We warmly welcome you to our blog that provides in-depth knowledge of how women’s handbags have changed over the years. Our team has reviewed the history files and the designer bags to provide you with worthwhile content.
Handbags have always been around from the ancient ages, in different types of shapes/ sizes and materials used. A sneak peek at the handbag, and you can easily guess that they stand as the or the evolution of human civilization. They have remained an integral part of the wardrobe for the last 1000 years.
As per archaeological surveys, the oldest handbag is dated to 5000 BC in Europe. Archaeologists found a leather pouch that contained an axe, weapons, fur and other garments.
How Handbags became Popular?
After a certain period of time, the colour and material used for the preparation of handbags differed as per social status. The kings and rich business community carried silk pouches laden with gemstones. They carried gold and silver coins in pouches slung near their waists. If needed, they used these pouches to give coins to the needy. The farmers, on the other hand, used a large pouch or handbag to carry seed grains to sow in the fields. They even carried money and small equipment in the same bag.
However, it was only when women took a genuine interest in handbags did, they really become an art piece. Men and women in the Medieval-ages used the girdle pouch to carry important items for long distances.
It was in the years 1790 to 1830 that the handbags underwent a complete upheaval. Tailors of those ages put in their best embroidery skills as well, making use of cloth pieces to make the cloth bag attractive. These bags were used for carrying toiletries, keys and small documents.
The first luxury women’s handbag is rumoured, to have been designed by H. J. Cave & Sons company for entrepreneur Samuel Parkinson. He found that his wife’s clothes pouch was too small for journeys. So, he ordered the H.J. Cave company to design personalised bags for his wife.
Handbags in the 20th Century
As per language experts, it was not until the 20th Century, that the term ‘handbag’ became famous. After World War I, women got equal rights to vote and participate in the workforce in large numbers. The fashion industry had a revival and paved the way for new designs and new brands. After World War II the fever really caught on, with reputed designers such as Guccio Gucci, Louis Vuitton making a mark in the fashion industry with their designs.
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Famous Handbag Brands
- Louis Vuitton Handbags
- Angela Roi
- Gucci Handbags
- Hermès Handbags
- Chanel
- Jacquemus
- Givenchy
- Fendi
- Bottega Veneta
- Céline
- Goyard
- Yves Saint Laurent
- Stella McCartney
- Bulgari
- Giorgio Armani
- Polene
- Prada
- Burberry
- Von Holzhausen
- Alexander McQueen
- Versace
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Conclusion
Handbags have been the greatest daily life accessories since the ancient ages for men and women. Yes, the process from a raw handbag made of animal skin to a sleek, elegant attractively designed product has come through various stages of development.
On the present day, the handbag industry’s revenue for 2024 is estimated to reach more than USD 68 billion. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR rate of more than 3 percent from 2024 to 2028. Among the countries, the US is expected to dominate the global market by generating the highest revenue of more than 13000 million USD in 2024.
In the handbag industry, style and fashion statements always change according to consumer preferences. These days, it has become a fad to design handbags by making use of eco-friendly materials.
This blog contained a few points on the way handbags have evolved over time. Today, the design of handbags has changed from mere storage bags to making a fashion statement. There is no doubt that the handbags of today will continue to be an integral part of fashion in the future.
Blog by Sathya Narayana B.
This blog is written only for informational purposes.
