History of the Handbag
Traditionally handbags are associated with the female of the species, and are the ultimate fashion statement and more than an accessory. However, 'man bags' have, in recent years, made a comeback. I say comeback, as men were the original wearers of this swinging pouch, and used to carry scented oranges (pomander), flint, money and many other things of value. This, like many things over the years, has evolved and developed into what we have today.
History shows us that hand bags have been around for ever, with depictions on ancient Egyptian walls, but exactly when they were first used, nobody knows. The 1400's brought many changes and both men and woman wore handbags for practical and stylish reasons. They soon became a fashion item with embellishments like, fancy decorative embroidery, gold and jewels set in designs and motifs.
By the middle of the renaissance era, handbags had become popular and in demand, they were made from various materials, including common ones like cloth and animal hide. Eventually, hand bags lost favour for a brief time, and their use depleted as fashion dictated other ways to carry personal belongings. For woman it was usual to carry a pouch under their skirts and men favoured breeches with pockets, which meant they had no more use for the hand bag.
That was not the end though, popular Neo-classical garments around the 18th century, saw the reduction in underclothes, and it wasn't long before clothes on woman got tighter and more delicate. Wearing a purse would spoil the look, so out came the hand bag or reticules, as they were called.
With the introduction of restrictive skirts like, the hobble skirt, handbags became a necessity and were worn with chains and strings off the shoulder and became a fashionable item once again. It wasn't until the 1900's that they were called a handbag; which was a term to describe men's luggage. Handbags were fitted with locks and fancy yet, often complicated latches, and compartments were introduced. There were places to put glasses and cosmetics in the handbags.
By the roaring twenties and in keeping with the "Crazy Years" fashion took a dramatic swing with clothes becoming a social statement and less rigid.Handbag design were effect by the Second World War, in the 1940s, materials used in the production of handbags, like zips and leather, were needed to help the war effort, so alternative materials were used, for example wood, plastic and other synthetics.
Today the choice in handbags is huge, from every shape and colour imaginable, and to reach any budget. Trends are marketed and models and celebrities show off the latest must-haves, these are at the top end of the pricing spectrum. Although there is still new materials being developed and worked with, leather has stood the test of time and is still a favourite amongst silk, velvet and waterproof materials.
Men have also started clutching man bags again or at least slinging them over their shoulders, with abroad choice, from camera, messenger and satchel styles. There are also ranges for parents, unisex baby-changing bags, often seen hanging from a stroller. Parents need to carry clothes, food and items for changing in bags like these so they are very useful.
History shows us that hand bags have been around for ever, with depictions on ancient Egyptian walls, but exactly when they were first used, nobody knows. The 1400's brought many changes and both men and woman wore handbags for practical and stylish reasons. They soon became a fashion item with embellishments like, fancy decorative embroidery, gold and jewels set in designs and motifs.
By the middle of the renaissance era, handbags had become popular and in demand, they were made from various materials, including common ones like cloth and animal hide. Eventually, hand bags lost favour for a brief time, and their use depleted as fashion dictated other ways to carry personal belongings. For woman it was usual to carry a pouch under their skirts and men favoured breeches with pockets, which meant they had no more use for the hand bag.
That was not the end though, popular Neo-classical garments around the 18th century, saw the reduction in underclothes, and it wasn't long before clothes on woman got tighter and more delicate. Wearing a purse would spoil the look, so out came the hand bag or reticules, as they were called.
With the introduction of restrictive skirts like, the hobble skirt, handbags became a necessity and were worn with chains and strings off the shoulder and became a fashionable item once again. It wasn't until the 1900's that they were called a handbag; which was a term to describe men's luggage. Handbags were fitted with locks and fancy yet, often complicated latches, and compartments were introduced. There were places to put glasses and cosmetics in the handbags.
By the roaring twenties and in keeping with the "Crazy Years" fashion took a dramatic swing with clothes becoming a social statement and less rigid.Handbag design were effect by the Second World War, in the 1940s, materials used in the production of handbags, like zips and leather, were needed to help the war effort, so alternative materials were used, for example wood, plastic and other synthetics.
Today the choice in handbags is huge, from every shape and colour imaginable, and to reach any budget. Trends are marketed and models and celebrities show off the latest must-haves, these are at the top end of the pricing spectrum. Although there is still new materials being developed and worked with, leather has stood the test of time and is still a favourite amongst silk, velvet and waterproof materials.
Men have also started clutching man bags again or at least slinging them over their shoulders, with abroad choice, from camera, messenger and satchel styles. There are also ranges for parents, unisex baby-changing bags, often seen hanging from a stroller. Parents need to carry clothes, food and items for changing in bags like these so they are very useful.
About the Author:
If you want to find more information about buying cheap handbag, we can help. Visit our blog and find more about our cheap handbags and purses range or simply give us a call and we will try and assist you.
Posts
