The Fashion is The Bag

The ubiquitous handbag. Handbags that come in various sizes, shapes, textures and various configurations. They come and go, as the season, with each season's version of the handbag changing. You'll hear things like “Dear, I know Prada but, um that one is just not quite ... you know.” Or like “Oh, my! Are there anymore of that?!” And so on and so forth.

Once in a while, my wife would point to one being shown in the store window or being carried by another woman. Then she'll explain what she likes about it or why she doesn’t like a particular handbag. So it got me thinking. Where did this handbag business come about? Of course, this website IS and SELLS handbags for that matter, there should be some article about handbags. So, here it is.

Bags were a way to carry things whenever one travelled. As time went on, people began to acquire a certain collection of “essentials” or “necessities” that should be brought along on a trip or errand. The manner that this was carried very much reflected the time period in which they lived. As far as history can verify, “handbags” were little sacks used to keep pomanders (scented oranges), flint and money. These were called “pockets” and generally carried by men.

Ah! You say. So it was men who invented it. Then when did it become for women?

Some time about the 1400's men and women wore purses. When there were prosperous times, these become fuller and were decorated. Some purses were decorated with embroidery or gold.

In the 1500's, the drawstring purse was a status symbol and possibly a fashion statement as well. At the end of the century, as time changed, the general preference changed, too. Women decided to wear their purses underneath their skirts.

Later, breeches with built-in pockets became fashionable and men did not need handbags any more. Yet, they did not get rid of it altogether, but continue to carry a little netted "purse" for money inside the pocket. In the 18th century, pouches for both men and women disappeared.

After the French Revolution, women’s clothes became delicate that it was impossible to contain a pocket. The handbag then came out into the open once again.

After that, skirts became more ample, and pockets were under the skirts. Even when dresses grew tighter in the 1880's, the handbags were slow to return. The time when bags came around was the hobble skirt. A pocket was impossible, and as a result, very large handbags carried by long strings or chains became a popular thing.

In the 1920's, as dresses got skimpier, handbags became indispensable. They have remained so until the present, both as a utility and as a fashion item reflecting personal style. Now every fashion brand and season has its handbag and every woman can choose from a selection of shapes and colours. Together with that, technology has contributed and the choice has multiplied. My wife can choose from a variety of textures, materials, synthetics, or even hand-woven straws. Come rainy weather, sun and sand at the beach, a clutch purse to match the evening dress, or a tote to go with the jeans and t-shirt, the choice is endless.

From a simple small bag with drawstrings, to the sophisticated Lucia handbag, this is where it all came from.

What's in a handbag? Oh I know what my wife keeps in hers but this varies from one woman to another. And that's beyond the scope of this article. I hope you enjoyed it.