Paloma Picasso: Style Icon

Let’s talk about Paloma Picasso — one of the most iconic names in fashion and accessories. I recently bought two vintage handbag’s from her namesake label, outrageously cheap on eBay. Why aren’t these collectors pieces I wondered? How come I could buy this so easily…why doesn’t everyone want her stuff?!

Maybe it’s because, particularly in Australia where the tyranny of distance influences so many walks of life, her work was just overlooked. Her fame, particularly in the 1970s -1990s predates social media culture, so for younger generations who didn’t read Interview magazine, she’s simply someone famous from a long time ago.

However!

Paloma is of course the daughter of the legendary artist Pablo Picasso, and painter mother Francois Gilot, but she made her own mark on the world of design. In interviews she’s said she didn’t want to live in the shadow of her parents by taking up a paintbrush, but drawing and design was something she couldn’t ignore.

In the 1970s she started out creating bold, dramatic jewelry for Yves Saint Laurent, instantly gaining attention for her fearless use of color and sculptural shapes. She partied with Karl Largerfeld and Loulou de la Flalaise at Studio 54, she sat front row at fashion week and Andy Warhol photographed her for the cover of Interview magazine. She was IT.

By the 1980s, she launched her own line with Tiffany & Co., where her ‘X’ designs and playful takes on fine jewelry became instant classics. Her work was all about strong, confident style — the perfect balance of art and glamour.

But she didn’t stop at jewelry. Paloma expanded into handbags, fragrances, and accessories throughout the 1980s and 90s, creating pieces that reflected her bold, creative spirit. All of these pieces are still available to buy today, either from retailers such as Tiffany who carry her line, or vintage sellers where you can find hanfbags to scarves to jewellery.

Owning a vintage Paloma Picasso handbag from the 90s isn’t just about fashion — it’s about carrying a piece of design history, crafted by a woman who redefined what luxury could look like.

I’m so thrilled to be the owner of these pieces, they look like new, they are beautiful quality and as I said earlier, I got them for a song online. What are you waiting for?!