Handbags

The Handbag – A logical history of Handbags and purses   by Caroline Sale

The Handbag – A Logical history of how the Handbag and Purse Evolved into a Statement of Fashion.

Have you ever thought about the origin of the handbag and purse? Handbags are now an essential part of most women’s wardrobe and like shoes they command the high ground in terms of defining your look. Walk into a room with a Fendi or Chanel under your arm and you will be noticed no matter what else you are wearing. So where did it all begin and what is the origin of the handbag?

The Logical Origin of the Handbag

Pouches or bags are depicted in Egyptian hieroglyphs and there are many references to pouches throughout early history. But it really is common sense that there must have always been some sort of bag our pouch for us to carry our essential possessions in. We have only ever had a maximum of two hands and you can bet that we learnt very early on that if your hands are full you can’t do anything else like for example fight, hunt, farm or climb.

So I think it goes without saying that ‘man’ has evolved with a bag on ‘his’ shoulder.

So, whilst we are making bold assumptions lets assume that the only thing holding back the evolution of the bag was the available materials and methods of manufacture. If our predecessors had the where-with-all to make garments to keep themselves warm and protected they would have soon realised that if you take a small square of animal skin, put your stuff in it and tie the corners together you can now look after your valuables whilst on the move. They wouldn’t have called it a Hobo until the 1890′s!

OK, so having established that the handbag was limited by the available materials and methods of manufacture it is probably safe to conclude that the early pouches were lacking in functionality and other aspects (no not the available range of colours).

So, continuing this downhill slide of assumptions. Someone is bound to have made their bag in a way that was better than the others. So this bag would have been a sought after item.

Ah now we are getting close. So “I will make you handbag but you have to pay me in return” and it goes without saying that the best bags will command the highest price (human nature). But it will also be essential that those who have the best can be seen to have the best so that we all know who is on the top of the tree (human nature). So I want my bag to look different from theirs because I want them to know I have the best.

So there are going to be those who have it and those who want it because the others have it. Ah Fashion I think!

Fashion YES but still with a complete sensibility and practicality.

During 14th, 15th,16th and 17th centuries clothing and handbags or purses were driven by a tangible need but limited by the development of materials and manufacture techniques. The quality of fabrics and leather improved and it goes again without saying that the rich had the best but importantly everyone else had to have something and therefore they either bought it or made it. The big change came in the 18th century when women’s clothing became far more delicate and removed the copious undergarments that had been used for so many years.

This dropping of the underclothing, so to speak, also reduced the places where one could easily hide your pouch of essentials. A separate bag was required and it then became fashionable for ladies to carry a handbag which obviously had to match with the outfit! So the demand for coordinated handbags was created (but they weren’t called handbags until the early 1900′s).

This move to a separate bag was a huge catalyst in fashion driven designer handbags.

About the Author

Caroline has spent more that she wishes to admit on handbags over the years. Caroline decided to share some of her knowledge and present reviews of new designs from her website at http://www.handbagsandco.com
Easy to make handbags and purses

Coat Rack/Stand in Satin Black Metal Spider Style $13.00 This is a brand new in box stain black finish metal spider coat rack that branches into 4 hangers pointing to the top, 4 hangers at the top, and 4 hangers at the mid-base of the stand. The rack also stands on 4 strong legs at the bottom, leveled for evened positioning and placement. (This item requires simple assembly) Dimensions Measure: 20″L x 20″W x 73″H…

Coat Rack / Stand in Sandy Black Metal Spiral Design $14.39 Uniquely styled this stunning coat rack features a black sandy finish. Designed with four ornately curved legs that curl a the feet this coat rack offer a single post in the center with a honeycomb designed finial at the top and an extra post on the finial that holds four ornately curved bars to serve as racks for coats and hats. Measuring 22-inches by 68-inches this beautiful coat rack will highl…

Jokari Hanging Purse Rack $8.99 Product Features Purse rack hangs on any door or wall Simple design features 2 self-adjusting elastic straps with 8 adjustable hanging hooks on each No tools or hardware required for over-the-door option Hardware included for wall-mount option Also great for hats, scarves, and more Amazon.com Product Description Economical, versatile, and easy to install, Jokari’s Purse Rack hangs on any door or m…

Alligator Purse $9.58 Grammy winners and 10-time nominees BeauSoleil continue their scion-like march through the panorama of American music with Alligator Purse. Over the past 30-plus years, BeauSoleil has been the very heartbeat of Cajun music and culture, keeping it vital through not only their attention to tradition, but also through passionate and inventive experimentation. This time around these twin creative appr…

Basie’s Beatle Bag $14.98 …

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Walt Disney Treasures – Disney Rarities – Celebrated Shorts, 1920s – 1960s $22.75 Disney Rarities lives up to its title: It’s been impossible to see many of these shorts for decades. Walt Disney bankrupted his fledgling Laugh-O-Gram studio making “Alice’s Wonderland,” but the short earned Disney his first national distribution contract. Films featuring animated characters in live-action settings were common during the silent era; Disney reversed the situation, placing a live ac…

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Longchamp Medium ‘Le Pliage’ Black Nylon Brown Leather Handle Tote Bag $98.99 Classic and refined, this two-tone tote bag from Longchamp features a smooth, durable nylon construction and a brown leather flap-over top and handles. The ‘Le Pliage’ handbag is finished with a Longchamp goldtone logo zipper and one interior pocket.

Burberry Small Haymarket Check Sling Bag $279.99 The Haymarket handbag features Burberry’s own iconic trademark check-print and high-quality goldtone hardware. Made in Italy with PVC and leather trimming, this sling tote is sure to show off your taste in the finer things.

Longchamp ‘Planetes’ Tonal Small Nylon Shopper $119.99 Rich and luxurious, this chic brown shopper by Longchamp features sleek nylon construction. With thin patent leather handles and trim, this classic bag is finished with coordinating brown fabric lining and gleaming gunmetal hardware.

Longchamp ‘LePliage’ Navy Nylon Brown Leather Handle Travel Bag $98.99 This two-tone travel bag from Longchamp features a smooth, durable navy nylon construction and a brown leather flap-over top and handles. The ‘Le Pliage’ handbag is finished with a Longchamp goldtone logo zipper and one interior pocket.

Burberry Small Signature Check Tote Bag $559.99 Burberry’s signature checkered pattern colors this classic tote bag. Lined in beige fabric and trimmed in black patent leather, this designer handbag is finished with double flat handles and one interior zipper pocket.

Longchamp Mini ‘Le Pliage’ Black Nylon Brown Leather Handle Tote Bag $88.99 Classic and refined, this two-tone tote bag from Longchamp features a smooth, durable nylon construction and a brown leather flap-over top and handles. The ‘Le Pliage’ handbag is finished with a Longchamp logo zipper and one interior pocket.

Longchamp Mini ‘Planetes’ Black Nylon Tote Bag $88.99 Classic and refined, this nylon tote bag from Longchamp features a smooth, durable nylon construction and a flap-over top closure. The ‘Plantes’ handbag is finished with double flat handles and one interior pocket.

Longchamp Le Pliage Small Foldable Nylon Tote Bag $88.99 Longchamp 1621 089 219 Small Foldable Le Pliage HandbagConstruction: Nylon with leather flap and handles 8 inches high x 8 inches wide x 5.5 inches deep

Amerileather Casual Leather Handbag $39.99 Quality craftsmanship highlights every aspect of this bagHandbag is the perfect complement to your sporty and casual stylesFully lined bag features two roomy main compartments

Fendi Zucca Canvas Hobo Bag $699.99 Sleek and versatile, this black hobo bag by Fendi is constructed of Zucca printed canvas. With leather trim and a thin chain shoulder strap, this chic Italian-made bag is finished with glittering goldtone hardware and logo lining.

Longchamp Planetes Small Chocolate Nylon Satchel $88.99 Longchamp 1601 002 021 Small Planetes HandbagConstruction: Nylon with patent leather flap and handlesEntry: Top zippered closure 6.75 inches high x 7.5 inches wide x 4 inches deep

Burberry Small Square Nova Bowling Bag $599.99 Black patent leather accents this lovely square bowler bag from Burberry. Featuring the signature Burberry check print, this bag is finished with gunmetal hardware.

Longchamp ‘Le Pliage’ Large Nylon Tote Bag $119.99 Sophisticated and versatile, this green tote by Longchamp features lightweight nylon construction. With leather handles and trim, this bag is finished with black fabric lining and glittering goldtone hardware.

Adi Designs Genuine Leather Fashions Purse $20.99 Accessorize with the latest in fashion with this women’s Genuine Leather Fashion Purse from Adi Designs.

Nine West Circus Large Shopper Handbag $34.99 This fashionable handbag from Nine West features a lovely stitch detailing and attractive silvertone hardware. Straight handles and interior pockets complete this magnetic-top handbag.

Longchamp LM Nylon Tote Bag $98.99 Longchamp 1621 510 001 LM HandbagConstruction: Nylon with leather flapEntry: Top zippered closure 8.25 inches high x 8.5 inches wide x 5.5 inches deep

Amerileather ‘Tutu’ Top-grain Lambskin Leather Handbag $68.99 Inspired by Native American sand art, tiered and studded fringe adorns this Tutu bag. This party-ready handbag is completed with stylish silvertone hardware and vibrantly colored lambskin leather construction.

Amerileather Cynthia Genuine Leather Handbag $97.99 Leather bag is perfectly suited for everyday life with a simple design that matches any outfitOversize handbag features a spacious interior that is great for last minute needsAccessory is constructed of butter-soft top grain cowhide leather

Soho 4-piece Beauty Case with Removable Organizer and Purse Kit $22.95 Keep your make up and beauty supplies organized and safe with this SOHO four-piece Soho beauty organizer set. This black case features a removable hard side organizer, a clear PVC zipper pocket, a removable purse kit and brush pockets.

Amerileather Sana Handbag $66.99 The Sana handbag is intricately bound together by leather leaflets, growing from the heart of the bag. This bag features top-grain lambskin leather construction.

Hats and Purses Throw Pillow $38 Whimsical and Unique This bedding set features pink yellow purple blue and green patchwork and charming embroidered hats purses and umbrellas White stitching speckled with pink polka dots adds an extra touch of beauty Dimensions: Hat Applique with Embroidery Beading 14 Tailored with Emblem 26 Tailored with Pink Chintz 26

Hats and Purses Twin Quilt $254 Whimsical and Unique This bedding set features pink yellow purple blue and green patchwork and charming embroidered hats purses and umbrellas White stitching speckled with pink polka dots adds an extra touch of beauty Handstitched with applique emboridery and beading

Hats and Purses Duvet $159 Whimsical and Unique This bedding set features pink yellow purple blue and green patchwork and charming embroidered hats purses and umbrellas White stitching speckled with pink polka dots adds an extra touch of beauty Dimensions: 68 x 86 Emblem Print Poly fill insert

Hats and Purses Camelback Canopy $110 Whimsical and Unique This bedding set features pink yellow purple blue and green patchwork and charming embroidered hats purses and umbrellas White stitching speckled with pink polka dots adds an extra touch of beauty Emblem Body and Ruffle

Hats and Purses Valance $50 Whimsical and Unique This bedding set features pink yellow purple blue and green patchwork and charming embroidered hats purses and umbrellas White stitching speckled with pink polka dots adds an extra touch of beauty Dimensions: 11 x 88 3 pocket Emblem Print

Hats and Purses Wallhanging $59 Whimsical and Unique This bedding set features pink yellow purple blue and green patchwork and charming embroidered hats purses and umbrellas White stitching speckled with pink polka dots adds an extra touch of beauty Each balloon is approximately 9 wide and 11 tall with a 1 yard ribbon attached Balloons can be hung separately

LaCroix Handbags Colette – Grey $223.99 LaCroix Handbags Colette – Grey

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Hats and Purses Twin Sheet Set $85 Whimsical and Unique This bedding set features pink yellow purple blue and green patchwork and charming embroidered hats purses and umbrellas White stitching speckled with pink polka dots adds an extra touch of beauty Emblem Print

Prada Handbags, $575 Prada Handbags, Prada Travel Bag (4va105asf) (PR557B) is in stock and ready to ship from dellamoda.com. We stock Prada Handbags, Prada Travel Bag (4va105asf) (PR557B) for $299.00 and we guarantee your satisfaction.

Rodo Handbags, $1500 Rodo Handbags, Leather Evening Bag (rodo02) is in stock and ready to ship from dellamoda.com. We stock Rodo Handbags, Leather Evening Bag (rodo02) for $425.00 and we guarantee your satisfaction.

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100 Years of Purses 1880s to 1970 $24.95 This book will identify, by chapter, purse styles over a 100-year span, from 1880 to 1980. Any female who loves or is fascinated with handbags must own this book. More than 320 photos showcase creative, stylish, flamboyant, prestigious, and conventional purses. You will learn that the handbag creates a mystery about the owner. Discussed are purses of all types: beaded, evening, Lucite, pearl, straw, reptile, tapestry, and bags from the 1940s to the 1960s. There is also a chapter on German si

100 Years of Purses: 1880′s to 1970: Identification & Values $14.97 Used – This book will identify, by chapter, purse styles over a 100-year span, from 1880 to 1980. Any female who loves or is fascinated with handbags must own this book. More than 320 photos showcase creative, stylish, flamboyant, prestigious, and conventional purses. You will learn that the handbag creates a mystery about the owner. Discussed are purses of all types: beaded, evening, Lucite, pearl, straw, reptile, tapestry, and bags from the 1940s to the 1960s. There is also a chapter on German

100 Years of Purses: 1880s to 1980s: Identification & Values $19.95 New – This book will identify, by chapter, purse styles over a 100-year span, from 1880 to 1980. Any female who loves or is fascinated with handbags must own this book. More than 320 photos showcase creative, stylish, flamboyant, prestigious, and conventional purses. You will learn that the handbag creates a mystery about the owner. Discussed are purses of all types: beaded, evening, Lucite, pearl, straw, reptile, tapestry, and bags from the 1940s to the 1960s. There is also a chapter on German

365 Days of Handbags Calendar 2008 $118.42 Used – The pure passion of the handbag lover. Based on the bestselling book “Handbags,” 365 Handbags is a fashionista’s fan-tasy of clutches, bracelet bags, “pochettes,” purses, minaudieres, and shoulder bags. Dior to Valentino, Badgley Mischka to Schiaparelli, a logo-emblazoned tote from Moschino and Fendi’s classic baguette. Each month’s spread features one drop-dead picture at the top and smaller daily photos in the grid below–all in full color. Embroidered bags, beaded bags. Minimalist bags

365 Days of Handbags Calendar 2008 $32.94 Used – The pure passion of the handbag lover. Based on the bestselling book “Handbags,” 365 Handbags is a fashionista’s fan-tasy of clutches, bracelet bags, “pochettes,” purses, minaudieres, and shoulder bags. Dior to Valentino, Badgley Mischka to Schiaparelli, a logo-emblazoned tote from Moschino and Fendi’s classic baguette. Each month’s spread features one drop-dead picture at the top and smaller daily photos in the grid below–all in full color. Embroidered bags, beaded bags. Minimalist bags

365 Days of Handbags Calendar 2008 $108.95 New – The pure passion of the handbag lover. Based on the bestselling book “Handbags,” 365 Handbags is a fashionista’s fan-tasy of clutches, bracelet bags, “pochettes,” purses, minaudieres, and shoulder bags. Dior to Valentino, Badgley Mischka to Schiaparelli, a logo-emblazoned tote from Moschino and Fendi’s classic baguette. Each month’s spread features one drop-dead picture at the top and smaller daily photos in the grid below–all in full color. Embroidered bags, beaded bags. Minimalist bags,

365 Days of Handbags Calendar 2008 $38.82 New – The pure passion of the handbag lover. Based on the bestselling book “Handbags,” 365 Handbags is a fashionista’s fan-tasy of clutches, bracelet bags, “pochettes,” purses, minaudieres, and shoulder bags. Dior to Valentino, Badgley Mischka to Schiaparelli, a logo-emblazoned tote from Moschino and Fendi’s classic baguette. Each month’s spread features one drop-dead picture at the top and smaller daily photos in the grid below–all in full color. Embroidered bags, beaded bags. Minimalist bags,

365 Days of Handbags Calendar 2008 $118.42 Used – The pure passion of the handbag lover. Based on the bestselling book “Handbags,” 365 Handbags is a fashionista’s fan-tasy of clutches, bracelet bags, “pochettes,” purses, minaudieres, and shoulder bags. Dior to Valentino, Badgley Mischka to Schiaparelli, a logo-emblazoned tote from Moschino and Fendi’s classic baguette. Each month’s spread features one drop-dead picture at the top and smaller daily photos in the grid below–all in full color. Embroidered bags, beaded bags. Minimalist bags

365 Days of Handbags Calendar 2008 $123.12 Used – The pure passion of the handbag lover. Based on the bestselling book “Handbags,” 365 Handbags is a fashionista’s fan-tasy of clutches, bracelet bags, “pochettes,” purses, minaudieres, and shoulder bags. Dior to Valentino, Badgley Mischka to Schiaparelli, a logo-emblazoned tote from Moschino and Fendi’s classic baguette. Each month’s spread features one drop-dead picture at the top and smaller daily photos in the grid below–all in full color. Embroidered bags, beaded bags. Minimalist bags

365 Days of Handbags Calendar 2008 $120.77 Used – The pure passion of the handbag lover. Based on the bestselling book “Handbags,” 365 Handbags is a fashionista’s fan-tasy of clutches, bracelet bags, “pochettes,” purses, minaudieres, and shoulder bags. Dior to Valentino, Badgley Mischka to Schiaparelli, a logo-emblazoned tote from Moschino and Fendi’s classic baguette. Each month’s spread features one drop-dead picture at the top and smaller daily photos in the grid below–all in full color. Embroidered bags, beaded bags. Minimalist bags

365 Days of Handbags Calendar 2008 $120.77 Used – The pure passion of the handbag lover. Based on the bestselling book “Handbags,” 365 Handbags is a fashionista’s fan-tasy of clutches, bracelet bags, “pochettes,” purses, minaudieres, and shoulder bags. Dior to Valentino, Badgley Mischka to Schiaparelli, a logo-emblazoned tote from Moschino and Fendi’s classic baguette. Each month’s spread features one drop-dead picture at the top and smaller daily photos in the grid below–all in full color. Embroidered bags, beaded bags. Minimalist bags

365 Days of Handbags Calendar 2008 $118.42 Used – The pure passion of the handbag lover. Based on the bestselling book “Handbags,” 365 Handbags is a fashionista’s fan-tasy of clutches, bracelet bags, “pochettes,” purses, minaudieres, and shoulder bags. Dior to Valentino, Badgley Mischka to Schiaparelli, a logo-emblazoned tote from Moschino and Fendi’s classic baguette. Each month’s spread features one drop-dead picture at the top and smaller daily photos in the grid below–all in full color. Embroidered bags, beaded bags. Minimalist bags

365 Days of Handbags Calendar 2008 $38.82 Used – The pure passion of the handbag lover. Based on the bestselling book “Handbags,” 365 Handbags is a fashionista’s fan-tasy of clutches, bracelet bags, “pochettes,” purses, minaudieres, and shoulder bags. Dior to Valentino, Badgley Mischka to Schiaparelli, a logo-emblazoned tote from Moschino and Fendi’s classic baguette. Each month’s spread features one drop-dead picture at the top and smaller daily photos in the grid below–all in full color. Embroidered bags, beaded bags. Minimalist bags

365 Days of Handbags Calendar 2009 (Picture a Day Wall Calendars) $55.95 Used – Too many handbags? Impossible! This calendar is pure eye candy for the handbag lover, packed with day after day of purses, “pochettes,” clutches, totes, and shoulder bags in glorious full color. Here are the leather, the satin, the enameled; the feathered, fringed, and bejeweled; the minimalist and the over-the-top. But there is one thing “all” these bags have in common: they are fabulous. Each month features a large photograph at the top and dozens more in the grid below. Based on “Hand

365 Days of Handbags Calendar 2009 (Picture a Day Wall Calendars) $55.95 New – Too many handbags? Impossible! This calendar is pure eye candy for the handbag lover, packed with day after day of purses, “pochettes,” clutches, totes, and shoulder bags in glorious full color. Here are the leather, the satin, the enameled; the feathered, fringed, and bejeweled; the minimalist and the over-the-top. But there is one thing “all” these bags have in common: they are fabulous. Each month features a large photograph at the top and dozens more in the grid below. Based on “Handb