Women's Handbags - A history

A handbag is an absolute necessity for a modern woman, and many women feel completely lost without it. The handbag is not a new creation. People have been carrying them for thousands of years. The modern handbag is a symbol of fashion, wealth, and status.

A Brief History of Women's Purses

Handbags have been common for millennia. Even the ancient Egyptians were pictured in hieroglyphics and wall art wearing bags at their waists. Throughout history, both men and women purchase handbags. In the 15th century, a beautifully stitched purse was a normal wedding gift for a groom to present to his new bride.

Handbags were not necessarily fashion statements. At the center Ages, peasants wore them to carry seeds to the fields. Wealthy people carried small coin purses and women used sacks hanging from their girdles to hold their personal items.

By the 18th century, small purses were popular women's accessories. Upper class women owned a handbag for every outfit and used it to store her essentials. One reason purses grew in popularity was because the clothing styles became more form fitting, making it hard to hide a bag underneath a gown. 18th century handbags were very beautiful and elaborately made, clear markers of a women's status.

By the 20th century, a handbag signified a woman's independence. Women's handbags continued to modernize over the years, with designers like Chanel, Hermes, and Louis Vuitton transforming the concept in the 60s.

The Modern Bag

Just like in the 18th century, handbags are still a sign of prestige and status. Some of the best designers today are Gucci, Prada, Cellini, Coach, and Dolce and Gabanna.

Different design houses are recognized for different signature looks. Ralph Lauren bags are preppy and classy. Burberry bags are recognized by their check pattern. Fendi bags sport a prominent and elegant double F.

While a modern woman doesn't require a purse that exactly matches her shoes and outfit as she did in past centuries, she is likely to have many handbags to choose from. Women's handbags are an intrinsic accessory and hold all of her daily necessities. She won't set out without it.cheap ugg boots, Cheap UGGs