Posted by Phil Zertisky | Posted in Look Younger - Beauty & Style | Posted on 29-01-2010
The first handbag that showed up in written word was in the fourteenth century, but since the beginning of time people have needed something to carry their things in including Egyptians who have pouches attached to them in ancient hieroglyphics. Pictures from the Medieval period showed both women and men wearing a girdle that was like a large belt gathered about the waist and you would see a bag attached to it and hanging down. This ancient handbags were often ornate with embroidery or had sparkling jewels attached to them. They did not use them just to carry possessions but also for carrying food for their falcons, a popular pet of the era or they would hold supplies they needed for playing certain games. The Seals Bag was carried by the Lord Chancellor and it held relics of the church that were used during the mass.
Handbags became much more practical during the 16th century and were made of either fabric or leather and had a draw string that would enable them to be opened or shut. Travelers would wear large bags made of fabric that slipped diagonally over the shoulder. In the 17th century women would create beautiful samplers of their abilities in embroidery and this transferred to some of their purses to let gentlemen know she had these skills and would make an excellent wife.
During this era both men and women carried small purses when out in public. Because Elizabethan clothing was rather voluminous prestigious woman wore bags under their skirts and men had leather pouches that were kept inside their breeches. Often times personal hygiene was not of importance in many countries and people of high station carried bags that were a small fabric bag filled with sweet smelling herbs and flowers. They would hold these bags to their noses whenever the scent of the city became too much for them.
The 18th century brought narrower skirts and less undergarments so the purse began to be worn outside the clothing again. By this time women were used to carrying a handbag somewhere on their body and did not wish to stop so a new handbag called reticules were invented to carry powder, fans, the cards that women gave men and smelling salts. It was important that each reticule matched the outfit they were wearing.
The actual word handbag started to be used in the 1900’s but it was not the same as what we think of today but was a piece of luggage carried by men. Designers that would soon design purses started to make this luggage so it was smart and popular. Women wanted something similar because of all the compartments that were included inside the luggage, because they locked and because the fasteners were intricate. Soon smaller bags for women were being produced that included these compartments to hold their fans and their cosmetics.
In the 1920’s matching bags were no longer in style and you could carry any bag with any outfit. The clutch that did not have a handle and was tucked under the arm was invented and it was decorated with beautiful geometric designs. The Boulevard Bag and Briefcase became popular for working women. The Bag could hold groceries that you would get on the way home and the briefcase could be worn over the shoulder.
The 1930’s gave women all the styles of bags they have today including the classic bag with handles, the clutch, the shoulder bag and the satchel. They were made from all kinds of materials but this is the first time they started to be made of plastic. This was the Art Deco Style period of time and purses reflected this in abstract patterns that were placed on them along with the variety in color. That all stopped in the 1940’s when bags took on a more military look and became larger. Soon there were designer bags made by designers like Chanel. It was thought that the more feminine woman used a smaller bag while a woman who was independent and worked outside the home used a larger bag.
From the 1950’s on women’s clothing and handbag designs have gone hand in hand. When bright psychedelic colors were in handbags were made in those colors and in wild styles as well. When the cowboy look was in with all the fringe leather bags had suede fringe. The health and fitness trend was also reflected in handbags that started to look more like gym bags for awhile.
Today we find handbags in any color or made from any material from plastic to wicker and leather. They are made from small to very large and not only women enjoy using handbags but also men have come up with the Man Purse. You can find cheap reproductions of just about any designer bag out there on any street corner in every town. You would be hard pressed to find a woman that does not carry a bag or have several of different colors. They come plain and simple or bedecked with zippers and multiple pockets. Handbags today are utilitarian yet look smart and have come a long way from the small drawstring variety used by women of yesterday.
Today you can find handbags in any color or made from any material from plastic to wicker and leather. They are made from petite to very large and not only women enjoy using a handbag but also men have come up with the Man Purse.
