Balenciaga The First in Rose

Regular price: £620.00
Regular price
Sale price: £620.00

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In 2001, Nicolas Ghesquiere debuted what would become one of the most influential bags in modern fashion history. The Balenciaga Motorcycle line -- soft, distressed lambskin, aged brass hardware, whipstitched handles -- redefined what a luxury bag could look like. The First is the smallest silhouette in the range: close to the body, light in hand, and unmistakably Balenciaga.

By the mid-2000s, the Motorcycle bags were everywhere -- carried by Kate Moss, Nicole Richie, and the entire front row of Paris. The rose colourway became one of the most coveted across the range: feminine in name, but worn with the same effortless edge as the leather itself.

Market Note

Ghesquiere-era Balenciaga (2001-2012) is increasingly treated as a collector category in its own right. The Motorcycle bags from this period are characterised by their particular lambskin texture and aged brass hardware -- details that distinguish them from later productions. The First remains one of the most wearable silhouettes from the line and trades actively on the secondary market.

Size + Condition

Material: Rose lambskin leather body with aged brass-tone hardware throughout. Signature whipstitched leather top handles.

Features: Front exterior zip pocket with leather and tassel zipper pull, dual whipstitched top handles, detachable shoulder strap, side buckle-strap details with aged brass hardware, and zip closure to main compartment.

Era: Spring / Summer 2009 (Serial Number: 103208 - 213048 (Made in Italy). Interior metal plate: N 6650 R / 103208.)

Measurements

Width: 33cm

Height: 18cm

Depth: 6cm

Strap drop: 35cm

Condition: Good / Fair

This bag carries its age visibly. The lambskin has developed significant patina and discolouration consistent with a pre-loved piece from this era. Buyers should review all product imagery carefully. Specific notes are as follows:

The front face of the bag shows very obvious discolouration and yellowing throughout -- the most significant wear to this piece. This is the primary condition note and is clearly shown in product imagery.
The top left section of the leather has developed a green tinge, consistent with aged lambskin.
Both whipstitched top handles show obvious darkening with age, distinctly deeper in tone than the body of the bag.
No rips, tears, or structural damage to the leather body; no obvious surface scuffing.
Aged brass hardware is in good condition throughout.
Side base buckle details show light signs of wear, consistent with regular use.
Interior is in good overall condition with mild signs of use.
Comes with original Balenciaga mirror.

Accompanied by and EBV London Dustbag.

We encourage you to review all product imagery carefully before purchase.

Further Information

Every piece sold by EBV London is pre-owned and (unless stated otherwise); as vintage items, each bag carries the natural patina of a previous life — minor signs of wear are part of their story. Anything more substantial is documented in detail within the "Size + Condition" section of the listing and we encourage you to browse product imagery carefully to best ensure confidence in your purchase.

Please note: EBV London is an independent vintage and archival luxury reseller. We are not affiliated with, sponsored by, endorsed by, or otherwise connected to any of the fashion houses whose pieces we sell. All trademarks, logos and brand names remain the property of their respective owners — our work lies in the curation, authentication and resale of pre-owned designer pieces.

Authenticity

Authenticity sits at the heart of everything we do. Every bag is hand-inspected by our in-house team, who specialise in archival luxury and carefully scrutinise craftsmanship, hardware, date codes, material signatures and construction details that distinguish each house. Where original authentication cards, date codes, dust bags or receipts accompany a piece, they are included with the bag. Please visit the ‘Authenticity’ page for additional information.

Shipping + Returns

All orders are dispatched from London within 48 hours of purchase via DHL Express — fully tracked, signature-required on delivery, and insured for the full value of your piece. Once your bag is on its way, you'll receive a tracking link by email so you can follow it from our hands to yours. We ship worldwide; international buyers may be liable for import duties or taxes levied by their destination country at the point of arrival.

If your bag isn't quite right, you may return it within 14 days of delivery for a refund. Returns must be sent back in the exact condition received, with all accompanying items (dust bag, authenticity card and packaging where supplied), and with the EBV London security tag attached and intact. Return postage is arranged by you using a fully tracked and insured service — we recommend Royal Mail Special Delivery within the UK or DHL Express internationally. To start a return, email info@ebvlondon.com within the 14-day window quoting your order number, and we'll confirm next steps before anything is sent back.

Every bag is also backed by our lifetime authenticity guarantee. For full terms, please visit our 'Refund & Returns Policy' page.