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.
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Made for city days and weekends away, this medium Balenciaga City brings effortless edge from office to after-hours. Blue leather with brown patent trim and silver-tone Giant hardware lend striking contrast, while its practical silhouette keeps daily essentials organised for work meetings, brunch dates or relaxed travel.
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 this Balenciaga City Giant (Medium)? A: With approximate measurements of 38 × 24 × 14 cm, it comfortably holds daily essentials such as a long wallet, phone, keys, make-up pouch, a small water bottle, and A4 documents placed horizontally. Many owners also carry a 13-inch laptop horizontally or at a slight angle; larger 14–15-inch laptops are unlikely to fit. Please compare your device’s dimensions with the measurements on this page.
Q: Can the included strap be worn crossbody? A: The original City strap on medium/Giant models is designed for shoulder carry rather than crossbody. With an approximate drop of 24 cm on this piece, most people will find it too short for true crossbody wear. Some owners source longer aftermarket straps, but this listing includes the original detachable shoulder strap only.
Q: Is the shoulder strap adjustable? A: No. The strap supplied with the classic medium City is detachable but generally non-adjustable. The drop on this bag is approximately 24 cm.
Q: What does “Giant” hardware mean on a City bag? A: Giant refers to the oversized metal studs and hardware used on certain City models. Earlier versions featured very large studs (often referred to by collectors as G21), later followed by a slightly smaller “Giant 12” style. This bag features silver-tone Giant hardware, giving the City its distinctive, bold look.
Q: Will the City Medium fit a 13-inch laptop or tablet? A: Yes, most 13-inch laptops and larger tablets fit when inserted horizontally; they typically do not fit standing upright due to the 24 cm height. For devices with thicker cases or 14-inch screens, fit can be tight—please check exact dimensions.
Q: Where can I find the serial or style code on a Balenciaga City bag? A: On most classic City bags, the style/serial code is located on the reverse side of the interior leather label that reads “Balenciaga Paris” (sometimes on a metal plate in older seasons). The code includes a style number and a season letter. If you’d like close-up photos of the code on this bag, our team can provide them on request.
Q: How do you authenticate this piece? A: Every item at A Retro Tale undergoes multi-point authentication by our in-house experts, examining leather quality, stitching, hardware, interior labels and serial/style codes, and overall construction. We stand behind the authenticity of all items we sell and are happy to share additional details upon request.
Q: What accessories are included with this bag? A: This item includes a detachable shoulder strap and the signature clip-on mirror. If a dust bag, box or authenticity card is not listed under Accessories, it is not included.
Q: What leather is the Balenciaga City made from, and what care is recommended for this piece? A: City bags have been produced in different leathers over the years. This specific bag features a blue leather body with brown patent leather trim. For day-to-day care, wipe the leather gently with a soft, slightly damp cloth and avoid harsh cleaners. For the patent trim, store the bag in a breathable dust bag away from darker fabrics to minimise colour transfer, keep it out of prolonged heat/sunlight, and avoid pressing it tightly against other items when stored.
Q: Is the Balenciaga City still produced today? A: The original Motorcycle/City design dates back to the early 2000s and has seen various iterations. While the classic City as produced in the 2000s–2010s is no longer a core seasonal staple, Balenciaga has released updated takes like the Neo Classic and Le City. This listing is for an original-style vintage City with Giant hardware.
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.
Outside EU, Åland and UK: Please note that customers outside of EU, Åland and UK are responsible upon delivery for any import duties, goods and services tax (GST), value added tax (VAT), customs fees, and any other tax on top of the A Retro Tale listed price. Delivery delays may occur due to external factors such as customs clearance, holidays etc.
We offer secure shipping via DHL and UPS with the following delivery time:
Europe: 1-4 business days.
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
949 €
• Blue leather with brown patent leather trim
• Silver-tone 'Giant' hardware
• Dual top handles and a detachable shoulder strap
• Front exterior zip pocket
• Black fabric lining with one internal pocket
• Top zip 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.
