian Clutches
- Pierre Cardin 1970s Monogram Suede ClutchBy Pierre CardinLocated in Scottsdale, AZEveryone needs a great vintage clutch in their collection! Circa 1970s, this Pierre Cardin dark mocha suede clutch features the recognizable Pierre Cardin monogram, gold hardware and...Category
1970s American Clutches
- Chanel Textured Sequin and Quilted Leather ClutchBy ChanelLocated in Scottsdale, AZGet your hands on the most luxurious Chanel clutch you can find! This is a highly textured Chanel clutch with an ultra-soft leather quilted leather contrasted with extremely textured sequin body in a checkered pattern. The leather is accompanied by a simple yet stunning gold 'cc' charm. This is highly designed bag with interesting design details like the 'peaking' leather pouch coming from the top of the clutch. This is in impeccable condition, with no notable flaws. Comes with the authentication card. Take a peek on the spacious inside to a nylon interior in amazing condition with one slip pocket. To make your outfits look ultra styled, mix textures and fabrics. With this Chanel clutch, you can do just that! Pair with a Balenciaga...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches
- Escada Lace Clutch with TasselBy EscadaLocated in Scottsdale, AZ90's structured lace clutch by Escada. Mirrored gun metal structured case with black suede trim and back with a silk lace front. Studded ring handle with coiled tassel, black beadin...Category
1990s Italian Clutches
- 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
- Helene Black Ostrich Cross Body/Clutch handbag Made in Italy 1990sLocated in West Palm Beach, FLHelene Black Ostrich Cross Body/Clutch handbag Made in Italy. This beautiful bag is the perfect size for a day of shopping, it will hold all your necessary items and leave your hands...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Blue Love Woven Crossbody BagLocated in Carlsbad, CADESCRIPTION Beaded letters on exterior Dual zipper closure Single top handle Removable woven faux leather chain strap Double compartment interior Interior zippered pocket Measureme...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Blue Bouquet Woven Crossbody BagLocated in Carlsbad, CADESCRIPTION Dual zipper closure Tweed and faux leather Single handle Removable woven faux leather chain crossbody strap Interior patch pocket Measurements: Length: 7.5in / 19.05cm W...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Elegant Black Woven Crossbody BagLocated in Carlsbad, CAThe Brielle is a classic flap bag with a plush felt woven through the chain for a softer and more elegant look. Crossbody is pictured with removable charm; not included in purchase!...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- 1970's Roberta Di Camerino Velvet ClutchBy Roberta Di CamerinoLocated in Toronto, OntarioRoberta Di Camerino clutch dating from the 1970s. The iconic Roberta Di Camerino navy, green and red velvet colour blocking with small 'R' logo. Solid navy back and black leather int...Category
1970s Italian Clutches
- Chanel Vintage 1990 Alligator Skin Leather Classic Flap Bag Convertible ClutchBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLSmall black Chanel crocodile envelope flap with vintage chain 1990 {VINTAGE 33 Years} Vintage gold hardware Interior black leather lining Crocodile...Category
1990s French Clutches
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.