The Handbag – Provenance, Precedents

22 October 2019

Evolution of handbags as coin purses – later gender diversified roles

Men – money, weapons

Women – accessory, hold perfume, jewels

Personal items – the need to be mobile – pouches sown within skirts – evolution of pockets in clothes

Sacks – necessity for long distance travel; mobile container – railroad – commuter – evolution of hand luggage

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Hermes – harness and saddle maker – now fashion

Original structure – drawstring

1950’s – clutch – symbol of sophistication accessory – colour coordination – carry under arm – less functional – object of desire – dainty bag, thin strap

1970’s – eclectic styles

1980’s – 90’s – purchasing power – brands – big logos

Early 90’s – impostors and counterfeits

21st century – men and women – genderless, handsfree, laptop, camera, gym, cosmetics, diaper bags

Shapes and latches – inspired by the changing times

References:

https://bagbirdy.com/the-evolution-of-the-bag/