Denim Handbags Appraisal

Upcycled Denim Shoulder Bags (Pair)

This listing comprises a pair of handcrafted shoulder bags, ingeniously fashioned from repurposed denim jeans. Both bags exhibit a 'shredded' or 'distressed' aesthetic, common in upcycled fashion. The bag on the left is predominantly dark blue denim, featuring extensive distressing with frayed edges and holes, particularly around the front. It incorporates a black and white gingham or plaid fabric as trim along the top edge of the bag opening and woven into part of the shoulder strap, which is also constructed from strips of denim. A notable embellishment on this bag includes a cluster of three small, silver-toned, skull-shaped beads or charms, contributing to a punk or alternative style. The overall shape of the bag resembles the upper portion of a pair of jeans, including remnants of belt loops. The bag on the right is crafted from light-wash, acid-washed or stone-washed denim, presenting a paler blue hue with distinct white areas. This bag also displays elements of distressing, though seemingly less aggressive than its counterpart. It integrates red and black plaid fabric as accents; one piece is visible along the top edge, another forms a small, decorative flower-like embellishment with a dark center, and a third piece hangs from a front pocket area. The shoulder strap for this bag is also made from various denim strips, with a section of the red and black plaid fabric incorporated near the top. Both bags appear to be constructed by sewing together salvaged denim pieces, maintaining some original jean features like pockets and seams. The craftsmanship suggests a DIY or small-batch artisan approach, with visible stitching and raw edges. The condition appears to be intentionally distressed as part of their design, with no obvious signs of unintentional damage or wear beyond this aesthetic choice. They likely date from the late 20th century to early 21st century, given the prevalent trend of repurposing denim and 'grunge' aesthetics.