Handbags: A Reflection Of Style Through Out Time
Handbags were first mentioned in literature back in the fourteenth century however Egyptians were shown wearing some sort of pouch in the hieroglyphs they left behind. During the Medieval era people wore what was called a girdle that were fastened about the waist and often a bag was attached to this apparatus. Sometimes the bags were decorated with intricate embroidery or they were festooned with jewels. Bags were not just for carrying money and some were used for holding food for pet falcons or for gaming supplies. There were ecclesiastical purses made to hold holy relics used in the mass and the one that was the most significant during this period of time was the Seal Bag for the Lord Chancellor.
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.
Women carried their purses under their voluminous Elizabethan skirts so they were out of the way. Men also concealed their purses under their breeches. Other types of bags were carried and one was the sweat bag. This bag was a fabric bag usually embroidered that was stuffed with sweet smelling herbs and flowers. It was thought that bathing was detrimental to the body at this time so many fragile aristocrats carried these bags to their noses to make the overpowering scents of the city better.
Large skirts and multiple under garments gave way to a smarter, narrower skirt during the eighteenth century and the purse came out in the open again. Women insisted on having bags to carry face powders, fans, scented waters and they needed something to carry what were called visiting cards. These were cards they gave to gentlemen in hopes they would call on them. They carried reticules to carry these necessities that matched each of their outfits.
Things called handbags came about in the 1900′s and referred to a smaller piece of luggage that were carried by men. Some were made by popular women’s purse designers of the present day like Theirry Hermes and Louis Vuitton. Women liked the look of them because they had internal compartments, locks and more complicated fasteners. Bags were made for women that had compartments for cosmetics and fans.
The bags no longer had to match the outfit women wore in the 1920′s. Bags became a little different and it was popular for women to carry a doll that had an outfit and bag to match her own. The clutch purse was invented but was called the pochette and hand beautiful designs on them. This handbag no longer had a handle. The Boulevard Bag that was made of leather and was big enough to carry a few groceries became popular to women who worked outside the house as did the briefcase that had straps enabling it to be worn over the shoulder.
The classic bag with a handle and clasp frame, the clutch with no handles, the satchel purse, and the shoulder bag were all made during the 1930′s and were not only made of leather but also plastic. The Art Deco Style was shown in abstract patterns and colors. In the 1940′s purses were larger and more practical with a military look to them. Fashion designers began to design handbags starting in the 1950′s including Chanel, and Vuitton. A small bag gave the impression that the woman was dainty and beautiful and very feminine while a large bag gave the message that the woman was independent.
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.
Handbags today are made from many different materials and come in a variety of shapes an colors. Some are large and some are very tiny and even men have started to use the Man purse in some countries. Designers are still making beautiful bags and you can also find the knock off designs in just about any town and city. Every woman has several bags from which to choose that either contrast or match their outfit. Bags today come with many different compartments inside and outside and are much more utilitarian that the ones that were carried by ladies of the court or Egyptians.
Today you can find handbags in any color or made from any material from plastic to wicker and leather. They are made from small to rather large and not only women enjoy using a handbag but also men have come up with the Man Purse.
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