Carrying a legacy of style
What do we love more than handbags? More handbags! Did you know that bags have a family tree, too? Yes, we aren’t the only ones. They have an array of uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews spanning centuries who have seen decades of war, renaissance, and revolution. Read on as Aarushi Agarwal and Sucheer S Menon, Alumni, AGS Gurugram introduce us to the bag of every era.
Pre 1400
Material marvels: Animal skin, leaves
The monogram: Practicality
Bag tales: The earliest handbags were primarily used by men for practical purposes, such as to carry weapons, supplies, tools, and currency. These bags were first portrayed in Egyptian inscriptions.
1400-1900
Material marvels: Leather, linen, silk, gold, silver
The monogram: Status and power
Bag tales: The upper classes began using totes as symbols of status and power. Each tote depicted unique and intricate craftsmanship.
1900-1940
Material marvels: Plastic, wood, canvas
The monogram: Femininity and
innovation
Bag tales: In this era, more women entered the workforce, transforming bags into feminine accessories.
1950-2000
Material marvels: Alligator & snakeskin, nylon, polyester, vinyl
The monogram: Boho and luxury
Bag tales: Hollywood stars popularised embellished clutch purses, while boho bags were created and promoted by hippies.
2000-present
Material marvels: Faux leather, faux fur, polymers
The monogram: Sustainability and technology
Bag tales: In response to environmental concerns, the modern era has seen the rise of waterproof canvas and faux reptile skin. However, luxury brands use full-grain leather for its timeless appeal.