A History of Handbags

Although the first mention in written literature was circa 1400 A.D., the invention of the handbag dates to the 5th century, when men and women would take the skins/pelts from animal carcasses, and hang them onto a stick to help them to carry necessities such as food.

In 1670 breeches with built in pockets were introduced, so handbags became more of a female accessory.

Progressing onwards to the 1800's, handbags became extremely popular, having more of a purpose than to just carry things; suddenly women wanted them to match what they were wearing and color/style coordination became more of an important issue. As ladies dresses evolved, handbags did too. Where there was no room for pockets on a dress styled in a certain way, a handbag would be considered an absolute essential.

Suddenly the handbag was a status symbol. The term handbag was actually coined in the early 20th century and referred to men's hand luggage, however this inspired a whole new version of the handbags women carried. This inspiration resulted in a handbag complete with locks, inner compartments and generally more space be produced.

It was the discovery of the Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamen's tomb which inspired Egyptian decoration to the outer of the purses and other décor followed soon afterward. The 1940's saw a change to a more austere style, as World War II saw a decline in the resources which were commonly used to make handbags such as metal which at that time was being mainly used for ammunition and weaponry. Wood and plastic then became the main components of the handbag being easily gatherable and in plentiful supply.

It was the 1950's before a rise in designer handbags emerged, when Chanel, Louis Vitton and other quality designers all started production.

The 1970's initiated a breakdown in classical handbag use, and more shapes, styles and format of handbags were introduced. This has continued to the current day where a handbag can be practically any size with any amount of decoration, created using any material available and be carried by anyone.

In fact, handbags are available now for many different occasions – from the ordinary day-to-day handbag, to tote bags for the beach, or delicately styled bags for the evening. It doesn't matter what the occasion, color or style, a handbag can be found for any event.

The future of handbags seems an easy one to predict. Given that already the handbag has survived centuries of fashion, war and other normally contributory factors to certain objects demise it would seem a reasonable conclusion that handbags will continue to be a very important part of any woman's (or man's!) attire; and the current designers who produce the bags that most fashion-conscious purchasers take extreme effort to obtain will continue their reign.

Unless of course, something a lot better, or more useful is invented in the future; but it would have to be something with as much promise and versatility as the handbag. Nevertheless, right now it would seem safe to say that the handbag is here to stay.