{History} History of Handbags

Your handbag is a harbinger. According to FOF Deborah Chase, author of Terms of Adornment (Harper Collins) and creator of the No Nonsense Beauty blog, handbag styles arise as a response to women’s changing role in society. “We love our bags for what they look like,” says Deborah. “But styles emerge and endure because there is a reason for them.” So, no, you’re not imagining that designers are putting out larger purses every year. “Every decade bags are getting bigger because we have more stuff to carry,” says Deborah. Take a look at the evolution of handbags from 1800 to modern day. My, have our handbags grown….

(Meet Deb at Beauty Bash, Oct. 1 and 2nd!)

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0 Responses to “{History} History of Handbags”

  1. Der Spieleklassiker says:

    Was ist los everyone, I wissen YouTube-Video aus weniger Byte Speicher durch, dass seine Qualitֳ₪t schrecklich , aber aber dieses YouTube-Video hat enorm Bild features.

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  2. deestea says:

    Wish we could add photos to these comment areas. I have a vintage purse that I believe might be from France. It is black suede, shaped like an hour glass and has the look of a bird cage. The top of the purse held a powder compact and the lining is gold satin. It’s the cutest thing ever. I can’t seem to find anything like it anywhere!

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  3. VeryLiberal says:

    I love bags and have too many; however, I tend to favor one or two that I’ve found to be the “perfect” size that accepts all my stuff I must have with me at all times. If I switch to one too big, I find myself digging constantly into the mish-mash trying to retrieve that one hidden object. I basically switch between the two most perfect- for-me faithfuls leaving the new-with-tags neatly stored in my purse closet.

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  4. Diana says:

    I am a huge fan of vintage Victorian purses and the big hat era, I have collected them for a while now and have them all over my bedroom and walls for display!!

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  5. 56at55 says:

    I’m another “purse freak.” I collect them like other women collect shoes. I loved this article and the illustrations, but I would disagree that women needed purses because they were working in the 1960s. Most women were NOT in the workplace in those years. I know because my mom did — not because she had to, but because she wanted to (had a master’s degree) –and I was very conscious of the fact that in my middle-class neighborhood, she was the only one. In fact, I was somewhat resentful and embarrassed (oh, Mom, I’m sorry — if only I knew then what I know now!).

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    • Estela says:

      I love the simple dinarwgs and bright colors. Its easy for a kid to read and look at (my son has SPD so somethings are hard for him) and love how its customizable, my son would get a super kick out of thatj.mcdilda at gmail dot com

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  6. Norma Byrd says:

    This was a really interesting article!! THANK YOU. Not just a feature on couture, but if you looked beyond the fashions, a social commentary as well. (It’s difficult to think of the 1800’s in terms of “the good old days” when you realize the limitations under which women lived!) But really now, if handbags get any bigger and we keep carrying everything including the kitchen sink, they’d better have wheels! I already have to shift my bag often from one shoulder to the other to ease the strain. And don’t tell me to use a back pack—that looks silly. Also, I’m glad the writer didn’t include fanny packs or tummy packs. No woman needs to add girth in either of those areas.

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  7. Judith Marshall says:

    Women love handbags (and shoes) because even when we gain a few pounds, a gorgeous bag or pretty pair of shoes will lift our spirits.

    Judith Marshall
    Author of “Husbands May Come and Go but Friends are Forever.”

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  8. Donna Garcia says:

    I love handbags. I never go anywhere without mine. I love the big bags which I store everything and add more evertime. I tried having a small bag doesn’t work. I need much bigger. I take my grandchindren with me sometimes and always need something for them, whether it be wipes, snack or whatever I always go prepared. With the big bag you can’t miss. Everytime I go to the store I alwyas go straight to the handbags to see what is new. I have so many bags I had to go through them to weed out. Broke my heart giving them away, but someone can appreciate them.

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