The History of Handbags and How They Evolved Along the Ages

Introduction: What is a handbag?

The history of the handbag is quite interesting. It’s a story of how handbags evolved from being an accessory that women would carry on their arm, to something that they put over their shoulder, to something they put on the floor and finally, to something they carried in their hands.

Handbags have been around for centuries and there are many different styles. They have gone through many changes in design and functionality over the years. The most common type of bag today is one that has a strap that goes across your body, but there are also bags that you can carry with one hand or even bags without any straps at all.

A handbag is an accessory that allows women to carry personal belongings like their wallet, keys, and other items in their hands. It can be used in place of a purse or briefcase for carrying smaller items. Handbags are a popular medium for fashion and design, with many designers creating their own, or even designing handbags that are created by third-party designers. The designs of some handbags include a distinctive shape or style of the bag as well as intricate detailing. Handbag colors can be either subtle, neutral colors like black, charcoal gray, and navy blue or vibrant colors often associated with different seasons.  What says Spring more than Sunshine Yellow?  Or Fall with deep vibrant colors?

Black, charcoal gray and navy blue are the most popular colors for handbags because they are timeless and can be worn year-round. These colors also go with any outfit.

Antiquity - The Beginning of the History

The first handbags were created in the ancient time. They were made of leather, skin, or cloth. These bags were used to carry things like food, weapons, and other items. Interesting enough the ancient Egyptians and Romans used them as protective amulets.

The earliest known reference to a handbag is from 16th century France, when they were called "les sacs à main." Women often carried them under their arm or tucked them under their belt or sash. The first handbags were made in the 16th century, but they didn't become popular until the 18th century.

The Middle Ages - Innovation in Bag Designs

In the Middle Ages, there was a lot of innovation in bag designs. This is because people needed to carry more items than they do today, and bags were the most efficient way to transport these items. The Middle Ages saw the invention of the backpack and other new bag designs that had never been seen before.

The invention of the backpack meant that people could carry larger items on their back, which was useful for many.  The idea for backpacks came about because of an increasing need for carrying capacity in medieval times.  Of course, they do look a lot different today.

The Renaissance - The First Fashionable Purses

The Renaissance was a period of European history that spanned from the 14th to 17th century. It was a time of change, innovation, and discovery.

One of the most notable changes during this period were the innovations in fashion. The Renaissance was the first time that people cared about what they wore and how they looked. This led to the development of fashionable purses, which were seen as status symbols.

The Victorian Era - Fashionable Purses

The Victorian Era is known for its strict social norms, high moral standards, and rigid class system. In this time period, women had limited rights and were expected to be seen and not heard.

Women's fashion in the Victorian era was influenced by Queen Victoria. The Queen wore a black dress with a lace collar and bonnet to her coronation, which set the tone for the rest of her reign. Women's clothing was designed to cover as much skin as possible so that they would not tempt men into committing sin.

The Victorian era is known for its fashionable purses. These purses were usually made from silk or velvet and had intricate floral designs on them. They were often carried by women to hold their most prized possessions, and would feature gold or silver edging as well as a long tassel. .

The 1920s - Flapper Girls Revolutionized the Purse Industry

The 1920s is a decade known for its fashion, music, and its contributions to society. One of the most popular fashion trends was the Flapper Girl look. The look consisted of short skirts, straight hair, and long cigarette holders. Women who wore this style were called Flappers.

The 1920s also saw the rise in popularity of handbags or purses as they were called back then. They became a necessity for women to carry their belongings with them because they were no longer at home all day cooking or cleaning like before. The handbags of the time were made from different materials including leather, wool, and cotton.

Changing Fashion Styles for Women's Bags

Fashion has always been a way for people to express themselves and show their creativity. In the past, fashion was mostly about what you wore, but now it is about what you carry. Women's handbags are an important part of any outfit because they are often the most visible accessory. They can make or break an outfit and they have become a staple of fashion.

In recent years, there has been a shift in how women want to carry their bags. The traditional handbag has lost ground and more women are opting for cross-body bags that allow them to keep their hands free while still carrying all their essentials with them. This change in preference has changed the landscape of fashion as well as how handbags are made and sold to consumers.

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