Balenciaga 2008 Classic First Motorcycle Bag — Brown Lambskin

The Archive 

This is one of the most recognizable silhouettes from Nicolas Ghesquière-era Balenciaga: the compact First, the smaller sister to the iconic City bag. Your measurements—13" wide × 7" high × 2.5" deep—align with documented First examples, including another vintage example measuring 13" × 7.5" × 2.5".

Crafted in Balenciaga's famously soft, distressed lambskin, this 2008 example has everything collectors look for in the original Motorcycle family: elongated leather zipper tassels, aged hardware, buckled corner details, exterior zip pocket, whipstitched top handles, detachable shoulder strap and the original leather-framed mirror. The leather's naturally crinkled, broken-in character is a defining part of these early Balenciaga bags rather than something meant to look pristine.

Collectors Notes 

Designer: Balenciaga
Style: Classic First Motorcycle Bag
Era/Year: 2008 / Nicolas Ghesquière Era
Color: Brown
Material: Distressed lambskin leather
Hardware: Aged brass-tone
Closure: Top zip with leather tassel pulls
Made in: Italy
Height: 7"
Length: 13"
Depth: 2.5"
Handle Drop: 4"
Strap Drop: 9"
Authentication: Entrupy Verified
Includes: Detachable shoulder strap, leather-framed mirror and Balenciaga dust bag

Condition Report

Good vintage condition 8/10 the beautifully broken-in character associated with early Balenciaga Motorcycle leather. The lambskin shows overall creasing, surface variation, fine scratching and areas of rubbing and color variation throughout. More concentrated wear is visible along the handles, piping, corners and lower edges, with some lighter areas of finish wear.

The handles show darkening and patina from use, while the hardware has developed an aged finish with surface wear. The leather remains supple and the bag has developed the relaxed, slouchy structure collectors often associate with well-loved early Balenciaga. The long leather tassels, detachable strap and mirror are present.

Curators Perspective 

This is exactly the kind of Balenciaga that is benefiting from the return to archival Y2K and early Motorcycle bags. The First gives you the same Ghesquière-era attitude as the City in a smaller, more wearable 13-inch silhouette.

And I would not try to make this bag look new. The aged brown lambskin, long tassels, worn-in handles and oxidized hardware are part of its appeal. A pristine-looking version almost misses what made these bags so cool in the first place.

The fact that yours still has the strap, mirror and dust bag strengthens the package considerably.