Exploring the Origins of Designer Purses

Designer purses carry a lucrative and mysterious past. If you can imagine, purses were carried in the form of bags that attached to belts (the prehistoric fanny-pack) and were usually made of simple cloth with a single leather band. Far from beginning as a fashion statement, purses were initially used primarily for function, and not fashion, which is a horrific thought for the modern woman! Dating back to Egyptian hieroglyphics and biblical times (Judas Iscariot is one of the most notable apostles to have carried a purse), purses have been in a constant cycle of evolution and are currently viewed as one of the most important fashion staples. Bizarrely enough, the majority of purse-owners were men – not women! Whether it’s a mini clutch that can’t hold a pair of eyebrow tweezers, or a giant hobo bag that you can fit your entire life into, designer purses have become the epicenter of modern fashion and society.

1500’s – 1700’s: It wasn’t until the Renaissance that purses began to gain popularity as a fashion statement; however, in the 1500’s, it was considered a token of affection for a man to give his lover a bag. The richer the person, the more elaborate the bag, and as embroidery became more popular in the 1700’S, purse designs became a symbol of status and wealth. In France, designer purses had a solid, round bottom so that the purse could be positioned upright on the table. The game of chance was a popular game in many noble European circles. Players of this game kept their money, or chips, in game purses that were specially designed for this particular amusement.  To eliminate any discrepancy about who the chips belonged to, sometimes the underside was decorated with the family coat of arms.

1800’s:  In the 1800’s running commentaries appeared in magazines on handbag styles and the appropriateness of specific designer handbags for particular events (much in the way of how today a clutch is deemed appropriate for the Academy Awards, and a purse is considered suitable for everyday errands). Handbags were called “reticules” and it was during this time period that they truly became a fashion statement. Purses were still a far cry from their messenger-bag origins, yet they were still functional in that they carried items like fans, perfume, smelling-salts and makeup.

1900’s: . Art Deco patterns became trendy in the 1920s and ’30s, often appearing on bag clasps.  In the 1920’s and 1930’s designer handbags stopped matching clothing, and bag designers became heavily influenced and inspired by the art movements of the time. This international style included the use of bright colors, geometric forms, and the application of new resources such as chrome and aluminum. In the 1940’s resources such as wood and plastic were common among purse makers due to the lack of supplies. In the 1950’s intricate bags began to stock the shelves of stores once again as fashion made a comeback. Louis Vuitton’s empire continued to explode, and designers such as Chanel and Prada gained status as designer purse crafting gurus. In the United States, bags crafted with Perspex (a glass substitute with a space-age look), Plexiglas and  Lucite (a glass substitute) dominated the fashion scene in the 1950s. Initially the bags were very costly, but due to their popularity their prices lowered, and cheaper versions of lesser quality became available everywhere.  The bags were designed in boxy shapes, and were often transparent with bright colors.

21st Century: In the 21st Century, Miche Bag has created the first designer purse with interchangeable outside shells, thus allowing purse fanatics to quickly change their purse style without removing the entire contents of their bag. Say goodbye to a closet full of clunky purses and space-sucking bags, and hello to Miche! At last, a designer purse has been created that fuses 1000 years of historic style with the needs of a 21st century woman. The evolution of purses spans nearly a thousand years, and the newest evolution of purses begins with the Miche Bag.