Curious about the history of handbags? Well, handbags have been a part of our lives for as long as people have had precious things to carry around. The first mention of handbags in written literature goes back to the 14th century, but even ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs show pouches worn around the waist. Back then, bags were attached to “girdles” fastened at the waist. These bags were adorned with embroidery and jewels, symbolizing social status. The richer you were, the fancier your bag!
Fast forward to the 16th century, and handbags started becoming more practical. They were made from everyday materials like leather and had a drawstring closure at the top. Travelers used larger cloth bags that they carried diagonally across their bodies. The 17th century brought more variety, with fashionable men and women carrying small purses in complex shapes. Girls were even taught embroidery as an essential skill to make them more marriageable, resulting in beautiful stitched artwork on handbags.
In the 18th century, neo-classical clothing became popular, and women began carrying handbags called reticules. Wearing a purse would ruin their look, so they opted for these fashionable handbags instead. Every occasion had its own bag, and fashion magazines debated the proper way to carry them. Inside these reticules, you’d find rouge, face powder, a fan, a scent bottle, visiting cards, a card case, and smelling salts.
The term “handbag” was first used in the early 1900s and originally referred to handheld luggage carried by men. However, it soon inspired new bags for women, featuring complex fasteners, internal compartments, and locks. Jewelers even added special compartments for opera glasses, cosmetics, and fans.
Fashion took a revolutionary turn in the 1920s, with varying hemlines and lighter clothing. Bags no longer needed to perfectly match outfits, and a trend emerged where stylish ladies carried dolls dressed just like them, complete with matching bags for their mini companions! The discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb also influenced handbag designs, incorporating Egyptian art.
During the 1940s, with the war effort in mind, handbags took on a more austere style. Metal frames, zips, leather, and mirrors were in short supply, so manufacturers used plastic and wood instead. The 1950s marked the rise of important designer houses like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes. Then, in the 1960s, old notions of classical fashion broke down as youth culture flourished.
It seems that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Just take a stroll down Canal Street in New York City, and you’ll find countless replica handbags flooding the market. Some of these “designer fakes” even bear the label of the company they imitate, while others feature familiar initials like “C” or “G” without the official branding.
So, what does the future hold for handbags? Let us know in the comments below!
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