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.
Ideal from boardroom to dinner, the Céline Classique 16 in black leather with gold‑toned hardware adds understated polish. Carry by the single top handle or go hands‑free with the detachable strap; its two‑compartment interior keeps essentials orderly. In very good condition with light signs of wear, it suits meetings, gallery openings or an elegant evening out.
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 are the measurements and how can I carry the Classique 16? A: Approx. 32 × 23.5 × 12 cm (W × H × D) with a handle drop of about 12 cm and a removable leather shoulder strap with about 46 cm drop. It can be carried by hand, on the shoulder, or as a higher cross-body depending on your build.
Q: What typically fits inside this size? A: Daily essentials such as a long wallet, phone, keys, sunglasses case, small cosmetics pouch and an A5 diary fit comfortably. It also fits a tablet; a slim 13-inch laptop may fit without a padded sleeve, but we recommend comparing your device to the measurements and avoiding overfilling to preserve the bag’s structure.
Q: Is the shoulder strap adjustable? A: The Classique 16 features a removable leather strap with an approx. 46 cm drop. On this version the length is not designed for significant adjustment; if you need a longer cross-body drop, consider wearing it on the shoulder or exploring other sizes in the 16 line.
Q: How secure is the closure and what does the padlock do? A: The flap closes with a metal turn-lock. The accompanying padlock and keys (housed in the clochette) can be attached to the closure’s loop to deter quick access, though it is best considered a stylish security detail rather than a high-security lock.
Q: How is the interior organised? A: The Classique 16 is known for practical organisation: two main compartments, an inner zipped pocket, an inner flat pocket and a flat pocket under the flap at the front for slim items like tickets or receipts.
Q: What leather is it made from and how should I care for it? A: Crafted in smooth calf leather with a leather-lined interior. To care for it, wipe gently with a soft, slightly damp cloth, dry immediately, avoid prolonged exposure to rain, oils or heat, and store it lightly stuffed in its dust bag away from direct sunlight. Avoid dark denim or other colour-transfer risks against the leather.
Q: What is the story behind the name “16”? A: The bag is named after the maison’s historic Paris address at 16 Rue Vivienne and was introduced under Hedi Slimane in 2018, referencing refined 1960s Celine codes in a contemporary top-handle design.
Q: How does the Classique 16 compare to the Soft 16 and the 16 Bucket? A: The Classique 16 is structured with a firm silhouette and top handle. The Soft 16 offers a more supple body with larger, easier capacity for work essentials. The 16 Bucket adopts a bucket shape but keeps the signature 16 turn-lock motif for a more relaxed look.
Q: What comes with this specific item? A: Please see the product information on this page. For this piece, the product information lists: dust bag, detachable shoulder strap, padlock, keys and clochette.
Q: What is the condition of this bag? A: This item is graded Very Good. There are light scratches on the corners; the interior shows a light trace of use; the hardware is shiny with light scratches. Please review the photos and condition notes for full details.
Q: How do you authenticate this bag? A: Every piece at A Retro Tale is rigorously vetted by our in-house experts through multi-point checks of materials, stitching, hardware, stamps and construction details. We stand behind the authenticity of all items and are happy to provide further information 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.
We ship all orders from Sweden, and when importing to Canada your order may be subject to import duties and sales tax, which will be charged to you upon delivery by the shipping carrier.
These charges are typically collected by the shipping carrier at the time of delivery and are not included in the product price.
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.
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 note that all return shipments to A Retro Tale must be traceable. Retain your shipping receipt and tracking number until the return is completed and your refund is processed. Return shipping costs will be covered by A Retro Tale, and we will provide you with a prepaid return label.
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
/ Crossbody bags
52%
off retail price
• Black leather
• Gold-toned hardware
• Single top handle
• Detachable shoulder strap
• Black leather lining with two main compartments
• Flap top with turn-lock closure
• Includes a padlock and keys in a clochette
Condition
Dimensions
Product Information
PRODUCT FAQ
Delivery & Returns
Authentication
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Vintage Céline Classique 16 Bag - 857-27091 - A Retro Tale
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.
