Fashion Flashback: Handbags by Morgan Watkins

 

Traditionally, accessories have been thought of as tools to spruce up an otherwise simple or lacking outfit. Rings, bracelets, necklaces and more are seen as strictly ornamental in most modern day cultures. But one accessory that breaks that mold is the handbag. Convenient and cute, handbags stand alone in the world of accessorizing as practical and handy safety blankets for individuals worldwide. According to National Geographic, the oldest handbag known to man dates back all the way to 2500 to 2200 B.C. Discovered in Germany, the ancient purse was found containing a flap adorned with over 100 dog teeth.

 

(Image from https://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/06/120627-worlds-oldest-purse-dog-te eth-science-handbag-friederich/)

 

Even more interesting, handbags were initially carried by both men and women in early times. Before pockets were introduced in the 17th century, bags were most commonly worn for their practicality. The first widely worn form of purses were actually worn in pairs around the hip and under the voluminous layers of fabric within a woman’s skirt; these were called thigh pockets. But once the modern pocket was invented, purses fell out of favor for men. bit of controversy over the donning of purses: since they were worn underneath dresses and skirts, they were categorized as underwear. But eventually, it became less scandalous to carry a purse as styles were reinvented over time. Bags were originally linked onto chains by hook, which were called chatelaines. Chatelaines could carry a variety of trinkets and everyday necessities, like keys, scissors and sewing materials. Since they were typically made of precious metals, chatelaines were considered jewelry as well as a symbol of wealth and status.

 

 

 

In the late 17th and early 18th centuries, the reticule handbag was in. The reticule, also known as the indispensable, was a drawstring bag that was quite small in size, only able to carry a bit of makeup, playing cards and money. Embroidery was also a fan favorite within the realm of handbags, depicting portraits and intricate floral designs.

 

 

By the mid-1800s, bags increased in size and the designer handbag was born. An entrepreneur by the name of Samuel Parkinson decided that his wife’s purse was far too small and a bit flimsy, so he decided to order her a custom set of handmade leather luggage in various sizes and shapes to accommodate her travels as well as her everyday living. The set was designed by H.J. Cave & Sons, and being that the pieces were of such high quality and craftsmanship, the bags made it clear that Mrs. Parkinson was high society. Interestingly enough, it was said that designer H. J. Cave inspired prominent fashion legends we know and love today, like Louis Vuitton and Guccio Gucci.

 

(Image from https://www.pinterest.com.au/pin/85990674110055021/)

 

It was around the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th that larger bags caught on with the general public. Practicality was once again brought into play when designing purses, which were not only larger in size but higher in quality. Handles were sturdier, zippers and other closures better constructed, and new materials and shapes were introduced. The clutch, for example, popped up in the 1930s in the form of the minaudière, which was a small box crafted from rich metals like silver and gold.

 

 

 

During this time, bags simultaneously became more extravagant, ornamental and defined by the designer on the label. In 1935, we saw the birth of the Hermès Kelly bag, which actress Grace Kelly used to disguise her growing baby bump from the paparazzi.

 

(Image from https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/the-birkin-bag-a-better-investment-than-gold-11551676 9.html)

As the cosmetics industry grew after World War II, women needed larger bags to hold all of their blushers and mascaras, which is why the mid-sized envelope bag was a popular clutch carried by women in America. Roomy shoulder bags took over during the 50s while flashy metallic purses were adored by women in the disco days. The 80s were all about excess, as expensive and over the top designer bags were all the rage. Chanel, Gucci, Coach and Louis Vuitton were heavy hitters in the handbag game, but it was during the 1980s that the iconic Birkin bag by Hermes stole the hearts of fashion lovers the world over. The 90s was a big year for Dior, as the Dior Saddlebag rose to fame, along with the Lady Dior bag, made famous by the charming and widely loved Princess Diana.

 

 

The 2000s saw classic designer bags being reborn and revamped. The famous quilted Chanel 2.55, originally created by the one and only CoCo Chanel, was given a modest facelift by Karl Lagerfeld in 2005. Louis Vuitton also debuted a whimsical spin on their classic logo in collaboration with Japanese artist Takashi Murakami.

 

(Image from https://www.highsnobiety.com/2015/07/17/louis-vuitton-murakami-pieces/)

Today, the possibilities for handbags are endless. From bucket bags and massive crossbodies to totes and miniature clutches, purses can be trendy, practical or just fiercely fabulous. Looking for a banging bag, or want to rehome an old treasure? Head to talkingfashion.net to check out some stunning handbags or consign one of your own!

 

References:

Borrelli-Persson, Laird BORRELLI-PERSSON. “Vogue.com’s It Bag Hall of Fame: A History of the Most Coveted Accessories.” Vogue, 15 Jan. 2015, https://www.vogue.com/article/best-it-bags-history.

Curry, Andrew. “World’s Oldest Purse Found—Studded With a Hundred Dog Teeth?” National Geographic, 27 June 2012, https://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/06/120627-worlds-oldest-pursedog-teeth-science-handbag-friederich/.

“The History of Handbags — a 5-Minute Guide.” 5 Minute History, http://fiveminutehistory.com/the-history-of-handbags-a-5-minute-guide/.

“THE HISTORY OF BAGS AND PURSES.” Tassen Museum, https://tassenmuseum.nl/en/knowledge-centre/history-of-bags-and-purses/.

“The History of Handbags — a 5-Minute Guide.” 5 Minute History, http://fiveminutehistory.com/the-history-of-handbags-a-5-minute-guide/

Fashion Flashback: Rings by Morgan Watkins

 

Known as a symbol of love, rings are absolutely essential for any accessory lover’s arsenal. They’ve been around for thousands of years, featuring a plethora of various metals and precious stones while gracing the fingers of both royalty and everyday individuals alike. If you’ve ever wondered how this hand-tastic piece of jewelry came to fruition, keep on reading.

 

The oldest dated rings were discovered in ancient Egyptian tombs dating back as early as 2500 BC. Egyptians in particular greatly valued their accessories, as they were deeply attached to what each piece symbolized. Rings were used as talismans and amulets to ward off hostility and harm. Animals like snakes and scorpions were featured on rings, as they were creatures that evoked fear and protected the wearer. Even when met with death, Egyptians wore their rings and other accessories into the afterlife, hence why so many precious jewels have been discovered in tombs. It was around this time that the exchange of wedding rings was originated. Initially, Egyptians weaved hemp circles to create bands representing a link to immortal love. The fourth finger on your left hand has a vein that runs straight to the heart, which is why it is custom in most countries to wear your wedding ring on your left ring finger. Although women were often seen sporting rings commemorating their marriages long ago, men were rarely seen wearing wedding bands until WWI and WWII, where their rings served as a reminder of the love they had waiting for them back home.

 

(Image from http://www.grimballjewelers.com/chapel-hill-jewelry-blog/2016/6/9/the-long-history-of-en gagement-rings-and-wedding-rings)

Another symbol often associated with rings in particular is status and class. In early Rome, rings were first made from iron. Only noble individuals, like senators serving ambassadors of the Republic, could indulge in the privilege of wearing gold rings. And although the right to wear gold was eventually granted to all ancient Romans, only those with wealth and power could obtain such expensive goods. While royalty and nobles wore gold and silver adorned with precious jewels, poor commonfolk had to settle for pewter, bronze and copper.

 

(Image from https://www.peterszuhay.com/ads/ancient-roman-gold-ring-with-intaglio/)

The 16th and 17th centuries saw massive growth in the world of goldsmithing. Bands had become more intricately sculpted as art from the Renaissance era poured in, inspiring unique and fresh innovations. One ring in particular that was designed to be both utilitarian and beautiful was the hinged ring, which could be used to oh-so discreetly carry anything from intoxicating fragrances to deadly poisons. Rubies, emeralds and sapphire came into style as well, arranged in a gaggle of new shapes, sizes and cuts. But this era was not all colorful stones and fun bands. Plagues and deadly diseases served as constant reminders of impending and inescapable mortality, which led to the creation of rings inscribed with skulls, skeletons and caskets. These became known as memento mori rings, and would become a staple of the late 17th century.

 

(Image from https://talkingfashion.net/products/copy-of-floral-carved-cocktail-ring-vintage-plastic-jew elry)

 

After the 17th century ended on a low note, the 18th century brought with it a new breath of life in the world of rings. Styles were refined, bands became more delicate and brightly colored gems and stones were arranged in creative new ways, like floral bouquets and ribbons tied into bows. Bezel shapes were elongated and reimagined, leading to the birth of shapes like oval, navette, lozenge and octagonal.

 

(Image from http://charlottesayers.co.uk/items/18th-century-amethyst-and-diamond-basket-ring/)

 

The 19th and 20th centuries were also a fantastic representation of creativity in ring design. The diamond solitaire ring became a fan favorite style, as did birthstone engagement rings. These were popularized by none other than Queen Victoria, who wore her May birthstone, an emerald, on her ring finger. By the early to mid 20th century, art deco influenced stimulating and fresh designs. Fun geometric shapes adorned the fingers of those far and wide, serving as a bit of a distraction from the ever so somber Great Depression. Rings were made with cheaper materials but still served as a stylish and easy way for fashion fanatics to accessorize on a tight budget.

 

(Image from https://talkingfashion.net/products/copy-of-pink-purple-cocktail-ring-sparkling-crystal-rhin estones-adjustable-band-statement-bling-jewelry)

 

Presently, rings come in all shapes, materials and sizes and can be worn in a myriad of ways. Thankfully, you don’t have to be a Roman ruler to rock a set of sparkling gold rings these days.

 

(Image from https://talkingfashion.net/products/copy-of-green-jewel-ring-adjustable-bijoux-contempocostume-jewelry)

 

Bibliography “19th Century Engagement Rings & Trends.” Victor Barbone Jewelry. Victor Barbone Jewelry, 2017. Web.

Amelio-Ortiz, Cuini. “The History of the Ring– the Gold Rings of Ancient Egypt.” World of Gemstones. Rocks & Co, Web.

Cassell, Amy. “History of the Wedding Ring.” Destination Weddings & Honeymoons. Bonnier Corporation, 2012. Web.

“Rings: Ancient to Neoclassical.” Antique Jewelry University. Lang Antique & Estate Jewelry, Web.