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 chic day in the city—from brunch to gallery visits and meetings—this vintage Céline Macadam Top Handle elevates smart-casual looks. The brown Macadam canvas, tan leather trim and gold-tone accents bring timeless polish, while dual top handles, zip-around closure and a handy front pocket keep essentials organised from morning to evening.
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 Macadam Top Handle Bag? A: With approximate measurements of 20 × 32 × 11 cm, it comfortably carries a large smartphone (including most Pro/Max models), a continental wallet or cardholder, keys, slim sunglasses in a soft case, wireless earbuds and a small cosmetics pouch. An A5 notebook/diary fits horizontally; a 500 ml water bottle generally fits best laid horizontally; A4 documents (29.7 × 21 cm) do not sit flat due to the 20 cm height. If you’d like a tailored fit check for a specific item, just ask and we’ll test this exact piece.
Q: Can I wear it on the shoulder or crossbody? A: This vintage model features dual rolled leather top handles with an approximate 13 cm drop, ideal for hand or crook‑of‑arm carry. It does not include a long shoulder/crossbody strap. If you need hands‑free wear, we recommend a separate pouch inside for essentials and carrying the bag in hand.
Q: How secure is the closure and what is the interior/exterior layout? A: The zip‑around closure offers good everyday security. This specific piece has a tan leather‑lined main compartment and one exterior front pocket for quick‑access items. Layouts can vary slightly by era within the Macadam family—our photos show the exact configuration of this bag.
Q: What is “Macadam” canvas and how durable is it? A: Macadam refers to Céline’s classic interlocking‑C monogram, typically rendered on coated canvas (often PVC) with leather trim. Coated canvas is lightweight, robust and more scratch‑resistant than many smooth leathers, making it well‑suited to daily use. Leather trim and gold‑tone hardware add structure and finish while naturally showing fine hairline scratches over time.
Q: How should I care for the coated canvas, leather trim and hardware? A: Keep the bag away from heavy rain and oils; blot light moisture with a soft cloth and allow to air‑dry away from heat. Wipe coated canvas with a clean, dry cloth; condition the leather trim sparingly with a high‑quality neutral conditioner after testing on a discreet area. Be mindful of colour transfer from dark denim (especially onto lighter leather), and store the bag upright, lightly stuffed, in a breathable dust bag. Pad the handles during storage to minimise impressions and avoid prolonged contact between hardware and leather.
Q: Is “Macadam” the same as “Triomphe”? A: They’re closely related. The Macadam motif is Céline’s heritage interlocking‑C monogram used widely from the 1970s through the 2000s. Under Hedi Slimane, the house re‑emphasised the motif and name “Triomphe,” referencing the chains encircling Paris’s Arc de Triomphe—the historic inspiration for the pattern. Modern Triomphe pieces and vintage Macadam share this lineage, though construction and details differ by era.
Q: Where are the brand markings and codes typically found on vintage Céline? A: Authentic Céline bags usually feature a “CELINE PARIS” interior heat‑stamp and a country of origin (often Italy or France). Many vintage pieces have a date code rather than a unique serial number; placement varies—commonly on or behind a small leather tab inside a pocket, along an interior seam or pressed into the lining. Date codes indicate factory and production timing and can repeat across items; they are not unique identifiers.
Q: How do you authenticate this bag? A: Every item at A Retro Tale is rigorously vetted by our in‑house experts via multi‑point checks: materials and coated canvas quality, leather trim and stitching, hardware type/engraving, interior heat‑stamps, logo font/spacing, date code format and placement, and overall construction consistent with the era and model. We stand behind the authenticity of all items we sell and can share additional close‑ups or details on request.
Q: What accessories are included with this item? A: For this listing we include a dust bag. Any accessories provided are listed under “Accessories.” If an item isn’t mentioned there (e.g., box or authenticity card for certain eras), it is not included—feel free to contact us for confirmation.
Q: Is this model still produced, and can Céline service vintage pieces? A: The Macadam Top Handle is a vintage style and is generally discontinued; the pre‑loved market is the best way to find specific configurations like this one. Céline boutiques may offer repairs subject to assessment and parts availability; independent luxury leather specialists can also assist with cleaning, zipper pulls, edge‑dye refresh and minor restoration. We’re happy to advise on typical options for your location.
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
/ Handbags
434 £
• Brown Macadam canvas with tan leather trim
• Gold-tone hardware
• Dual rolled leather top handles
• Tan leather lining with one main compartment
• One external front pocket
• Zip-around closure
• Vintage
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.
