Balenciaga
Cristóbal Balenciaga was the couturier other couturiers admired. He sculpted fabric into balloon skirts, sack dresses and cocoon coats that seemed to stand away from the body, and that architectural thinking still shapes the house that carries his name. Its bags are as considered as its tailoring: strong silhouettes, confident hardware and leather chosen to hold a line.
Every Balenciaga piece in our shop has been through our studio first. Our specialists look closely at the leather and how it has been cut, the stitching and edge finishing, the weight and engraving of the hardware, and the interior tag and markings, checking that each detail fits the model and its year. Condition is set out plainly, with photographs of corners, handles and hardware.
In the shop now: the Hourglass Small top handle bag in black. Its curved base, cinched like the waist of a Balenciaga jacket, is one of the most recognisable shapes of recent years. The small size can be carried by its handle or worn on its strap.
Further reading
Looking after structured leather
A bag with a sculpted base keeps its shape best when it is stored upright, lightly filled with tissue and away from heat. Our client team is glad to advise on any specific piece.
Why the Hourglass
It is rare for a modern bag to feel as composed as a piece of couture tailoring, and the Hourglass does it with one curve. Our client team can share measurements and photographs of it worn.
Encore Luxe is an independent retailer of authenticated pre-loved luxury and is not affiliated with Balenciaga.
Questions we’re often asked
- Is the Balenciaga Hourglass at Encore Luxe authentic?
Yes. Our specialists examine the leather, stitching, hardware and interior markings before any Balenciaga piece is listed.
- Can the Hourglass Small be worn across the body?
The Hourglass Small is designed to be carried by its top handle or worn on a detachable strap. The listing confirms which straps are included.
- How should I store a Balenciaga Hourglass?
Store it upright in its dust bag, lightly filled with acid-free tissue to support the curved base, and away from direct sunlight and heat.
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Pre-owned Balenciaga, authenticated at Heckmondwike
Shop pre-owned Balenciaga pieces we have in hand now. Every piece has been inspected at Heckmondwike against Balenciaga’s own references before it is listed, and each listing is one physical piece with its condition written down.
New Balenciaga pieces arrive as we buy them. If you are selling Balenciaga, we offer a private quote and pay only once the piece is authenticated in our hands.
How we authenticate · Sell your Balenciaga
How do you authenticate?
Each piece is inspected in our hands at Heckmondwike against the house’s own references before it is listed. If a qualified independent specialist later disagrees, we make it right: repair, replace, or refund the purchase price.
How is it delivered?
Insured UK delivery, next secure working day by default. Distance purchases may be returned within 14 days of receipt.
Can I return it?
Yes. Distance purchases may be returned within 14 days of receipt, in the condition they left us.
Why buy from Encore Luxe
- Authenticated at Heckmondwike
- One physical piece per listing
- Condition graded and written down
- Insured UK delivery
- 14-day returns