bags through the ages

Handbags have been around in one form or another almost forever, so this article presents a potted history of the handbag.

Today we usually consider a handbag as an object of beauty, and their visual appeal is often the most important point we consider when buying one. However, their function is so improtant that women (and men) have been carrying handbags almost forever. It's been suggested by archaeologists and anthropologists, that the use of bags to carry objects, rather than the use of tools, is the unique differentiating feature of early humans.

Early handbags were carried by both men and women and were used for transporting early tools and food. From before the medieval period, handbags were used to store and carry small personal items, such as important papers for men and sewing implements for ladies.

Handbags were used by both men and women until the early 18th centuary, when they gradually became mainly used by women. These early handbags often reflected the social status of the carrier and the more elaborately embroidered and embellished bags were generally owned by the most affluent individuals. The small handbags carried by ladies are refered to as reticules and they were often attatched to a cord that was worn around the waist. The retiucule was usually worn under the skirt to prevent robbery. As the ladies had to rumage in their skirts every time they needed to get at their handbag, the reticule became known as the ridicule (french for rediculous)!

Handbags dating prior to the 19th century are rarely found today. However, beautiful early 20th centuary beaded, embroidered and metal mesh examples can be found. These bags can be a joy to own and are perfect for using for evening occasions.

From around the 18th Centuary through to the late Victorian period ladies carried thier reticules and, if needed, a work bag or basket to hold their embroidery and other larger items. Wealthy ladies had servants to carry their work bags and those less well often used baskets, but most ladies carried a reticule as it was more secure for thier money or items of value. With the birth of the middle classes during the late Victorian period, many ladies incresingly carried their own small work bags and so the true handbag or day bag was born. Many handbags dating from this period are leather and often contain a number of pockets for writing equipment, money and other items. From the late Victorian to the early 1950s a ladies day bag was almost always leather, alligator, crocodile, eel, snake or ostrich skin, as this would compliment ones shoes and suit, regardless of colour or style. At this time, the cost of a handbag was such that even those who were relatively well off, would often only have one or two handbags.

During this period, an evening bag was only used after 6pm and these evening bags could be beaded or embroidered and reflect the owners personality or match with a dress. In general, evening bags that date from between the Victorian era and early 1950s are small in size, this is because ladies did not need to carry much with them. A hanky, dance card and some emergencey cash were the basics. As make up was still considered vulgar until well into the 1950s, most young women would not admit to wearing it (even if they did use a little) and so would not carry it with them. Other items such as cigarettes were generally carried by the gentleman.

The upheaval of WW2 ment that the structure of womens lives changed dramatically, but, even during these difficult times, the role of the handbag was ever important, with many women in the UK customising their gas mask bags and leaving the actual gas mask at home, so the gas mask bag could be used as a handbag.

The years of privations and changes during and after the war meant that women became more independent, both financially and physically, and so once again the role of the handbag and evening bag changed, post war examples are bigger, as women had more to carry and went out and about much more. Equally, the financial independence that women had began to experience meant that there was a demand for new and exciting products. As many of the working women were young, it meant that the youth market emerged and this is reflected in the handbags and evenings bags of the 50s and 60s, in plastic, faux leather, wood and in bright colours and modern geometic shapes. Take a look at the box bags of this era, you'll see a real contrast to those of the pre-war period. This was the era of the handbag designer, and particulally in the USA, many famous designers became known uniquely for their handbags, such as Enid Collins, Mr Ernest, Stylecraft and Caron of Texas.

By the mid 60s style icons, such as Jackie Onasis, Brigit Bardot, Audrey Hepburn, Twiggy and Sophia Loren are influencing the high street styles of the day. By the time the 1970s arrived, women were copying their idols and the luxury goods market was becoming a growth area and we begin to see the real birth of the designer handbag, with the likes of Gucci starting to become famous for their handbags and the rise of the designer handbag has continued over the past decades.

As for current trends in the handbag world, we see that increasingly as with fashion, new designs in both the high street and design lead haute couture, are heavily influenced by past styles and vintage handbags and evening bags have become much sought after.

As to the future, who can say? But, one thing is for sure, our love of handbags both modern and vintage will no doubt continue. How can you fall out of love with the one item in your wardrobe that always fits, like great shoes a wonderful bag is a joy forever!