Vintage Balenciaga The First Bag

Export deal 20% off site wide

Canada

Search...

Export deal 20% off site wide

MARKET & LANGUAGE

Canada

NEWSLETTER

Help & Support

Visit our store

Sell

A Retro Tale

You are always welcome to contact us if you have any questions:

Monday – Friday 9 - 17 CET
+ 46 10–160 60 44
[email protected]

Backed by H&M GROUP

A Retro Tale AB – Organisationsnummer 559038-7444

Legal & privacy

Terms & conditions

Pay directly or in installments

Insured and traceable deliveries

NEWSLETTER

Get 10% off your first purchase and discover exclusive offers before anyone else! See discount terms here.

By signing up to the A Retro Tale newsletter you agree to our Terms & Conditions.

MARKET

Canada

Backed by H&M GROUP

A Retro Tale AB–Org 559038-7444

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.

HELP & SUPPORT

FAQ

Delivery & Returns

Track your order

+46 10-160 60 44

[email protected]

Monday - Friday 9-17 CET

VISIT OUR STORE

Norrlandsgatan 15

111 43, Stockholm

Mood Stockholm - Floor 3

[email protected]

+46 70 730 76 41

Opening hours

Mon-Fri: 10-19

Sat: 10-18

Sun: 11-17

SELL

Get a free valuation

How it works

[email protected]

A RETRO TALE

About us

Authentication

Sourcing

Sustainability

Stories

Join our affiliate program

Store

Legal & privacy

Terms & conditions

Accessibility Adjustments

Insured and traceable deliveries

MARKET & LANGUAGE

Canada

NEWSLETTER

Help & Support

Visit our store

Sell

A Retro Tale

You are always welcome to contact us if you have any questions:

Monday – Friday 9 - 17 CET
+ 46 10–160 60 44
[email protected]

Backed by H&M GROUP

A Retro Tale AB – Organisationsnummer 559038-7444

Legal & privacy

Terms & conditions

Pay directly or in installments

Insured and traceable deliveries

NEWSLETTER

Get 10% off your first purchase and discover exclusive offers before anyone else! See discount terms here.

By signing up to the A Retro Tale newsletter you agree to our Terms & Conditions.

MARKET

Canada

Backed by H&M GROUP

A Retro Tale AB–Org 559038-7444

HELP & SUPPORT

FAQ

Delivery & Returns

Track your order

+46 10-160 60 44

[email protected]

Monday - Friday 9-17 CET

VISIT OUR STORE

Norrlandsgatan 15

111 43, Stockholm

Mood Stockholm - Floor 3

[email protected]

+46 70 730 76 41

Opening hours

Mon-Fri: 10-19

Sat: 10-18

Sun: 11-17

SELL

Get a free valuation

How it works

[email protected]

A RETRO TALE

About us

Authentication

Sourcing

Sustainability

Stories

Join our affiliate program

Store

Legal & privacy

Terms & conditions

Accessibility Adjustments

Insured and traceable deliveries

Q: What are the dimensions and what typically fits inside the Balenciaga First?
A: This piece measures approximately 32 × 19 × 5 cm with a 12.5 cm handle drop and a 20 cm strap drop. It comfortably holds a smartphone, long wallet, sunglasses, keys and a small cosmetics pouch. A slim A5 diary or a small tablet (such as an iPad mini) can fit when placed horizontally. Full‑size tablets and large water bottles are generally too big for this size.

Q: Can the First be worn crossbody?
A: The classic First comes with a short, non‑adjustable shoulder strap that most users find suitable for shoulder carry rather than true crossbody wear. A few very early pieces reportedly had slightly longer straps, but crossbody carry is not typical for this model. Please refer to the 20 cm strap drop listed for this item.

Q: Is the shoulder strap adjustable or removable?
A: The strap is detachable for versatility but not adjustable. This item includes the detachable shoulder strap listed in the Accessories section.

Q: What type of leather is used and how does it wear over time?
A: Many First bags are crafted in Balenciaga’s soft, crinkled lambskin (often called Arena leather), while some early 2000s examples were made in goatskin. The leather is designed to be supple and may develop softening, slight creasing, and gentle patina with use. Handle darkening and minor corner wear are common signs of normal ageing on vintage pieces.

Q: How should I care for the leather and hardware?
A: Wipe the leather occasionally with a very soft, dry cloth and avoid moisture, oils, colour transfer and prolonged sunlight/heat. Store it stuffed to support the silhouette and keep it in a breathable dust bag. Condition sparingly with a leather‑safe product only if needed; for deep cleaning or colour touch‑ups, consult a professional leather specialist. Hardware should be buffed gently with a microfibre cloth—avoid abrasives or metal polish.

Q: What are the key differences between Classic and Giant hardware on Motorcycle styles?
A: Classic hardware features smaller round studs and buckles in an aged‑brass tone with leather tassel zip pulls. Giant hardware (introduced later) uses larger, more prominent studs; some seasons offered Giant 12 (smaller of the giant studs) and Giant 21 (larger). This particular bag features Classic brass hardware.

Q: When did the First bag appear and why is it considered iconic?
A: The First is part of Balenciaga’s Motorcycle line introduced under Nicolas Ghesquière in 2001. Its slouchy silhouette, braided handles, zipper details and studded hardware made it an early‑2000s icon and a favourite among celebrities; the aesthetic continues to inspire current re‑editions.

Q: Is this size practical for daily use?
A: Yes—if you carry the essentials. The First offers a streamlined, lightweight option for daily errands or evenings out, with an exterior zipped pocket for quick‑access items and an interior zipped pocket for valuables. If you frequently carry larger tech or a water bottle, you may prefer a bigger Motorcycle style such as the City or Work.

Q: What accessories are included with this item?
A: Everything included is listed under Accessories. For this piece, a detachable shoulder strap is included. If a dust bag, mirror or card is not listed there, it is not included. As always, A Retro Tale carefully authenticates every item we sell and can share additional photos or details on request.

Balenciaga The First Bag

SHIPPING

RETURNS

AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEED

Condition

Dimensions

Product Information

PRODUCT FAQ

Delivery & Returns

Authentication

Contact an expert

VERIFIED EXPERT

.fbfcceacfcefdadd { padding-top: 4px;padding-bottom: 12px;--input-padding: 4px 0px 12px 0px; font-size: 16px;line-height: 24px; } @media (min-width: 1024px) { .fbfcceacfcefdadd { padding-top: 12px;padding-right: 6px;--input-padding: 12px 6px 0px 0px; } }Balenciaga The First Bag

.cacdbcacdbceeadd { font-size: 13px;line-height: 20px; }SHIPPING

.dadcdaaffbacfefeadd { font-size: 13px;line-height: 20px; }RETURNS

.ddabcadd { font-size: 13px;line-height: 20px; }AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEED

.dacfdcedbceadd { padding-top: 4px;padding-bottom: 26px;--input-padding: 4px 0px 26px 0px; font-size: 13px;line-height: 13px; }Condition

.ffeedcbbadd { padding-top: 4px;padding-bottom: 26px;--input-padding: 4px 0px 26px 0px; font-size: 13px;line-height: 13px; }Dimensions

.ccdfdbfbecadd { padding-right: px;--input-padding: 0px px 0px 0px; font-size: 13px;line-height: 20px; } @media (min-width: 1024px) { .ccdfdbfbecadd { padding-right: px;--input-padding: 0px px 0px 0px; font-family: lg:font-base; } }Product Information

.ccafcedfbebaadd { padding-right: px;--input-padding: 0px px 0px 0px; font-size: 13px;line-height: 16px; } @media (min-width: 1024px) { .ccafcedfbebaadd { padding-right: px;--input-padding: 0px px 0px 0px; font-family: lg:font-base; } }PRODUCT FAQ

.efacfaaacdcfcdadd { padding-right: px;--input-padding: 0px px 0px 0px; font-size: 13px;line-height: 16px; } @media (min-width: 1024px) { .efacfaaacdcfcdadd { padding-right: px;--input-padding: 0px px 0px 0px; font-family: lg:font-base; } }Delivery & Returns

.bfecbbadabdefadd { padding-right: px;--input-padding: 0px px 0px 0px; font-size: 13px;line-height: 19px; } @media (min-width: 1024px) { .bfecbbadabdefadd { padding-right: px;--input-padding: 0px px 0px 0px; font-family: lg:font-base; } }Authentication

.bacabebffdadaadd { padding-right: px;--input-padding: 0px px 0px 0px; font-size: 13px;line-height: 19px; } @media (min-width: 1024px) { .bacabebffdadaadd { padding-right: px;--input-padding: 0px px 0px 0px; font-family: lg:font-base; } }Contact an expert

.ebdaafdebcbadd { color: rgba(28,28,28,1);font-size: 13px;line-height: 34px; }VERIFIED EXPERT

Balenciaga The First Bag

SHIPPING

RETURNS

AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEED

Condition

Dimensions

Product Information

PRODUCT FAQ

Delivery & Returns

Authentication

Contact an expert

VERIFIED EXPERT