History of the Handbag

The HISTORY OF THE HANDBAG An In-Depth Look at Every Woman's Best Friend The purse, or handbag, is a staple of fashion in modernity. Its perfect mixture of practicality and style has made it a necessity to women throughout the world. Although its form has changed, the handbag has been carried throughout the centuries. Medieval Times 14th-15th Centuries ..... . Handbag: Girdle Pouches Hung from someone's belt, these were essentially pockets on the outside of the pants. Made of: • Cherished fabrics laced • Leather with drawstrings with silk and silver of burlap Used for: Carrying money, flint, and perfumed spices The Renaissance 16th-17th Centuries Handbag: Drawstring Bags Flat bags that were gathered by tasseled drawstrings. Similar to a small pouch. Sometimes a metallic frame held these together, rather than a drawstring. Made of: Patterned fabrics and embroidered materials heavily influenced by style from the Middle East and Orient Used for: • Flowers, herbs, and perfumed Money spices to hide odor The Victoria Era 18th Century Handbag: Pockets Long pouches that were separate from clothing, but were worn within a person's outfit. People accessed these through slits in their dresses. Made of: Linen Used for: Holding general goods Handbag: Reticules Small bags suspended on a long string that were held by fingertips or wrapped around one's wrist. Made of: • Fine clothes • Beads for decoration Used for: Distinguished women to hold their belongings The Age of Industry 19th Century Handbag: Chatelaines A bag worn hanging from the belt by a hook or decorative clasp. Made of: • Fine cloth • Gilded metal Used for: Carrying scissors, a knife, perfume bottle, thimbles and other common goods at the time Handbag: Opera Bag A popular bag used for many cultural events in the 19th century. Made of: • Metal Frame • Moroccan leather Used for: Carrying opera glasses, powder, a scent bottle, and a biscuit case Modernity 20th-21st Century Manufacturing techniques finally reached a level where quality products, with intricate compartmentalized interiors, could be made at affordable prices. Suddenly, owning a purse was within everyone's means. Handbag: Chanel 2.55 Released in February 1955 (hence the name), this small shoulder bag revolutionized the design and popularity of handbags worldwide. Its quilted leather design with long gilt chain is now one of Chanel's most iconic designs. Made of: • Gilt metal • Leather Used for: Carrying miscellaneous necessities Handbag: Hermes Birkin A perfect representation of the current obsession with accessories and consumer culture. This handbag is made in limited quantities and has a waiting list of several years. The price ranges from roughly $8,000 to $150,000 dollars. Made of: • Metal buckles and lock, plated • High-quality leather, possibly with gold or palladium exotic: ostrich, crocodile, lizard Used for: Carrying everything from a cellphone to a wallet to a favorite chap stick Over the centuries, the handbag transitioned from a practical necessity, to a sign of wealth and importance. Regardless of its evolution as a status symbol, one thing has always remained true: the handbag keeps close the things that mean most to us on a daily basis. lou lou http://www.magnifiquebags.com/Article_Evolution.aspx http://www.pursepixie.com/purse-history/