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 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 | About us
Perfect for a gallery opening or dinner in the city, the Céline Ava Bag in brown smooth calfskin with gold-tone accents transitions effortlessly from day to night. A zip-top and shoulder strap keep essentials secure as you mingle, making refined style feel beautifully easy.
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 Céline Ava Bag? A: The Ava is a compact shoulder bag with a distinct crescent silhouette. It comfortably holds daily essentials such as a large smartphone (including an iPhone Pro/Max), a cardholder or compact wallet, keys, lipstick, and hand sanitiser. Due to its curved shape and slim profile, larger items like continental wallets, water bottles, or bulky sunglasses cases generally do not fit. Please refer to the Measurements (approx. 25 × 13 × 6 cm) on this page or contact us for a tailored fit check for this exact piece.
Q: Is the shoulder strap adjustable? Can I wear it crossbody? A: The single flat shoulder strap is adjustable, typically featuring three snap-button positions to alter the drop slightly for a comfortable under-arm fit. However, it is designed exclusively for shoulder or hand carry and is not long enough to be worn as a crossbody bag. The handle drop for this piece is listed in the Measurements section (approx. 20 cm).
Q: How secure is the closure? A: The Ava features a secure zip-top closure that follows the curve of the bag, keeping your belongings safe while maintaining the bag’s streamlined shape. It is an excellent choice for city use where security is a priority.
Q: What is the interior layout? A: The interior is lined in tonal suede (calfskin) and features a single main compartment with one flat slip pocket on the side. This minimalist layout maximizes the available space for your essentials.
Q: How should I care for smooth calfskin leather? A: Smooth calfskin is luxurious and has a beautiful lustre, but it can be susceptible to surface scratches and liquid marks. Keep the bag away from moisture, oils, and prolonged sunlight. If it gets wet, blot gently with a soft, dry cloth. Minor scuffs can sometimes be buffed out gently with a clean, soft cloth, but deep scratches may be permanent. Store the bag upright and lightly stuffed to maintain its crescent shape, and avoid pressing it against hardware or other textured items.
Q: Where are the brand markings and codes located? A: Authentic Céline Ava bags typically feature a gold-foil “CELINE PARIS” stamp on the front centre. Inside, you will find “Made in Italy” stamped on the leather tag or lining. A date code is usually located inside the internal flat pocket; the format (typically X-XX-####) varies by production year. We are happy to provide close-up photos of these details on request.
Q: Is the Céline Ava Bag still produced? A: Yes, the Ava is a current and highly sought-after style, often released in various materials such as Triomphe Canvas and smooth calfskin. The pre-loved market is a great place to find specific combinations like this brown smooth calfskin version at a more accessible price point.
Q: What accessories are included and how do you authenticate? A: Any included items (e.g., dust bag, box, tags) are listed under “Accessories.” If an accessory isn’t mentioned there, it isn’t included. Every item at A Retro Tale is rigorously vetted by our in-house experts using multi-point checks of materials, stitching, hardware, stamps, date codes, and overall construction. We stand behind the authenticity of all items we sell.
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.
A Retro Tale is registered for UK VAT. All prices on the website include shipping, customs, and VAT for deliveries to the UK.
These charges are typically collected by the shipping carrier at the time of delivery and are not included in the product price.
We offer secure shipping via DHL and UPS with the following delivery time:
Outside Europe: 3-6 business days.
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.
Please note that the return shipping fee is covered by the returnee and all return shippings to A Retro Tale must be traceable. Thus, please retain your receipt of shipping and tracking number until your return has been completed and you have received your refund.
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.
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.
/ Céline
/ Bags
/ Shoulder bags
1 148 £
23%
off retail price
• Brown smooth calfskin leather
• Gold-tone hardware
• Single adjustable flat shoulder strap
• Tonal suede lining with one internal flat pocket
• Zip-top closure
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.
