The History Of Handbags
Author: Amanda Pavis

The very first handbags were literally crude pouches fashioned
from leaves and animal hide.

However, the first documented use of handbags is from the 14th
century—Egyptian hieroglyphics which depict men carrying little
sacks around the waist. Called "pockets", these handbags were
hung by thongs at the back of the girdle, and were used mainly
by men to carry flint or money.

By the 1400's both men and women were using handbags, which
gradually became a status symbol. People would adorn their
handbags with jewelry or embroidery to reflect their wealth,
and use expensive materials such as silk.

Needless to say these fragile handbags were not very
practical—although the mentality was that if you could afford
those handbags, you could afford a servant to carry your things
for you. Portraits of the most affluent and influential people
of the time often depict what you could consider the first
"designer handbags", prominently fastened to the dress with
tasseled strings.

Then it became fashionable for women to wear their handbags
under their skirts, and handbags literally disappeared for
several decades with little development in design. Embroidery
and jeweled accents were abandoned for practical, everyday
materials like leather. Men also abandoned using handbags
because of development of built-in pockets in pants.

It was only in the 1800s that handbags "reemerged". It was no
longer fashionable to wear puffed skirts, and the streamlined
clothes made it impractical to wear bulky handbags. This led to
the development of the "real" handbags—held in the hand and seen
as a complement to the clothes. Women had different handbags for
different occasions, and used it to carry perfume, a fan,
smelling salts and visiting cards. These handbags were called
"reticules."

The term "handbags" actually only emerged in the 1900's, and
was used to describe the luggage (similar to today's satchels
or briefcases) that men would carry. Not to be outdone,
designers of women's handbags made similar versions that would
suit the feminine sensibility and needs, including tiny
compartments for fans, gloves and makeup.

Then in the 1920's, handbags really came into its own. There
was more variety in terms of designs, materials, accents and
colors—in fact, some of the most popular handbags from that
period reflected Egyptian art, a tribute to the discovery of
the tomb of Tutankhamun.

When it became fashionable for women to carry dolls wearing
miniature versions of their outfit (a mini-me, so to speak),
designers of handbags would make two sizes of their
designs—capturing even the smallest detail in the dolls' tiny
handbags.

When the Second World War led to a shortage of metal and
leather, manufacturers of handbags began using plastic and
wood. It was the beginning of many, many decades of exploring
non-conventional shapes and material.

In the 50's, certain designers gained reputation for creating
bold, beautiful and elegant handbags. This signaled the
emergence of important designer houses: Chanel, Louis Vuitton,
Hermes. Up to this day, handbags carrying their labels command
a premium price.

The last half of the century saw a leap in technology and the
introduction of new materials and textiles for handbags (such
as waterproof canvas, space age synethics, faux reptile skin).
Improvement of manufacturing processes also meant that handbags
could be produced at a lower cost, allowing people to buy
beautiful handbags at affordable prices.

The history of handbags comes full circle at the start of the
century. At first, handbags were a men's accessory, which they
abandoned until it became associated with women. But as men's
fashion grows more streamlined, men's handbags are once again
making a comeback. At least they're a little sturdier than
leaves.


About The Author: Amanda,s Comments For the best information
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