The first bag appearance was on Egyptian hieroglyphics which the Egyptians wore around their waist including the Egyptian men. In the 14th century bags showed your social status by the embroidery and quality. The women attached them to their girdle and by the15th century both men and women wore purses and they would be embroidered with gold. Your husband to be would give you a purse with a love letter inside.    

In the 16th century because people travelled more Bags would be made of more common materials such as leather or cloth and worn diagonally across their chest. In the 17th century all ladies needed skills in embroidering and needlework as this would assist her in getting a husband. They would practice on bags making them very elaborate.

In the 18th century neo—classical came on the scene and women started handbags and called them reticules. They had one for every occasion in which they would put such things as rouge smelling salts, visiting cards etc… In the 19th century they now called them handbags. In 1920 your handbag didn’t have to match your outfit. In the 40s because of the Second World War these purses were made out of wood and plastic. In the 50s the designers of the day included Channel Louis Vuitton and Hermes.

Written by:

Nicole Cousineau

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