Balenciaga Taupe Leather Blackout Small City Tote | Sold Attire

A softened take on the City, stripped back to form and texture.

Crafted in taupe leather with a smooth, even finish, this Blackout Small City Tote reworks Balenciaga's most recognisable silhouette into something quieter and more deliberate. The leather remains clean and supple throughout, with structure intact and corners sharp. Rated 9.5/10, this example sits confidently among authenticated vintage Balenciaga pieces that retain clarity without feeling preserved.

The Designer's Vision

The Balenciaga City bag was introduced in 2001 by Nicolas Ghesquière, during his transformative tenure as creative director. It became an instant icon—soft, slouchy, and covered in signature brass studs and hardware that gave it an edgy, rock-and-roll aesthetic.

The Blackout edition, introduced in the 2010s, was a radical departure. It removed the overt hardware in favour of matte black finishes and clean lines, allowing the City shape to stand on its own. This was Balenciaga for collectors who appreciated the silhouette but wanted restraint over spectacle.

The taupe colourway—a neutral that works across seasons—was designed to be versatile yet sophisticated. The bag's compact yet functional proportions make it ideal for daily wear, while the detachable shoulder strap offers styling flexibility.

For the collector in Cairo, this is not simply a City bag. It is an entry into Balenciaga's evolution from loud to refined, authenticated and rare.

This piece sits within our Carry Luxe Icons collection, curated for wearable designer bags chosen for restraint and longevity.

It keeps the City shape, but lowers the volume.

Provenance & Craft

• Brand: Balenciaga—the house that redefined modern luxury since 1919
• Era: 2010s (Blackout edition)
• Material: Taupe leather with smooth, even finish
• Hardware: Matte black (no studs)
• Origin: Made in Italy by Balenciaga artisans
• Condition: Excellent (9.5/10)—minimal wear, sharp corners, clean structure
• Lining: Textile interior
• Closure: Top zip
• Handles: Dual leather top handles + detachable shoulder strap
• Interior: Main compartment with zip pocket

Dimensions & Size

• Height: 24 cm / 9.4 in
• Width: 34 cm / 13.4 in
• Depth: 10 cm / 3.9 in
• Handle Drop: 11 cm / 4.3 in
• Strap Drop: 45 cm / 17.7 in (detachable)
• Weight: Approx. 860 g

Styling Intelligence

Formal: Grounds tailored looks where proportion matters more than detail—perfect for business meetings in Garden City or evening events in Zamalek.

Casual: Works effortlessly with denim and flat leather shoes for daily wear in New Cairo or weekend shopping in Maadi.

This is the piece you reach for when you want Balenciaga's iconic shape without the noise.

Investment Value

Market reference: USD $1,450 / EGP 71,500. Balenciaga Blackout City bags from the 2010s are increasingly rare due to their discontinued status and collector appeal. Comparable authenticated pieces are currently listed at USD $1,300–$1,800 on global luxury platforms.

Unlike trend-driven pieces, Balenciaga City bags appreciate with time—both in value and in cultural significance.

The Sold Attire Standard

• Authenticated by our in-house luxury specialists
• Curated in Cairo for collectors who recognize design evolution
• Complimentary authentication certificate included
• Next-day delivery across Egypt
• 14-day return privilege with complimentary collection

Acquire a piece of Balenciaga heritage. This is not a trend—it is a legacy.