Handbags were first mentioned in literature back in the fourteenth century however Egyptians were shown wearing some sort of pouch in the hieroglyphs they left behind. During the Medieval era people wore what was called a girdle that were fastened about the waist and often a bag was attached to this apparatus. Sometimes the bags were decorated with intricate embroidery or they were festooned with jewels. Bags were not just for carrying money and some were used for holding food for pet falcons or for gaming supplies. There were ecclesiastical purses made to hold holy relics used in the mass and the one that was the most significant during this period of time was the Seal Bag for the Lord Chancellor.

Handbags became much more practical during the 16th century and were made of either fabric or leather and had a draw string that would enable them to be opened or shut. Travelers would wear large bags made of fabric that slipped diagonally over the shoulder. In the 17th century women would create beautiful samplers of their abilities in embroidery and this transferred to some of their purses to let gentlemen know she had these skills and would make an excellent wife.

Women carried their purses under their voluminous Elizabethan skirts so they were out of the way. Men also concealed their purses under their breeches. Other types of bags were carried and one was the sweat bag. This bag was a fabric bag usually embroidered that was stuffed with sweet smelling herbs and flowers. It was thought that bathing was detrimental to the body at this time so many fragile aristocrats carried these bags to their noses to make the overpowering scents of the city better.

In the eighteenth century the poofy skirts with multitudes of undergarments went out of style and women did not want to distract from the clothing they wore. Women had become dependent on a hand bag by this time so they began to carry bags called reticules in which where stored face powder, hand fans, perfume, a card case with their visiting cards and smelling salts. Each outfit had to have a matching bag.

The word handbag was given to a small piece of luggage usually carried by men during the 1900\’s. Designers like Louis Vuitton and Theirry Hermes began making these fabric bags that had many different compartments, locks, and fasteners that seemed much more complicated. Women took one look and wanted something for them. These bags were made smaller but had all the nice compartments that women desired.

In the 1920\’s it was not popular for the bag to match the outfit anymore. A trend started that women would carry a doll with them that was dressed just like themselves and their bag had to match that of the doll. The pochette was invented and was a clutch that had geometric motifs all over it. They did not have handles and could be tucked under the arm. Working women used the Boulevard Bag that was made of leather and worked as a shopping bag or they carried briefcases that could be worn around the shoulder.

The classic bag with a handle and clasp frame, the clutch with no handles, the satchel purse, and the shoulder bag were all made during the 1930\’s and were not only made of leather but also plastic. The Art Deco Style was shown in abstract patterns and colors. In the 1940\’s purses were larger and more practical with a military look to them. Fashion designers began to design handbags starting in the 1950\’s including Chanel, and Vuitton. A small bag gave the impression that the woman was dainty and beautiful and very feminine while a large bag gave the message that the woman was independent.

Since then the handbag has gone through the same evolution and women\’s clothing. When the leather cowboy look with suede fringe was in so was the fringed hand bag. The hippie era with bright colors and flowing fabrics also took over that same look in women\’s hand bags. When women became obsessed with health and fitness the handbag also reflected that looking somewhat like undersized gym bags.

Today we find handbags in any color or made from any material from plastic to wicker and leather. They are made from small to very large and not only women enjoy using handbags but also men have come up with the Man Purse. You can find cheap reproductions of just about any designer bag out there on any street corner in every town. You would be hard pressed to find a woman that does not carry a bag or have several of different colors. They come plain and simple or bedecked with zippers and multiple pockets. Handbags today are utilitarian yet look smart and have come a long way from the small drawstring variety used by women of yesterday.

Today we find handbags in any color or made from any material from plastic to grass and leather. They are made from petite to very large and not only women enjoy using a handbag but also men have come up with the Man Purse.

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