Classic Vintage Bags from Salvatore Ferragamo

When it comes to vintage bags nothing has me quite like some vintage Ferragamo. The design elements of Ferragamo bags haven't really changed over the years - either the bows you see in their signature Vara bags or the Gancini buckle would be present in all of their bag designs. Due to these classic tell-tale symbols vintage pieces by Salvatore Ferragamo has, and probably will, remain current for a long time. Buying vintage means you get that classy feel that seem to emanate from vintage bags, unique styles that are hard to find on the streets AND at a cheaper price. However there are three points that I think people should keep in mind whilst buying Ferragamo bags: 

  1. Beware of light colored fabric bows 
  2. Patent leather should also be approached with caution 
  3. Research the model that you are buying
The first two points derives from the amount of times that I have walked on the street and seen color or dirt transfer onto light colored patent Ferragamo bow bags. It seems that this particular style of bags by Ferragamo requires quite a bit of upkeep. Below is a sample of a Ferragamo bag found online (which is not a vintage bag) that looks little worse for wear: 



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That is not to say that some kind of spray - such as that of Scotchguard Multi-purpose Protector, will not save the bag from wear and tear, but this has not been tested by me. Alternatively you could buy a dark patent Vara bow bag where the ribbon is also made of patent and that may be able to solve the problem of upkeep.

On point three, the loveliest thing about vintage Ferragamo bags are that their model number are easily found within the bag which makes researching that particular model of the bag so much easier. A simple google search will be able to yield results on how the bag would look on the body as well as showing some hidden problems that may exist - this will be further elaborated upon with a particular vintage Ferragamo mini bag which would be introduced below.

Having said all of the above I would like to share with you some of bag models that have stolen my heart.

Fabric Bow style:

Salvatore Ferragamo Camera Bag
Camera bags are one of those style of bags that almost all fashion house has come out with, and rightly so since the design of them are simple and practical. From experience, these camera bags are one of the most affordable vintage Ferragamo bags, where prices range from HKD 500 to HKD 2000 (USD 67- 255). Below are the two models of camera bags that Ferragamo has come out with.

Model D213096 

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Measuring approximately 7.5" x 6.5" x 3" and falls near butt area if worn on the should or the pelvis area if worn cross-body (I'm 164cm tall). It should be noted that in comparison to the next model of camera bag featured in this post, the D213096 model's shoulder strap is non-adjustable and the inner pocket is open through Velcro. I don't think much needs to be elaborated upon in terms of camera bags - they fit a lot despite of their size and just looks good.

Model BA214183 / BA214683 

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Measuring approximately 9.5" x 6.5" x 3.5" with a strap length of 21", in comparison to the D213096 this model has a slip pocket at the front, adjustable shoulder straps and a inner pocket that is zipped (rather than Velcro). 

A more modern approach of this bag by Ferragamo would be the "Salvatore Ferragamo Vara camera bag" which looks something like this:

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The camera bag comes in many different colors and finishes(smooth leather, croc embossed, lizard embossed, suede etc.). So if you're in the market for one, I'd suggest shopping around to find your favorite combination~

Salvatore Ferragamo Mini Bags
Ferragamo came out with some of the cutest, dinky bags. Not especially practical because of their sizes but oh so adorable~

Model AQ213202
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Measuring W5.7"x H4.3" x D1.96" with a chain length of 43", this model of bag can be a clutch, a cross-body bag and a waist bag! This one dainty bag can be worn three ways - which coincidentally seems to be a rather popular design previously. With the increasing popularity of bum bags in today's fashion (*hint Gucci matelasse belt bags hint*) buying this vintage piece means that you can join in look modern but also have the option of switching back to using this bag as a shoulder bag or clutch if the fad fades~

 Model AQ216164
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Measuring 5.1" x H 3.5" x D 2.0" with a strap length of 24.8"-26.0". The large bow on this bag accentuates just how tiny the bag is and I love it! Miniature things just seem all the more cuter in my opinion. Though practically speaking it may not be able to fit all your belongings, but hey~ who needs that extra packet of tissue when you can look fab (...I do. I have allergies). However remember point 3 above when I stated that thing about researching your bag? Well unfortunately this model of bag is a example of it. From looking at second hand online stores which stock this bag, you'll be able to see that the metallic buckle of the bow actually tends to have the appearance of brown and white spots (as seen below):

Photos from conversation with HK Carousell user film.pointnshoot in regards to the following listing: 

The exact reason for this is uncertain - it may be the material of the buckle just tends to have this type of defect as time passes or perhaps in the process of making the buckle quality control wasn't at it's best allowing elements of rust to contaminate the machine when the buckle was in the making. Whatever it is this is the type of points/defects that can be found through simply looking at other models of the same bag online.

 Salvatore Ferragamo Top Handle Bag
Probably one of the most practical styles of handbag - I tend to like to have my bags to both have a hand-carry handle as well as a shoulder strap. I find that this allows for quicker maneuver in and out of places especially when its crowded or when you're rushing to leave the house etc. you'll be able to grab hold onto handbag whilst a shoulder strap allows for hands-free lifestyle. A top handle shoulder bag is honestly one of my favorite type of design~

Model BA214178 

Measuring 9.8" x 8.2" x 3.7" with a should strap length of 42.9". I think it should be note that the way the shoulder straps are attached may cause potential distress (see pic to the right), if the bag is too heavy the attachment may break, but this is simply my suspicion. I really do like top handle bags that can double as a shoulder bag so this design is definitely among my favorite :)

Salvatore Ferragamo Tote Bag 
Included for those who are working. Below are the models of Ferragamo tote bags which could be suitable for carrying laptops/A4 sheets of paper.

 Model AN 212530

Measuring 13.6" x 11.2" x 4.6" with a strap length of 25.4". I recall a smaller size of the same style of bag but cannot find what the model number is. If you want this style of bag but smaller you'd probably do some research to find out the model number for that because I'm too lazy to XD

Gancini Buckle Style
The Gancini buckle is another symbol featured within Ferragamo items - it was first used within their handbag designs in 1969 and has pretty remained as a design elements for their handbags up till now.

Salvatore Ferragamo Top Handle Bag

 Model AQ-212193
Photos from left to right: 
Measuring at 7" x 7.8"(measure from bottom of  bag) x 3.3" with a strap length of 42.3". This bag has two compartments with a zipper pocket at one side of the compartments. This is the smaller version of this style of the bag (the larger version being Model BA-210290/BA-212181) as seen below. There is something about this style of top handle bag that gives it a classic vintage look. Out of all the models introduced within this blog post I would say that this bag is probably my favorite, because of the way its structure - classy and elegant, and its practicality, it also helps that the buckle screams Ferragamo without being obnoxious about it.

 Model BA-210290
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Measures 10.2" x 8" x 4.1" with unknown strap length. This is a larger top handle bag and could potentially pose as a work bag as well! Again, there are two compartments with a zipper pocket at one side of the compartments. As compared to model BA-212181 below, you can see that the top of the bag is less narrow and thus this bag can potentially fit more within it.

Model BA-212181

Measuring at 10.8" x 7.8" x 3.9" with a strap length of 40.9" to 44". Again similar to the bag above, this could make for a good work bag. The amount of compartments is exactly the same as the above bag, and as mention the only difference is that the top of the bag is more narrow (as evidence from the photos) which in my opinion, creates a more vintage feel to it so is a model I would endorse in more however, again, the amount of stuff that could fit may be hampered precisely because of this design.

Salvatore Ferragamo Cross-body bag

 Model BA-214797


Measuring 6.1" x 4.5" x 2.7" with a strap length of 49.6". This is a cute cross-body bag with one compartment and a slip pocket within. Having a bag in similar size I can safely say that you cannot fit much in this bag - approximately a cardholder as a wallet, your phone, your keys and maybe a lipstick or two.

Shout-out to the 1990's: Ferragamo Acrylic Bags 
Again, not the most practical of bags included because I find it rather interesting - you have to literally crack open the bag in order to get to the contents. On the other hand clear bags seem to be making a comeback? At the very least it was featured in the Chanel S/S 2018 collection and to be honest, I think any clear handbag will just turn heads so...perhaps investing in a Ferragamo one would be a good idea HAHA

Photos from left to right: 

Disclaimer:

  1. Above are some of the thoughts I have on the Ferragamo bags, I am however, not an expert and if you have differing opinions feel free to leave them below. The more info available the better after all :D 
  2. Pictures of bags included are all found on the internet and me posting them in no way guarantees their authenticity
  3. If you are the owner of some of the photos that I have used within the blog post and would like for me to taken them down, please message me and it will be done! Thank you :) 

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