News News
A Handbag History: The Evolution of Purses That Define the Eras A Handbag History: The Evolution of Purses That Define the Eras
Let's face it—a woman's relationship with her handbag is complicated. It's part security blanket, part personal assistant, and part fashion statement. These trusty companions have been with us through thick and thin (and thick wallets and thin wallets!). From ancient pouches to today's designer splurges, let's take a fun romp through handbag history and see how these everyday heroes have changed with the times!
Ancient Beginnings: When Pockets Weren't a Thing
Picture this: it's 3000 BC, and you need somewhere to stash your ancient Egyptian lip balm. What do you do? You tie a pouch to your belt and call it a day! These first "handbags" were super basic—nothing like the gorgeous genuine leather purses we drool over in store windows today. Both men and women used these pouches, proving that the man-bag isn't actually a modern invention. Who knew?
In medieval Europe, folks carried drawstring pouches called "hamondeys" or "tasques" (fancy names for glorified pouches). Think of them as the great-great-great-grandparents of your casual handbag! Nobility would show off with fancy embroidered versions, because even then, humans couldn't resist a little fashion flex.
16th-18th Centuries: Getting Fancy with It
As fashion evolved (hello, massive skirts that could hide a small family), so did bags. The ladies of the 18th century carried "sweet bags" filled with perfumed materials—basically the original air fresheners in a world before daily showers were a thing. Not exactly the glamorous clutch bag we think of for nights out, but hey, they served a purpose!
When dresses slimmed down in the late 1700s, women suddenly had nowhere to hide their stuff. The solution? The "reticule" or "indispensable"—small, decorative drawstring bags. Men actually mocked these as "ridicules" (get it?), but women knew what was up. These were the ancestors of all those shoulder bags you now have hanging in your closet!
Victorian Era: Getting Down to Business
The Victorian period brought some serious handbag evolution. Train travel meant you needed something sturdy to carry your stuff, leading to carpetbags and early versions of satchel purses. Mary Poppins would be proud!
Victorian women also rocked "chatelaines"—decorative belt hooks with dangling necessities like keys, scissors, and coin purses. Think of it as the original Swiss Army knife meets keychain meets fashion statement. These evolved into structured bags with frames and handles—the great-grandmothers of today's sophisticated top-handle bags. Those Victorians were onto something!
Early 20th Century: Liberation for Ladies (and Their Bags)
As women gained more independence (you go, girls!), their bags had to keep up. No more sitting pretty at home—now ladies needed something to carry their stuff for a full day out in the world. Enter the ancestors of those tote bags for women that we now use to haul around everything from laptops to lunch to that book we're definitely going to read someday.
Louis Vuitton and Hermès jumped on the bandwagon, creating smaller versions of their travel bags for everyday use. The 1920s flapper with her sleek, tubular dress needed a clutch bag to match—perfect for holding lipstick, cigarettes, and just enough cash for another round of illegal hooch. Party on, Gatsby!
1940s-1950s: Post-War Purse Explosion
World War II put a damper on fashion with material rationing, but after the war—watch out! Christian Dior's "New Look" brought ultra-feminine styles back with a vengeance, including structured handbags that said "I'm proper, but I might have candy in here." This era LOVED the top-handle bag—so ladylike you could practically hear it saying "Why, I never!"
The 1950s turned handbags into status symbols faster than you can say "keeping up with the Joneses." Hermès named the Kelly bag after Grace Kelly when she used one to hide her baby bump from paparazzi (the original celebrity baby-bump concealer!). Chanel released the 2.55 bag with its quilted design and chain strap—a bag so iconic it's still making credit cards cry today.
1960s-1970s: Peace, Love, and Purses
The 1960s and 70s brought a full-on handbag rebellion. Youngsters tossed aside Mom's proper purses in favor of bohemian shoulder bags, fringe purses, and messenger bags that screamed "I'm too busy changing the world to worry about matching my shoes!" Hobo handbags perfectly captured the free-spirited vibe—slouchy, casual, and roomy enough for your protest flyers and emergency granola.
Crossbody bags for women became all the rage, freeing up both hands for essential activities like flashing peace signs and playing guitar. The hippie crowd went wild for handmade bags with ethnic designs. Meanwhile, animal print handbags let fashion rebels channel their inner wild child—because nothing says "I'm with the band" like a leopard print purse!
1980s-1990s: Logo Mania and Power Purses
The 1980s arrived with a "more is more" attitude, bringing power suits and status purses to match. Career women carried structured tote purses big enough to hold important documents and the shattered glass from all those ceilings they were breaking. Luxury brands went logo-crazy, with Gucci and Fendi plastering their initials on everything. Even backpacks got fancy, with Prada's nylon version saying "I'm practical, but make it fashion."
The 1990s invented the "it bag" phenomenon, with waiting lists longer than the line for the bathroom at a Spice Girls concert. The Fendi Baguette (made famous by "Sex and the City") was so hot that Carrie Bradshaw's mugging scene had viewers more worried about the stolen purse than her safety! Let's not forget the quirky animal clutch trend—nothing tells potential suitors "I'm interesting and slightly weird" like a purse shaped like a cat!
2000s-2010s: Celebs, Social Media, and Selfie-Ready Bags
The 2000s turned celebrity handbag choices into breaking news. "Stars—they're just like us! They also spend three months' rent on a Balenciaga!" Paparazzi photos of celebs and their bags became the new fashion magazines. The fruit clutch had its moment of glory too—nothing says "I'm quirky but rich" like carrying a $2000 purse shaped like a $2 piece of fruit!
This was also when statement bags went from bold to bonkers (in the best way). WAAMII burst onto the scene with unique shaped bags that made everyone do a double-take. Their Crystal Gun Shaped Purse became the rebels' new favorite—nothing clears a path at a crowded party like a glittering pistol-shaped clutch! "Is that a gun in your purse or are you just happy to see me? Oh wait, your purse IS a gun!"
Meanwhile, fast fashion made designer lookalikes available to the masses. Suddenly everyone and their mother could sport a bag with that coveted quilted design and chain strap. Fashion democracy at its finest!
Today's Bags: Sustainable, Smart, and Seriously Fun
Today's purse scene is all about personality and planet-saving. Sustainable options are hotter than ever, with recycled materials and vegan alternatives to genuine leather purses making Mother Earth and fashionistas equally happy.
Novelty bags are having a major moment, with WAAMII leading the charge. Our Perfume Bottle Shaped Rhinestone Clutches let you carry "perfume" that won't spill in your bag (genius!), while animal shaped clutches turn "I'm carrying an unicorn" into a legitimate fashion statement. Nothing says "I contain multitudes" like showing up to a formal event with a bejeweled zoo animal under your arm!
Crossbody bags for women now come tech-ready with phone chargers and RFID protection (because identity theft is SO last season). Meanwhile, the definition of "handbag" has expanded faster than your waistline after Thanksgiving dinner—from phone cases with straps to fanny packs worn across the chest (the fashion equivalent of wearing socks with sandals, except now it's cool).
Yet through all the trends, classics remain. A well-crafted top-handle bag still says "I've got my life together" (even if you don't), and tote bags for women continue to hide gym clothes, snacks, and that umbrella you'll definitely need later.
The Never-Ending Love Affair
Our relationship with purses shows no signs of cooling off. From basic pouches to rhinestone-covered statement pieces, handbags have faithfully carried our stuff while telling our stories. They've witnessed women's changing roles, economic booms and busts, and the rise and fall of scrunchies.
Whether you're rocking a hobo handbag that's seen better days, can't function without your trusty tote purses, dream of owning that iconic quilted design with chain strap that costs more than your car payment, or turn heads with WAAMII's conversation-starting clutches, your bag choice says something about you—even if it's just "I need somewhere to put my snacks."
As we march boldly into the future (with our perfect purse in hand, naturally), one thing's for sure—the next chapter in handbag history will be worth carrying around!
Let's face it—a woman's relationship with her handbag is complicated. It's part security blanket, part personal assistant, and part fashion statement. These trusty companions have been with us through thick and thin (and thick wallets and thin wallets!). From ancient pouches to today's designer splurges, let's take a fun romp through handbag history and see how these everyday heroes have changed with the times!
Ancient Beginnings: When Pockets Weren't a Thing
Picture this: it's 3000 BC, and you need somewhere to stash your ancient Egyptian lip balm. What do you do? You tie a pouch to your belt and call it a day! These first "handbags" were super basic—nothing like the gorgeous genuine leather purses we drool over in store windows today. Both men and women used these pouches, proving that the man-bag isn't actually a modern invention. Who knew?
In medieval Europe, folks carried drawstring pouches called "hamondeys" or "tasques" (fancy names for glorified pouches). Think of them as the great-great-great-grandparents of your casual handbag! Nobility would show off with fancy embroidered versions, because even then, humans couldn't resist a little fashion flex.
16th-18th Centuries: Getting Fancy with It
As fashion evolved (hello, massive skirts that could hide a small family), so did bags. The ladies of the 18th century carried "sweet bags" filled with perfumed materials—basically the original air fresheners in a world before daily showers were a thing. Not exactly the glamorous clutch bag we think of for nights out, but hey, they served a purpose!
When dresses slimmed down in the late 1700s, women suddenly had nowhere to hide their stuff. The solution? The "reticule" or "indispensable"—small, decorative drawstring bags. Men actually mocked these as "ridicules" (get it?), but women knew what was up. These were the ancestors of all those shoulder bags you now have hanging in your closet!
Victorian Era: Getting Down to Business
The Victorian period brought some serious handbag evolution. Train travel meant you needed something sturdy to carry your stuff, leading to carpetbags and early versions of satchel purses. Mary Poppins would be proud!
Victorian women also rocked "chatelaines"—decorative belt hooks with dangling necessities like keys, scissors, and coin purses. Think of it as the original Swiss Army knife meets keychain meets fashion statement. These evolved into structured bags with frames and handles—the great-grandmothers of today's sophisticated top-handle bags. Those Victorians were onto something!
Early 20th Century: Liberation for Ladies (and Their Bags)
As women gained more independence (you go, girls!), their bags had to keep up. No more sitting pretty at home—now ladies needed something to carry their stuff for a full day out in the world. Enter the ancestors of those tote bags for women that we now use to haul around everything from laptops to lunch to that book we're definitely going to read someday.
Louis Vuitton and Hermès jumped on the bandwagon, creating smaller versions of their travel bags for everyday use. The 1920s flapper with her sleek, tubular dress needed a clutch bag to match—perfect for holding lipstick, cigarettes, and just enough cash for another round of illegal hooch. Party on, Gatsby!
1940s-1950s: Post-War Purse Explosion
World War II put a damper on fashion with material rationing, but after the war—watch out! Christian Dior's "New Look" brought ultra-feminine styles back with a vengeance, including structured handbags that said "I'm proper, but I might have candy in here." This era LOVED the top-handle bag—so ladylike you could practically hear it saying "Why, I never!"
The 1950s turned handbags into status symbols faster than you can say "keeping up with the Joneses." Hermès named the Kelly bag after Grace Kelly when she used one to hide her baby bump from paparazzi (the original celebrity baby-bump concealer!). Chanel released the 2.55 bag with its quilted design and chain strap—a bag so iconic it's still making credit cards cry today.
1960s-1970s: Peace, Love, and Purses
The 1960s and 70s brought a full-on handbag rebellion. Youngsters tossed aside Mom's proper purses in favor of bohemian shoulder bags, fringe purses, and messenger bags that screamed "I'm too busy changing the world to worry about matching my shoes!" Hobo handbags perfectly captured the free-spirited vibe—slouchy, casual, and roomy enough for your protest flyers and emergency granola.
Crossbody bags for women became all the rage, freeing up both hands for essential activities like flashing peace signs and playing guitar. The hippie crowd went wild for handmade bags with ethnic designs. Meanwhile, animal print handbags let fashion rebels channel their inner wild child—because nothing says "I'm with the band" like a leopard print purse!
1980s-1990s: Logo Mania and Power Purses
The 1980s arrived with a "more is more" attitude, bringing power suits and status purses to match. Career women carried structured tote purses big enough to hold important documents and the shattered glass from all those ceilings they were breaking. Luxury brands went logo-crazy, with Gucci and Fendi plastering their initials on everything. Even backpacks got fancy, with Prada's nylon version saying "I'm practical, but make it fashion."
The 1990s invented the "it bag" phenomenon, with waiting lists longer than the line for the bathroom at a Spice Girls concert. The Fendi Baguette (made famous by "Sex and the City") was so hot that Carrie Bradshaw's mugging scene had viewers more worried about the stolen purse than her safety! Let's not forget the quirky animal clutch trend—nothing tells potential suitors "I'm interesting and slightly weird" like a purse shaped like a cat!
2000s-2010s: Celebs, Social Media, and Selfie-Ready Bags
The 2000s turned celebrity handbag choices into breaking news. "Stars—they're just like us! They also spend three months' rent on a Balenciaga!" Paparazzi photos of celebs and their bags became the new fashion magazines. The fruit clutch had its moment of glory too—nothing says "I'm quirky but rich" like carrying a $2000 purse shaped like a $2 piece of fruit!
This was also when statement bags went from bold to bonkers (in the best way). WAAMII burst onto the scene with unique shaped bags that made everyone do a double-take. Their Crystal Gun Shaped Purse became the rebels' new favorite—nothing clears a path at a crowded party like a glittering pistol-shaped clutch! "Is that a gun in your purse or are you just happy to see me? Oh wait, your purse IS a gun!"
Meanwhile, fast fashion made designer lookalikes available to the masses. Suddenly everyone and their mother could sport a bag with that coveted quilted design and chain strap. Fashion democracy at its finest!
Today's Bags: Sustainable, Smart, and Seriously Fun
Today's purse scene is all about personality and planet-saving. Sustainable options are hotter than ever, with recycled materials and vegan alternatives to genuine leather purses making Mother Earth and fashionistas equally happy.
Novelty bags are having a major moment, with WAAMII leading the charge. Our Perfume Bottle Shaped Rhinestone Clutches let you carry "perfume" that won't spill in your bag (genius!), while animal shaped clutches turn "I'm carrying an unicorn" into a legitimate fashion statement. Nothing says "I contain multitudes" like showing up to a formal event with a bejeweled zoo animal under your arm!
Crossbody bags for women now come tech-ready with phone chargers and RFID protection (because identity theft is SO last season). Meanwhile, the definition of "handbag" has expanded faster than your waistline after Thanksgiving dinner—from phone cases with straps to fanny packs worn across the chest (the fashion equivalent of wearing socks with sandals, except now it's cool).
Yet through all the trends, classics remain. A well-crafted top-handle bag still says "I've got my life together" (even if you don't), and tote bags for women continue to hide gym clothes, snacks, and that umbrella you'll definitely need later.
The Never-Ending Love Affair
Our relationship with purses shows no signs of cooling off. From basic pouches to rhinestone-covered statement pieces, handbags have faithfully carried our stuff while telling our stories. They've witnessed women's changing roles, economic booms and busts, and the rise and fall of scrunchies.
Whether you're rocking a hobo handbag that's seen better days, can't function without your trusty tote purses, dream of owning that iconic quilted design with chain strap that costs more than your car payment, or turn heads with WAAMII's conversation-starting clutches, your bag choice says something about you—even if it's just "I need somewhere to put my snacks."
As we march boldly into the future (with our perfect purse in hand, naturally), one thing's for sure—the next chapter in handbag history will be worth carrying around!