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.
Sell your vintage bags, watches, jewelry and accessories
Give your luxury vintage item a second life. Contribute to a more sustainable fashion world by selling your beloved product to us. It’s fast, secure, and available for sellers within the EU. You receive your payment right after you accept our final quote.
From gallery openings to weekend brunch, this compact Céline Besace Mini 16 adds a sophisticated pop of red to any ensemble. Wear crossbody for effortless, hands-free polish on city days, or style it for an elegant dinner—the refined silhouette transitions seamlessly from day to night.
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 Besace Mini 16? A: With approximate measurements of 15 × 13 × 7.5 cm, it’s designed for streamlined essentials: a standard smartphone, cardholder or compact wallet, keys, lipstick and wireless earbuds. Slim sunglasses in a soft case may fit; a full‑length continental wallet or a 500 ml bottle does not. Capacity can vary slightly by production year and internal layout—please refer to our photos or ask us for a tailored fit check for this exact piece.
Q: Will it fit a large “Pro/Max” smartphone? A: Most standard smartphones fit comfortably. Oversized Pro/Max models in bulky cases may be snug due to the compact height and curved flap—some users carry them without a thick case or place them diagonally. Share your device dimensions and we’ll test the fit for this specific bag.
Q: Can I wear it crossbody and is the strap adjustable? A: Yes. This piece has a single adjustable shoulder strap (approx. 48 cm drop on this example), suitable for shoulder or high crossbody wear depending on your height and layers. If you’d like to know exactly how it sits on you, we’re happy to advise.
Q: How secure is the closure and what is the interior like? A: The Besace 16 features a metal turn‑lock closure for everyday security and a neatly organised interior. Many Besace 16 versions include an exterior flat pocket and interior card slots; configurations can vary by season—please review our listing photos for the exact layout of this piece.
Q: What is the leather and how does it wear? A: This bag is crafted from grained calfskin (pebbled) leather in red with gold‑tone hardware. Grained calfskin is prized for its refined texture and tends to be more forgiving of light surface marks than ultra‑smooth leathers, while still requiring mindful care to avoid scuffs and colour transfer.
Q: How should I care for the red grained calfskin and hardware? A: Keep the bag away from moisture, oils and prolonged sunlight. Be mindful of dye transfer from dark denim or saturated fabrics, and avoid placing the bag against rough surfaces. Dust with a soft, dry cloth; if you choose to condition, use a high‑quality neutral leather conditioner very sparingly and always test on a discreet spot first. Store it upright, lightly stuffed, in a breathable dust bag, with hardware and strap padded to minimise impressions. Avoid alcohol‑based cleaners or heavy waterproofing sprays.
Q: Is the Besace 16 still produced? A: The Besace 16 belongs to Céline’s 16 family and appears periodically in boutiques in selected colours and materials. Availability of sizes and shades varies by season and region; specific combinations like this red grained leather are most reliably found on the pre‑loved market.
Q: Where is it made and what brand markings should I expect? A: This piece is labelled Made in Italy. Authentic Céline bags typically feature an interior “CELINE PARIS” heat‑stamp and an alphanumeric serial/date code located on or behind a small leather tab or along an interior seam/pocket. Code placement and format vary by model and year—contact us if you’d like close‑up photos for this item.
Q: What accessories are included with this listing? A: We list a dust bag under “Accessories.” If an item (e.g., box or card) isn’t mentioned there, it isn’t included—feel free to ask us to confirm.
Q: How do you authenticate? A: Every item at A Retro Tale undergoes rigorous, multi‑point authentication by our in‑house experts, examining materials, stitching, hardware, stamps, serial/date codes and overall construction. We stand behind the authenticity of every piece 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 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.
/ Céline
/ Bags
/ Crossbody bags
1 112 €
45%
off retail price
• Red grained leather
• Gold-tone hardware
• Single adjustable shoulder strap
• Red leather lining
• Turn-lock 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.
