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.
A chic choice for weekend galleries, coffee dates and evening cocktails, this vintage Balenciaga Pony Hair First Bag in cream and beige brings a tactile, fashion-forward edge to any outfit. Effortlessly day-to-night, it elevates denim by day and a sleek dress after dark.
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 Pony Hair First bag? A: With approximate dimensions of 32 × 17 × 7 cm, it comfortably holds daily essentials such as a smartphone, small wallet or cardholder, keys, sunglasses, and a compact cosmetics pouch. A small tablet or e-reader up to about 8 inches may fit; A4 documents and laptops will not. Please refer to the Measurements on this page for the exact size of this piece.
Q: Can the shoulder strap be worn crossbody? A: The detachable strap on the First is designed for shoulder carry rather than true crossbody. The strap drop on this bag is approximately 21 cm, which typically sits at high-hip or underarm on most frames. For hands-free wear, shoulder carry is ideal; crossbody may feel short for many users.
Q: What accessories are included with this item? A: This piece comes with a detachable shoulder strap and a matching mirror. Everything included is listed under Accessories; if an item isn’t listed there (such as a dust bag or authenticity card), it is not included.
Q: Is pony hair the same as real pony, and how should I care for it? A: Despite the name, pony hair (also called hair‑on or calf hair) is typically calf or cowhide with the hair retained. Care by avoiding heavy abrasion and moisture, brushing gently in the direction of the hair with a very soft brush, and blotting any dampness before allowing it to air‑dry away from heat. Do not use leather conditioners on the hair side. Store loosely stuffed in a breathable dust bag, away from direct sunlight and humidity.
Q: Will pony hair shed or develop bald spots over time? A: Some shedding and thinning can occur with wear, especially on high‑friction areas that rub against clothing or the body. This is normal for hair‑on hides and cannot be reversed once the hair is lost. You can minimise wear by rotating the bag, avoiding rough fabrics (like heavy knits) and sharp hardware, and carrying by hand when possible in crowded conditions.
Q: Is this bag considered vintage, and what is the background of the First model? A: Yes, this is a vintage version of Balenciaga’s Motorcycle line, introduced in the early 2000s under Nicolas Ghesquière. The First is the smaller, original silhouette related to the City, known for its soft construction, laced zipper pulls, and detachable strap with a mirror.
Q: How does this vintage First compare in size to today’s Le City First? A: Contemporary Le City First dimensions are roughly 34 × 20 × 6 cm with a short shoulder strap, while this vintage piece measures about 32 × 17 × 7 cm. Capacity is similar for everyday essentials, but always rely on the measurements listed for this exact bag when deciding fit.
Q: How should I store the bag when not in use? A: Keep it in a cool, dry place inside a breathable dust bag, loosely stuffed to maintain shape. Avoid plastic covers, direct sunlight, and extreme temperatures. Before storage, gently brush the hair in one direction to remove surface dust.
Q: Can pony hair be professionally repaired if it goes bald? A: Conventional leather restoration cannot replace missing hair on hair‑on hides. Specialists can tidy edges, secure loose areas, or dye surrounding leather trims, but true re‑hairing is not a standard or durable repair. Preventative care and gentle use are the best approaches.
Q: How do you authenticate this Balenciaga bag? A: Every item at A Retro Tale undergoes multi‑point authentication by our experts, including checks of materials, stitching, hardware, fonts and stamps, and era‑appropriate serial/season codes. We stand behind the authenticity of all items we sell and can provide further details 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.
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
/ Handbags
48%
off retail price
• Cream pony hair with beige leather trim
• Silver-tone hardware
• Dual rolled top handles
• Detachable shoulder strap
• Black fabric lining with one internal zipped pocket
• Top zip closure
• Vintage
Customs fee and local taxes may apply upon delivery
Fast delivery, fully insured and traced
Export deal 15% off sitewide
Delivered with
detachable shoulder strap. mirror
Made in
Italy
Product number:
857-23990
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.
