Handbags historically have been the carriers of secrets and a sign of power, status, and beauty. The holders of the necessities of daily life. Handbags have influenced technology and social changes, such as the beginning of money, jewelry, transportation, cosmetics, cell phones and the role of a woman in the social arena.
Purses, pouches, or bags have been used since people have needed to carry precious items. In ancient times pouches were made of leather or cloth and were mainly used by men. They wore them around their waist. Judas Iscariot was specifically identified in the Bible as the purse holder.
In the fourteenth and fifteenth century era men and women attached pouches to their most important feature of the clothing of the medieval times which was the "girdle". A drawstring purse would hang from a string and would vary according to the fashion, status, and lifestyle of that person. The most significant bag of the medieval times was the seal bag that were used to place the leaders seal upon important documents.
During the sixteenth and seventeenth century, the Elizabeth era, girdle pouches were worn under their skirts of the women. Men would wear, "baggies" as they were called, inside their pants or cloth bags across their bodies. Toward the end of the century purses became more complex in shapes and materials.
In the eighteenth century because of the dress and style for women, the slender dress, there was no room for pockets. Purses became most popular and were called "reticules" or "undispensables" for the English and the French called them ridicules.
In the nineteenth century, the Victorian Era, science and industry created a large variety of styles and fabrics which coordinated with their outfits. Even though pockets returned women continued to carry purses. However, with the coming of the railroad handbags were about to evolve. Thus, became the term "handbag". Handbag was the term given to describe hand-held luggage bags.
During the World War 1 a new type of handle-less clutch were designed it was named "pochette" These clutches were often decorated with dazzling geometric and jazz motifs.
In 1940 the rise of the shoulder bag happened. The bags became more self-sufficient. They came with zippers and mirrors. In 1950 an accessorizing and color coordinating were held to an almost morale standard. These new looks signaled a new era of femininity which a very small implied beauty and sophistication. In other words a smaller bag sends a different sexual message than a woman carrying a huge shoulder bag.
In the 1980's through the 1990's thus became the unisex bag. For the first time health and fitness sports bags and work bags became considered as an accessory and greatly influenced high fashion.
In the twenty-first century anything goes and thus became the "man purse". Today man or woman can strap on or sling over a hands-free bag. Its variety and use highlights the handbags unusual potency and staying power.
