The term “handbag” has only been around since the
mid-nineteenth, but the concept and idea of them have been around since the day
humans have needed to care important items with them. From the ancient beaded bags to the haute couture
totes of the modern era, handbags have been strongly influenced by
technological and societal changes. It is the chameleon of the fashion world,
constantly changing in its surroundings based on the needs and taste of the
wearer and time.
Biblical times make reference to satchels, bags, and
carriers in many forms. Both men and women used them on a daily bases and
continue to utilize them in the work place as well as home life. At the turn of
the fourteenth century, the location of the pouches themselves switched from
whole body bags to attaching them to their girdles. Not only were the useful,
many types of purses had deeper meanings such as an ecclesiastical purse would
hold important relics, and most importantly the seal bag was made specifically for
the Keeper of the Great Seal.
As time and fashion shifted, so did the needs of the bags.
In the sixteenth century, women’s skirts became fuller and more unconventional
to have your important items attached to a girdle that was not easily accessible
any longer. This time of the world is also when the invention of pockets became
prevalent in every day fashion which will be carried in to the future of purse
design. By the end of the seventeenth century, purses no longer were used
solely for the obvious uses of bags but as a sign of sophistication and class.
The nineteenth century saw many agricultural, industry, and
societal which had an impact on every facet of life. Science during the
Victorian era brought women a wide array of new fabrics which women were anxious
to incorporate in to the rest of their outfits. The increase in textile
excitement also lead to woman embroidering and adding unique details to the
purses they have. Beyond science, the creation of the railroad system lead to
women traveling more and needing larger, portable places to put their clothing
and toiletries. Hence, the luggage industry was born, in which many of today’s
most renowned handbag designers had their start such as Hermes and Louis
Vuitton.
By the 1930s, most of
the bags trends of today had been invented, including the classic handbag which
had a handles and a clasp frame, the clutch, the satchel, and the shoulder bag.
The 30’s bag reflected the art deco style and also introduced plastic and
zippers. The 1940’s took a shift with the war, and everything began to have a
military feel to it and the bags became larger and squarer. The 1950s
catapulted handbags into cult status. Major designers enjoyed a culture where
accessorizing and color coordinating was almost an expectation. This is the
time when bags began to represent femininity and beauty which is the culture
norm as of the 2000’s.
From the 1960’s until the 1990’s there was a constant shift
in trending and breaking of fashion boundaries. The patterns, fabrics, and
sizes shifted like the waves at each as each and every decade came to an end.
Women saw everything from the invention of the long to the clutch, to the
addition of buckles and zippers as a décor mechanism. One of the brightest
moments to come out of this thirty-year span was the classic quilted handbag
look brought by Vera Bradley.
Now here we are, in the twenty-first century and you can
find a nearly bewildering array of styles and materials. The number of
designers that have made a successful name in the business are at a staggering
high, and increasing each and every day. These designers continue to play with
the handbag to bring even more diversity and excitement to them. As you can
see, the history of the handbag is long and in depth. The next 100 years are
going to be some of the most exciting times as we see what levels are going to
be surpassed in creativity and design.
Check out my website: http://www.vandalux.com
