Vintage Givenchy Sacs à Main Flap Bag in Navy Box Calfskin
Shoulder Bag / Clutch (Convertible) · Givenchy (LVMH-owned currently, but vintage production), Haute Couture Heritage Tier. Brand founded by Hubert de Givenchy.
Collection: Sacs à Main Boutique Line, Permanent Vintage Collection
Style
Shoulder Bag / Clutch (Convertible)
Brand
Givenchy (LVMH-owned currently, but vintage production), Haute Couture Heritage Tier. Brand founded by Hubert de Givenchy.
Material
Smooth Box Calfskin leather with a stiff, structured temper; machine-stitched with high-density thread; hand-painted edge glazing.
Dimensions
Approx. 26cm Width x 18cm Height x 5cm Depth; typical of a Medium vintage evening flap.
Description
An elegant example of mid-century French minimalism, this Givenchy vintage flap bag exemplifies 'le chic ultime.' The structured navy calfskin offers a sophisticated alternative to black, while the prominent gold-tone hardware plate serves as a focal point of brand heritage.
Key Features
Hexagonal 'Givenchy' gold-tone logo plate, 'Sacs à Main' (Handbags) designation, box calf leather, and internal signature pocket.
Material & Construction
Smooth Box Calfskin leather with a stiff, structured temper; machine-stitched with high-density thread; hand-painted edge glazing.
Color & Pattern
Navy Blue (Bleu Marine), solid smooth grain finish, classic permanent vintage shade.
Hardware Details
Gold-tone plated metal; features a specialized hexagonal logo plate with 'SACS A MAIN GIVENCHY' block engraving; matching gold-tone snap closure.
Interior Description
Lined in color-matched navy leather or coated smooth fabric; features one large main compartment and one zippered interior pocket with a nylon zipper tape.
Closure Type
Magnetic or mechanical snap button located under the top flap.
Strap & Handle Details
Likely a thin leather shoulder strap that is either detachable or can be tucked inside to convert to a clutch.
Craftsmanship Details
High stitch-per-inch count; precise metal engraving on branding plate; interior pocket edges are finished with a fold-over technique rather than raw cuts.
Authentication Indicators
The 'G' in Givenchy must have a consistent serif; the gold plate should be heavy, not plastic; stitching is straight and follows the edge distance perfectly.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in France; manufactured in specialized leather ateliers under Givenchy's luxury licensing standards of the period.
Era & Period
Late 1970s to early 1980s; identified by the specific 'Sacs à Main' branding and rectangular/hexagonal hardware style common in that era.
Age Estimate
Circa 1980-1985; based on the serif font of the logo and the zipper pull style.
Cultural Significance
Represents the transition of couture houses into accessible luxury leather goods during the 1980s power-dressing era.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible surface scuffing and scratches on the leather; significant tarnishing and plating wear on the gold logo plate; interior dusty with light zipper tape wear.
Value Estimate
$250 - $550 USD depending on the strap condition and external leather restoration.
Care & Maintenance
Treat with high-quality wax-based leather conditioner (like Saphir) to buff out scratches; store in a breathable dust bag; avoid moisture on box calf to prevent spotting.
Similar Handbags
Celine Vintage Box Bag (similar shape), Saint Laurent Cassandra, Vintage Dior Honeycomb Flap.
Interesting Facts
Hubert de Givenchy was famous for dressing Audrey Hepburn; the 'Sacs à Main' line was the brand's primary leather goods offering before the modern 'It-bag' era (Antigona/Pandora).