What… Handbags have a history? I was awed too don’t worry, it’s actually amazing how handbags were once a welcome from a groom to his bride centuries ago. Personally, I wouldn’t mind a purse as a gift from my husband, a girls gotta have her stuff. (Especially hoarding sweets around, that’s right… I caught you.(; ) So future husband, take my hand, and gimme that purse!
15th Century
During the 15th century is when men gave women handbags as a wedding gift, typically embroidered with an illustration showing their love for them. But wait a second, if I’m going to get purse from my husband (hint hint) I’d truly appreciate a leather one. I don’t need your illustration of love, I’m marrying you right? I know you already love me. I mean… you do love me, right? Good. I’m glad we see eye to eye, now I can reward you with the candy bar I’ll have stored in my new purse. (;
16/17th Century
16-17th century small leather pouches were introduced with a drawstring to loop into your belt. Ok, so we are getting closer to leather. Mmm the smell of leather, hear that husband? I like the smell of leather.
18th Century
The 18th century was very common material for fashionable bags that were split, ironed flat, and mounted onto wood, leather, cardboard, or cloth. Through the heating of the straw embellishments, they would add granules of gold or stains of color to vary the style. (oh lalala I like gold) Leather (hello gorgeous!) made it easier to travel. So I’m hearing leather makes it easier to travel… Hmm if that’s the case, husband we could travel and travel, but now I think I might want some gold added for color. (;
19th Century
Aw ha, so we have now found ourselves to my personal favorite the victorian/19th century. So unique right? These handbags were made to coordinate with your outfit, they called them ridicules. They were leather (yay leather) and silk. You know what, husband? I’d love silk sheets, let’s live in luxury shall we?
Did you know?
- Men wore handbags as often as women did.
- Women wanted purses that would not be bulky or untidy in appearance, so reticules were designed.
- In France originally reticules were popular, but they eventually crossed over into Britain, and were named “indispensables”.
- During the Industrial Revolution, clutches, pouches, and handbags became the increase in travel by railway in England.
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