Secure on Style Writes All About the Handbag! The Evolution of Your Favorite Accessory

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - Oct. 23, 2014 - PRLog -- You’re running out the door and what’s in the grip of your hand? Your favorite handbag of course! It’s the quintessential accessory that every modern woman owns and adores. But have you ever wondered where this fashion icon came from and how it has evolved over the years?

The Early History of the Handbag

The concept of handbags as a fashionable accessory item came much later in history from its initial inception. During Medieval days the handbag served as a pouch to transport life’s basic necessities…literally.  Transporting food, seeds, relics and medicine.  Although, I’m sure a lot of women would consider make-up and cellphones as life’s necessities in modern times! The handbag was not just for women but for men too. As history goes on, the classic handbag was soon to be categorized as a woman’s staple accessory and the finishing touch to any outfit. Along with its feminine identity, the handbag became a symbol of sophistication and social class. The more extravagant the bag, the more wealthy the individual appeared.

While in Medieval days the handbag served as a pouch to transport goods, it was also considered a symbol of marriage (I think we’ll stick with the ring!). Often the groom would give the bride a purse, which was called a “chancery,” with love stories embroidered into it. This gift giving of handbags was usually a tradition of the upper class.

During the 18^th century after the French Revolution, fashion changed and as a result so did the handbag.  Women began sporting slender skirts with fewer pockets and were in need of a place to store their belongings. This increased the need for a handbag for women in the middle and lower classes who started to carry them on a daily basis.

The Progression of the Handbag

As we reach the late 19^th century, technology was booming which opened the fashion gates to endless opportunities! Soon, the handbag advanced into many shapes, sizes, colors and designs that women could choose from.

In the 1920’s and 30’s a new and distinct look arose.  This was the era of shedding the elaborate, gaudier look and going for a cleaner, sharper image. This was the image of the flapper, the modern woman of its time! Top designers like Lanvin and Patou created a new handbag called the clutch, which emphasized this new trend. This look was more masculine yet fitting for the era. It was simple yet chic, and it of course still carried all of the essentials that a woman needs.

Later, around the 1950’s, the handbag industry blossomed. This is when people realized that handbags are one-size-fits-all, unlike the French couture dresses. Because of this, designers like Christian Dior and Cristobal Balenciaga took the lead in the handbag industry and sparked others like Coco Chanel and Hermes to gain immense popularity.

After the 60’s slump, in which items like bras, makeup, and handbags lost popularity with many feminists, the 70’s led way to a very simple style, meant mainly for practical reasons. Once women started to enter the work force in the 80’s, handbags began to evolve once more. This led way to the modern businesswoman bag. This made the bags larger and flashier, emphasizing the woman’s strength in the work place. This helped set the stage for more modern, sleeker trends.

The Modern Handbag

Today, there is still so much room for handbags to grow. The stigma that handbags are strictly for women is far behind us. There are styles now that are both masculine and functional, such as the satchel.  The classic feminine purse now comes in all shapes and sizes, including the clutch!

There is a purse for ANY occasion. Whether you’re looking for an oversized tote to take to the beach, or a small strap bag that sits comfortably at your side… the possibilities are endless. With the ever-increasing concern over security at large sporting and event venues, and in particular in response to the NFL Clear Bag policy, Secure on Style created a fashionable handbag with a purpose. Not only does the handbag follow the rules but it is also a fashionable item that you can wear beyond the stadium.

Will the handbag continue to evolve? Absolutely!  There will always be new needs to be filled and new design trends making their appearance.  Styles, purpose and trends will continue to change over time but the one thing that is for sure is that the handbag will never go out of fashion.