We make luxury accessible for all. We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence.
We make luxury accessible for all. We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence.We make luxury accessible for all. We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence.
Effortlessly elevate off-duty days or an evening gig with this vintage Balenciaga First in blue distressed leather. Bronze‑tone hardware, whipstitched top handles and a detachable shoulder strap offer versatile wear, while the black fabric interior with a zipped pocket keeps essentials organised. Ideal for city breaks, brunch dates or casual nights out.
Please note that the majority of our items are vintage and therefore have tales to tell unless stated otherwise. Therefore, please look at pictures, descriptions and measurements provided as they give you the best idea of the story this item has to tell.
* Please note that when you buy a vintage product, the dimensions may vary slightly from a new one depending on previous care and storage.
Q: What typically fits inside the Balenciaga First? A: With approximate dimensions of 32 × 17 × 5 cm, it comfortably carries daily essentials such as a smartphone, small wallet, keys, sunglasses in a soft case, compact cosmetics, passport and a small tablet (e.g., iPad mini/Kindle) placed horizontally. It will not fit A4 documents or a 13-inch laptop. Please refer to the Measurements on this page for exact sizing.
Q: Is the strap long enough to wear crossbody? A: The detachable strap on this piece has an approximate 20 cm drop, which is intended for shoulder carry and is generally too short for crossbody on most people. A few very early First bags reportedly had longer straps, but crossbody wear is not standard for the First. Some clients use an extender or a longer replacement strap if they prefer crossbody styling.
Q: How does the First compare to the City? A: The First is the more compact, slim member of Balenciaga’s Motorcycle family—great for essentials and light carry—whereas the City is larger with greater capacity and longer proportions. If you want a lightweight day bag for basics, the First is ideal; if you need more room and organisation, consider the City.
Q: What are the hallmark design features of this model? A: Signature details include soft distressed leather, dual whipstitched top handles, a detachable shoulder strap, a front zipped pocket with leather pull, a removable leather-framed mirror and aged bronze-tone hardware. This piece has a black fabric lining with an internal zipped pocket and a top zip closure.
Q: What leather is used and how should I care for it? A: Classic First bags were crafted in Balenciaga’s signature distressed leathers—many seasons in soft lambskin (often called Arena) and some early releases in goatskin. Care tips: keep away from rain and prolonged heat/sunlight, wipe with a soft dry cloth after use, condition sparingly with a specialist product only when the leather feels dry, and store lightly stuffed in a breathable dust bag. Avoid overfilling to preserve the slouchy silhouette and minimise corner wear.
Q: Is the hardware meant to look matte and aged? A: Yes. The bronze-tone hardware is designed with an intentionally aged finish. Light scratches and dulling develop naturally with use and are part of the aesthetic. Avoid contact with lotions, perfumes and moisture to minimise additional patina.
Q: Are tassels, corners or handles repairable if they show wear? A: In most cases, yes. Experienced leather specialists can replace tassels, reinforce or recolour corners and refresh handles. Balenciaga boutiques or authorised repair centres may assist depending on parts availability for the bag’s year; reputable third‑party restorers are also an option. We recommend a professional assessment before any work.
Q: Does this item come with any extras? A: Everything included is listed under the product information section. For this piece, that includes a dust bag, detachable shoulder strap and mirror.
Q: Is this bag vintage and what era is the First from? A: Yes, this is a vintage First. Balenciaga’s Motorcycle line debuted in 2001, and the First is one of the earliest sizes from that family. The exact production year of this piece is not specified; our team can share tag photos on request.
Q: How do you authenticate this item? A: Each item at A Retro Tale is thoroughly vetted by our in‑house experts using multi‑point checks of leather and stitching quality, hardware and zippers, interior labels and serial/date codes, and overall construction. We stand behind the authenticity of all items we sell and can provide additional product photos on request.
SHIPPING
All orders are insured and trackable. Once your shipment has been issued, a link to our Track & Trace service will be provided where you can track your shipment and check delivery status online.
We ship all orders from Sweden, and when importing to Canada your order may be subject to import duties and sales tax, which will be charged to you upon delivery by the shipping carrier.
These charges are typically collected by the shipping carrier at the time of delivery and are not included in the product price.
RETURNS
A Retro Tale offers 14 days return policy upon receipt of your order.
In order to request a return, please email [email protected] with your order number and state ”return request” in your email. From there, our Customer Support will confirm that your return request has been approved and further instructions will be provided by email.
AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEED
A Retro Tale specialises in vintage and pre-owned goods from the world's most loved fashion houses. We guarantee that all of our products are 100 percent authentic. Every item sold on our site undergoes a rigorous authentication process, in which our experts delve deep into the heritage of a brand via its craftsmanship techniques. This requires a rigorous and methodical process.
For us, authentication is about more than expertise; it offers a fascinating insight into the history of fashion and the craftsmanship involved in production.
Vintage Balenciaga First Bag - 863-21973 - A Retro Tale
Recently viewed
Please note that all return shipments to A Retro Tale must be traceable. Retain your shipping receipt and tracking number until the return is completed and your refund is processed. Return shipping costs will be covered by A Retro Tale, and we will provide you with a prepaid return label.
Please allow up to 10 business days for your return to be completed from the return shipping date as shipping time might vary depending on shipping country and shipping provider.
/ Balenciaga
/ Bags
/ Crossbody bags
/ Classic City
31%
off retail price
• Blue distressed leather
• Bronze-tone hardware
• Dual whipstitched top handles
• Detachable shoulder strap
• Black fabric lining with one internal zipped pocket
• Top zip closure
• Comes with a leather-framed mirror
• Vintage
Customs fee and local taxes may apply upon delivery
Free shipping & returns to Canada
Export deal 20% off sitewide
Delivered with
dust bag, detachable shoulder strap, mirror
Made in
Italy
Product number:
863-21973
The authenticity of this bag has been checked and verified by our experts who have over 10 years of experience in vintage and luxury bags. We also use a well established 3rd party authentication tool to verify our bags.
