The term "handbag" first came into use in the early 1900's and generally referred to hand-held luggage bags usually carried by men. These were an inspiration for new bags that became popularized by women that generally included complicated fasteners, internal compartments, and locks. With this new fashion for ladies, jewelers got into the act with special compartments for opera glasses, cosmetics, and fans.
The handbags carried in the 18 th Century were called "reticules" (and occasionally known as "ridicule" by "witty" men of the period.)
The terms "bag", "handbag", "purse", and "pocketbook" are all virtually interchangeable. Though some terms are used more than others, depending on the region of the country in which you live. For instance, the word "pocketbook" is used almost exclusively on the East Coast, and almost unheard of in the western part of the United States.
Handbags in History
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Like many things in history, purses were born out of practicality, but became more of a fashion item through the years (think cell phones with cameras, decorated with Swarovski crystals, and ring tones that chirp out the latest from Billboard's Hot 100.) The very first mention of handbags in ancient literature came from the 14 th Century, though Egyptian hieroglyphs show pouches carried around the waist. Bags were attached to what were called "girdles" which were fastened to the waist. Embroidery and jewels adorned these articles and were used to show status - the richer the person, the more elaborate the bag.
Practicality was everyone's "bag" in the 16 th Century with the use of everyday materials such as leather and a drawstring fastener on top. Also during this period, cloth bags were made larger and used by travelers who wore them diagonally across their torso.
The 17 th Century brought more variety, as both fashionable men and women carried small purses with more complex shapes.
Neo-classical clothing became popular in the 18 th Century with a reduction in the amount of underclothing a woman would wear. Wearing a purse would definitely ruin the look of this clothing, so women started carrying handbags. It was in vogue to carry a different handbag for every occasion and debates transpired on how was the "proper" way to carry these handbags.
Bags no longer needed to match outfits perfectly in the 1920's with the fashion revolution bringing varying hemlines and lighter clothing. The 1940's saw a new austerity in clothing, including handbags that kept the war effort in mind. Metal frames, zippers, leather, and mirrors were in short supply so manufacturers used wood and plastic. In the 50's, high-profile designer houses including Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes. |
Since the 1960's there has been a breakdown of old, ingrained notions of fashion, and style has become much more relaxed and highly individualistic. There will always be the tried and truest, such as Gucci, Fendi, and Louis Vuitton - expensive, instantly impressive, no thinking necessary. But artistic, unique, high quality bags are the thing of today .and there's a bag out there for everyone.
Sentimental . Yet Stylish
What is almost as good as toting your loved ones with you on your daily errands? Toting their image on your high quality wallet, handbag, or tote bag! For the last few months, Michele Celentano Photographic Artist, of Anthem, has been offering her professional photography, set onto fabric that covers bags of all shapes and sizes. The bags are designed by Gina Alexander, who has been featured on shows like "The Dr. Phil Show" and "How to Live Like a Star." Alexander has provided photo bags to celebrities including Oprah, Rosie O'Donnell, Kelly Ripa, Julia Roberts, Faith Hill, and Elizabeth Taylor.
While spending time in Italy , Alexander had the opportunity to tour the Gucci plant and study there, eventually incorporating the concepts she learned in Europe . Every bag is handmade from scratch, with leather or bamboo handles and leather bottoms, with professional photographs set onto bridal satin through a special design process. |
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The Celentano studio has been inundated with orders for these special bags, since they started offering them at the beginning of the holiday season. Jennifer Wallen, owner of Hot Realty, part owner of Off the Hook Sushi and Martini Bar, both in Anthem, and recent candidate on The Apprentice, walked into Michele Celentano's studio to pick up the Wallen family Christmas cards and noticed a sample purse with her daughter's picture on it, perched on Michele's display table. She immediately announced that she, as well as her mom had to have one. Since then, everywhere Wallen goes, she gets compliments on her purse. "Everyone comments not only on the design quality, but also on the pictures. They want to know 'where did you get it?', 'are those your children?', 'where were the pictures taken?' I just put some of Michele's cards in my purse so that I can hand them to people who stop me," said Wallen.
Living on the Edge .
"Blush" in Gainey Ranch is one of the best purse and accessory shops in the Valley. The purses there are funky, yet sophisticated; hot, but not trendy. The designs are daring, but not over the top; and the quality is top-notch. Some of their most stunning bags include the black leather Swarovski Bucket Handbag, the White Rocker Leather Bag, and the Cross Doctor Bag with Swarovski crystals (all pictured).
Biltmore Fashion Park is home to "OBJECTS" which also has an impressive selection of unique bags. Two of their most striking bags are a pink metallic Wah Bag that has a wooden handle and a shoulder strap (pictured) as well as a brown "Face Bag" (pictured). Buyer for OBJECTS, Keri Birchby says she looks for anything "unique and artistic." "Bags that are 'different' will catch my eye," intimates Birchby. "This year, large, hobo bags and lots of grommets are hot."
Purse Parties
Kai Alise "Purse"onalized Handbag Studio in Old Town Scottsdale was the brainchild of owners Samantha Nelson and her sister Ashli. Samantha describes it as a sort of "Build-A-Bear" for grownups. The studio offers the opportunity to either make your own bag, or buy one already made. There are about 17 bag styles, with more than 120 fabric styles to choose from. There is a fabric for every personality - everything from Asian prints to "fun" fabrics like martini glass prints and lipstick prints. The price of the bags range from $20 to $170.
Both Samantha and Ashli are from Idaho , but went to school in Arizona . Ashli is currently living in Costa Rica , but visits a few times a year, while Samantha manages the business, hands on.
Perhaps the funnest part of the business is the after-hours private parties that Kai Alise hosts. "We have groups of ladies come in to celebrate birthdays and engagements . they bring in hors d'oeuvres platters and finger foods, and have a great time!" Samantha reports that she believes their oldest customer was in her 80's and their youngest, five. "The concept is fun, and has a wide appeal. We would like to open more stores in the near future."
So What DO We Keep in Our Purses?
The content of women's purses has been a mystery to men all over the world for many years (and some women, if you count my friend, Kathy.) There seems to be an unlimited amount of tools, supplies, comfort items, and entertainment for herself and every member of the family in the mysterious depths of a woman's purse. A brief glance at the typical contents of a purse in the 1940s as opposed to today, sheds some light on this age-old question .
1945
- One or two lipstick cases
- A compact
- 1 fresh handkerchief
- 2 to 3 rumpled handkerchiefs
- A package of letters
- The laundry bill
- 3 tickets from the cleaner
- 1 nylon stocking to be repaired
- 1 address book
- 1 pack of cigarettes
- 3 boxes of matches
- 1 leather picture folder
- All ration books (including expired ones)
- 1 hairnet
- 1 bottle of vitamins
- 3 samples of slipcovers
- 1 fountain pen
- 2 lead pencils
- 1 parcel of V-mail letters covering several months held by a rubber band.
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2005
- Cell phone
- Palm pilot
- Breath mints
- Checkbook
- Crumpled tissues
- Hand cream
- Hair brush
- Keys
- Lip balm
- Makeup case filled to capacity
- Pens
- Wallet filled with cash, credit, and debit cards
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Info> blush: 8787 N. Scottsdale Road , Scottsdale (480-922-1139) www.blushstyle.com OBJECTS: Biltmore Fashion Park , 2420 E. Camelback Rd. , Phoenix (602-808-4422) www.objectsgallery.com
Michele Celentano Photographic Artist, Anthem (623-551-0042) www.michelecelentano.com
Kai Alise: 7136 East 5 th Ave. , Scottsdale (480-423-9700) www.kaialise.com
Hours: 10:30 to 5:30 Monday through Saturday; noon to 5, Sunday. |
