The origin of the handbag, or purse, is buried deeply in the onset of high fashion history and within the increase of global commerce. While it is now a standard item in most women’s and in some men wardrobe, it was originally designed for convenience rather than style.
The Origin of the Handbag
An early form of a purse or wallet was actually a small circular cut piece of fabric with a leather strap sew around its circumference. The drawstring was then pulled tight to form a small leather pouch. Men used this pouch to hold coins and other very small valuables.
The pouch could be tied to a belt for safekeeping, usually near the man’s sword so that he was able to properly protect his valuables. During this time, it was generally considered a man’s item and few women had need or cause to carry one.
Evolution of the Handbag into the Fashion World
The 16th century brought with it larger bags that hung diagonally across the body. Both male and female travelers used these to keep valuable articles nearby during traveling expeditions.
In the 17th century, the bags began to have more variety and very fashionable with men and women. These bags were generally smaller and often made in very complex shapes. As the talent of embroidery became more widespread, bags became more ornate with intricately woven artwork.
It was during the 18th century that the use of a purse, which attached round the body, became unfashionable; women began to carry their handbags, which at that time were called reticules. Suddenly, the reticules became a fashion statement rather than an important accessory. This era recognized the need for a different bag for different occasions, and fashion magazines began to comment on the proper handbag for a specific location or event.
The handbag was elevated to a fashion statement rather than a simple handheld suitcase. The smaller, more fashionable handbags of this era generally held a fan, scent bottle, smelling salts, rouge and face powder.
The Handbag Inspires Important Designer Houses
The actual term “handbag” did not become widespread until the 1900’s and this term was generally used to refer to the traveling bags that men carried. However, this term and the bags that earned the title became inspirational to women’s bags and the term handbag began to refer to a larger bag that became popular for women at the same time.
With the 1920’s can lighter clothing and hemlines that varied in lengths. It was no longer a necessity in fashion for the purse to match the outfit perfectly. The 1940’s brought with it a “war minded fashion phase”, many items used for creating purses were in short supply, such as metal (for the framing of the handbag). Leather, zips, mirrors and other such items.
It was during this time that handbags began to be made out of plastic and wood. The mid-1900’s saw the rise of many important designer houses and the handbag would reach its pinnacle of fashion with these designers.
Filed under Designer Handbags, Handbag Brands, Handbag Manufacturer, Handbag Trends, Handbags, Handbags Hardware, Handbags USA, Handbags World by on Dec 6th, 2007. Comment. 
Advice – Back Pack ? Back Packs are highly popular bags which are most beneficial to students of all ages. Back packs have two straps which make them better suited for carrying since there is a balance of pressure of both sides of your shoulders and back (as opposed to just one with most handbags).
Bags are a very important accessory of a woman’s attire in any season. Handbag designs keep getting better and more innovative every season. Interesting trends emerge and this year is no different.
BAG IT: Bags this current season are expected to have a lot of stitch details. Huge and oversized handbags are the hottest item this season. But remember to keep it small for the evening. The trend this season will veer towards accessories on the handbag, like plaited handles, plaited areas etc.
It may include that extra strap which buckles down or even the edges of the handbag having leather thongs wrapped around them. Some other trends may include tassels and studs and even possibly padlocks and frills on the bag.
Advice – Designer Handbags furnishes detailed information on Designer Handbags, Wholesale Designer Handbags, Discount Designer Handbags, Designer Inspired Handbags and more. Designer Handbags is affiliated with Designer Handbag.
Interesting accessories are expected in the handbag this season. These may include key rings and metal buckles. Pockets in the bag, leather appliqu?s and charms that dangle are likely to be part of the current handbag style scene.
Crystal beads, gold tone studs and even leather bows may add that extra special. It is likely that decorative trimmings on the bags will be extremely popular. Another trend may be to have headscarves threaded through the eyelets of the bag. Even a gold chain may be slotted to create a special look. The trend in handles may include chains in the leather or they may be made exclusively of chain.
STYLES GALORE: Printed bags are very much in vogue and so is the new deeper taller bag shape and deep tote styles. The material of the bag may be leather or suede, which may appear as washed out and faded. It may be tie-dyed or frilled or even tool impressed.
Advice – If you are not awed by this, there is a constant evolution of handbags on a periodic basis, whereby the hottest new designers come out with a refreshing approach while the veteran designers produce instant classics adored by all.
The handbag with a slouch is also set to make an impact this season. Hardware on bags is very much “in”, as is ironmongery. It is the large, oversized slouch bag, which will round off the fashion look whispering.
WATCH THE HARDWARE: Hardware on bags is a definite attraction this season. Bags are likely to have a row of studs or they may have extra leather, trimmed with metal over the bag’s body. Chain handles on bags are likely to be very popular. White bags are set to make a strong impression.
Another likely trend is the bag with the metallic finish that has metallic tones making it shimmer and glisten.
THINK SLIM: The trend is towards the shape of bags growing taller, sleeker, and cleaner. There is no lumpy untidiness of excessive bulky outside pockets on every available surface, although the size maybe big.
Here are some unique designs in purse and handbags, which can be, expected this year and which are sure to catch on.
USE THE CLOTH: Cloth purses are very casual fashion items but they are very popular. The strongest trend this year is likely to be colourful fabrics and unique patterns. Bold colors and striking contrast are likely to be “in”. Also very fashionable is the practical reversible cloth purse. The purse can be literally turned inside out to reveal the alternative fabric pattern. This allows you to have two purses for the price of one.
Advice – The styles, looks, and price of the Balenciaga bag is likely one of the reasons it is called the Celebrity bag. Such names as Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Nicky Hilton, Nicole Richie all sing the praises and carry Balenciaga bags – Replica Balenciaga Handbags.
PUT A NAME TO IT: Monogrammed handbags never go out of style. The present styles are likely to be monogrammed handbags in a wide range of colors, shapes, sizes and styles.
An expected upcoming trend is leather sling hipster handbags with elegantly embossed initials or a name. The preferred material for such handbags is soft leather, because it is durable and very stylish. Apart from that, sling handbags are very comfortable to carry. They form the perfect accessory whether the outing is a casual one or a business one.
Monogrammed tote bags are also very much in fashion. They are the most perfect, casual fashion accessories. Monogrammed tote bags serve a variety of purposes, whether at the beach, or at a picnic, even at school. The best material for tote bags is soft cotton canvas and this is likely to be the trend this year too.
DOGGIE BAG: Dog purses are gaining popularity. With almost everyone loving dogs the fashion is veering towards handbags, tote bags and purses decorated with a full panel photo of a gorgeous pouch. Dog purses and handbags are also a great gift idea for anyone who loves their beloved hound. Custom-made dog purses are also becoming more and more popular. You can have your own photograph of your dog printed onto a handbag.
Advice – Even the most recent Prada line up of handbags can be found at wholesale prices on the Internet. The 2006 Wholesale Prada handbags really are made from a wide variety of fabrics and are accessorized in different ways, appealing to a wide consumer base.
If you don’t like dogs, you can have your own photo, or the photo of that someone special in your life, printed onto your purse or handbag, Photo purses or handbags are ultra-cool and make a special fashion statement.
CLUTCH THAT BAG: Clutch purses and handbags have an elegant, streamlined look, but they’re the perfect size to carry all those little necessities. The trend for clutch purses and clutch handbags is likely to be all glamour. Shiny metallic gold, silver, bronze and platinum shades will be the strong colors of the season, in soft suede leather.
If you follow the above trends you can be sure that you will be never out of sync with your handbag this season. You will be very much a part of the “in” crowd.
Learn more about authentic luxury designer handbag products along with purse organizers and discount coach purses
Filed under Handbag Manufacturer by on Dec 31st, 2007. Comment.
Advice – Take for instance Coach; reknown for their coach handbags, wallets and other accessories, coach handbags are manufactured to be soft glove tanned leather, which has evolved with new shapes, styles, and material. Coach handbags have always been one of the top handbags to have.
We all know how beautiful Fendi handbags are, but they are quite pricey, that is common knowledge. Many of us settle for knock offs of the Fendi bags because we just can’t afford anything else. If you just want the basic look, knock offs are great, but if you really want a Fendi handbag you can get one and you can do it without breaking the bank. A discount Fendi handbag is the way to go if you are a fan of Fendi but you don’t have a bank account that rivals that of Fendi. When you buy a discount Fendi handbag you aren’t buying a knock off or a replica, you are buying the real thing, if you are careful.
If you have a store in your local area that you know sells Fendi handbags, you might check out their selection and then inquire about when the new styles and seasonal lines will be coming out. When the sales person gives you the information, be sure to take note of it and then return right around the same time, or even a week or two earlier. Many stores will offer discount Fendi handbag deals to get the older bags off of the shelves to make room for the newer handbags that are coming in and will be full price. If you make note of the dates when new items will be coming in you will almost be able to find a discount Fendi bag that you love right around the same time. Because Fendi handbags are expensive, you’ll find that they almost always have the style of bag that you love so that you can get it for just a portion of the price. If you wait even a couple weeks longer you’ll find that you can get up to 50% off of the original price, which is a great deal and can save you hundreds of dollars.
Advice – Tall and Slender women ? Just about any style of Italian handbag leather purse is perfect but make sure it is large or oversize. If you prefer a small purse, buy one that fits under your shoulders.
If you don’t have a local Fendi dealer you might look online for great deals. The only problem with buying online is that you can’t actually see the product that you are buying before you buy it. If you are dealing with a retailer they usually won’t have a hard time giving you the specifications on a discount Fendi handbag that you are interested in, including the authentication number that is unique to each handbag. If you can see more than one picture of the product you are buying, that is even better because you have more assurance that you are buying a true Fendi bag, even though it is discounted. There are many discount Fendi dealers online that will surely be able to provide you with a discount Fendi handbag that you love, you just need to ensure that you are buying the real thing and not an expensive replica.
Advice – With Gucci you will find that you can purchase a wide variety of handbags at wholesale prices. There are large, medium, small, and tote style bags all available this year.
eBay can be a great place to buy a discount Fendi handbag, although you must be careful there, too. There are a lot of people on eBay that truly believe that they have an authentic Fendi bag, so don’t hesitate to ask all of the questions you can think of from the authentication number to the stitching in the handle or strap, as well as the zipper style, the lining, and the overall dimensions. If a seller is not free with this information, you might want to assume that they aren’t selling a discount Fendi bag but a high priced replica. Fendi replica bags are not a bad thing, but you’ll pay more for your discount Fendi handbag than you will for a replica, so always ask questions to be sure you are getting a discounted but authentic item.
Clark Hunter Discount Fendi Handbag
Filed under Handbag Brands by on Dec 29th, 2007. Comment.