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 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 | About us
Ideal for weekend city strolls, this vintage Balenciaga Classic City Bag in ecru grained leather brings relaxed polish to denim or a trench. Sized for daily essentials, it moves from hand to shoulder for brunch, shopping or a casual office day, while its silver-tone hardware and soft hue add effortless edge.
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 fits inside this Classic City (Small)? A: Based on the measurements on this page (approx. H17 × W32 × D6 cm; handle drop about 10 cm; strap drop about 20 cm), it comfortably holds a smartphone, compact wallet, keys, sunglasses, and a small cosmetics pouch. A slim 500 ml bottle may fit horizontally depending on its shape. For the best accuracy, compare these dimensions with your daily items.
Q: Can I wear it crossbody or is it mainly a shoulder/handheld bag? A: This piece includes a detachable shoulder strap. With an approximate 20 cm drop, most people find it best for shoulder wear; crossbody suitability depends on your height and preferred drop. Some City owners use longer replacement straps to achieve a true crossbody fit—measure a strap you like against the listed drop to be sure.
Q: What items are included with this bag? A: Everything included is listed in the product information. For this piece: mirror, detachable shoulder strap, and dust bag. If something is not listed there, it is not included.
Q: Is this the original Classic City or one of the newer iterations? A: This is a vintage Classic City with giant studs. The City was introduced in the early 2000s and later inspired newer versions such as the structured Neo Classic and the 2024 Le City reissue. The classic version like this one keeps the softer, slouchy silhouette and signature studs and mirror.
Q: How do you authenticate a Balenciaga City bag? A: We use a multi-point process: examining leather quality and grain, stitching, edge paint, and hardware; checking the interior label (plaque or leather tag), serial code format (typically two rows, with a style code and a production/season code that may include a letter), engraving fonts, zipper types, and overall construction. We stand behind the authenticity of every item we sell and can share additional photos on request.
Q: What type of leather is this and how should I care for it? A: This bag is described as cream grained leather. Wipe gently with a soft, slightly damp cloth, then dry with a lint-free cloth. Avoid oils, solvents, or household cleaners. Because the colour is light, keep it away from dark denim and saturated fabrics to minimise dye transfer. Store it stuffed to maintain shape and in its dust bag, away from direct heat and sunlight.
Q: Are there common wear points I should know about? A: Typical City wear areas include corner scuffing, handle darkening from skin oils, and ageing of the leather tassels. This piece is in very good condition with slightly darkened handles and a few small leather marks; inside shows only light use. Preventive tips include rotating hand-carry with the strap, avoiding overfilling, and storing properly between wears.
Q: What about the hardware and zip—any special care? A: The silver-tone giant-stud hardware is designed to age gracefully but can show hairline scratches with normal wear. Simply wipe with a soft dry cloth; do not use metal polish. A gently ageing or dull-looking zip is common on vintage pieces; if needed, ask a professional restorer to service the zipper rather than applying lubricants at home.
Q: Where was this bag made? A: The country-of-origin label indicates Italy.
Q: Can the bag be professionally refreshed or repaired in future? A: Yes. Specialist handbag restorers can clean and hydrate leather, reduce dye transfer, retouch corners, rewrap or reinforce handles, and service zips and lining. Regular light cleaning and correct storage will help prolong the time between professional treatments.
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 is registered for UK VAT. All prices on the website include shipping, customs, and VAT for deliveries to the UK.
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.
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.
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 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.
/ Balenciaga
/ Bags
/ Crossbody bags
/ Classic City
1 105 £
39%
off retail price
• Cream grained leather
• Silver-tone hardware
• Dual rolled top handles and a detachable shoulder strap
• Black fabric lining with one internal and one external zip pocket
• Zip-top closure
• Detachable leather-framed mirror
• 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.
