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.
Made for city life, this black Balenciaga Classic City is an effortless carry from morning commute to late‑night plans. Its roomy, softly structured shape keeps daily essentials organised, while the distressed leather and silver‑tone details lend a cool, lived‑in edge. Pair it with denim at the weekend or a tailored coat for the office—versatile, iconic, and ready for every day.
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 Motocross Classic City? A: It comfortably carries daily essentials such as a long wallet, phone, keys, sunglasses, a small cosmetics pouch, a 500 ml bottle and a tablet/e‑reader. Some owners report fitting a slim 13-inch laptop at an angle, but many find this tight; an 11–12-inch device or tablet is a safer choice. Please refer to the Measurements on this page for exact dimensions and pack accordingly.
Q: Can the shoulder strap be worn crossbody? A: On most vintage/classic City bags, the detachable strap is designed primarily for the shoulder and is often too short for a true crossbody fit on many heights. Crossbody wear depends on your build and the listed strap drop; some owners opt for longer aftermarket/replacement straps to achieve crossbody length.
Q: Is the original Classic City still in production? A: The original Motocross Classic City is no longer produced by Balenciaga. Current collections feature related designs (such as the Neo Classic and Le City), while the original Classic City is found mainly on the pre‑owned market.
Q: What does “Classic” mean for this City bag? A: “Classic” (often called RH or Regular Hardware) denotes the original small stud hardware, leather tassel zip pullers and the signature moto details, as opposed to later “Giant” or other hardware variations. The silhouette is the slouchy, east‑west moto style that made the City iconic.
Q: What leather is used and how does it wear? A: Early City bags were crafted in distressed chèvre (goatskin) and later predominantly in agneau (lambskin). Both are intentionally soft with a broken‑in look; goatskin tends to feel a touch more structured and hard‑wearing, while lambskin feels very supple and develops a relaxed slouch with time.
Q: How should I care for the leather? A: Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth after use, keep away from prolonged moisture or direct heat/sunlight, and store loosely stuffed in a breathable dust bag to maintain shape. Avoid overfilling to limit stretching, and consider a lightweight organiser if you prefer more structure. For deep cleaning, colour touch‑ups or handle/tassel work, we recommend a professional leather specialist.
Q: How can I authenticate a Balenciaga City? A: Hallmarks include a “Made in Italy” stamp, quality zips and hardware, and the interior leather tag/metal plate with matching style numbers front and back. Many bags also include a seasonal letter/date code. Because details vary by year and line, rely on expert review if in doubt—our team is happy to provide additional photos and details on request.
Q: Are the tassels replaceable if they fray or snap? A: Yes. Tassels and pullers are high‑wear parts and can be replaced through brand service channels or reputable restoration specialists. Turnaround and availability vary by model and year; a professional repairer can colour‑match and split the tassels to closely match the original look.
Q: What is included with this specific item? A: As listed under the product information on this page, this bag comes with a dust bag, detachable shoulder strap and a matching framed mirror. If an item isn’t listed there, it is not included.
Q: How does A Retro Tale authenticate this bag? A: Every piece is vetted by our in‑house experts using multi‑point checks of materials, stitching, hardware, stamps and tags. We stand behind the authenticity of all items we sell and can share further documentation or images upon 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.
A Retro Tale offers free shipping to most EU countries. Click here to see the full list of eligible countries.
The shipping fee will be clearly shown during the checkout process. In some cases—such as during promotions or depending on your delivery location—shipping costs may vary. If no special rates apply, the standard international shipping fee of $49 will be charged.
We ship all orders from Sweden. Depending on your country’s import regulations, your order may be subject to customs duties, VAT, GST, or other local taxes upon arrival.
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.
If you have any questions about customs, duties, or taxes, feel free to contact our customer service team — we’re happy to help!
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.
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.
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.
/ Balenciaga
/ Bags
/ Crossbody bags
/ Classic City
$1,390
• Black distressed leather
• Silver-tone hardware
• Dual rolled top handles with whipstitch detailing
• Detachable shoulder strap
• One external zip pocket
• Black fabric lining with one internal pocket
• Top zip closure
• Includes a matching framed mirror
• Vintage
Customs fee and local taxes may apply upon delivery
Fast delivery, fully insured and traced
Export deal 15% off sitewide
Delivered with
dust bag, detachable shoulder strap, mirror
Made in
Italy
Product number:
SB004125
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.