WOMEN’S BAGS

Women’s Handbags capturing the hearts of women the world over

It is no coincidence that almost every member of the fairer sex has in her wardrobe fashionable bags for different occasions.

Women’s fashion handbags – an essential element for the sophisticated woman

Women have carried handbags for decades. The origins of these accessories can be found in the 17^th century, with the emergence of the well-known pouch. However, at that time they were not only for women, as men wore them readily too. Of course, the uses for each sex were different. Women used their bags to keep donations for the poor, while for men they were a hiding place for money and gambling chips!

In fashion, deep pockets were also sewn into costumes, and these women’s bags were known as “maiden bags”. It was these that young women getting married would receive as part of their wedding present. They were richly decorated, and had to symbolise the high social status of the owner.

The French Revolution had an influence on fashion. Shortly after this, certain canons became established, and more attention was paid to women’s clothing. Characteristic of this era were reticules, or “ridicules”, which were small, elegant women’s handbags held in the hand or over the wrist. At first, they were only decorative, but later their usefulness became appreciated. Any woman who wanted to look like a refined lady would carry a mirror or powder compact in her handbag – for it was essential to have such accessories to hand should an eligible bachelor hove into view.

The Unstoppable Rise in Popularity of Women’s Handbags

Eventually, there came a time when fashionable women’s bags became available on a wider scale. In the second half of the 19^th century they were not only for wealthy women, although there were some models which remained luxury items. It was at this time that today’s well-known creators of designer handbags, such as Gucci, Chanel and Dior appeared on the market.

Ladies’ handbags began to be designed to meet the needs of the modern, active woman. There was no problem then in buying ladies’ travel bags, into which all necessary items could fit, and which had locks to guard against thieves.

However, the greatest metamorphosis in handbags came about later, in the 1930s. One could lose oneself in the mass of patterns, colours and styles offered by the most illustrious fashion houses. It was also then that shoulder bags, previously only connected with servants, became popular.

Around half a century later, “handbags” appeared on the market. The most famous designers began to create these bags, and women went crazy for them. They remain popular, and have become a classic that never go out of fashion.

How many women’s handbags in the world?

Nobody knows the answer to that question. Women love handbags, and it is very difficult to imagine life without them. They facilitate day to day life, underline your original style, allow you to state your own identity, and are simply small works of art! Clutch bags, satchels, casual bags, courier bags, women’s leather handbags, totes, designer bags or shoppers – these are only some of the many kinds of women’s bags. To find the unique bag, the one and only just for you, take advantage of the offer at the Vitkac.com online store.