The History of the Handbag

Our brand Coco Barclay makes leather accessories and most importantly handbags. Every woman has a handbag of some shape or form. We love to create original designs that are beautiful and practical for the modern day woman.

The Coco Barclay rucksack, available here- http://www.cocobarclay.com/index.php?category=products&sec=handbags&page=137

Design collaboration with the Japanese accessory chain, Ear Papillonner and Coco Barclay, the Silk Tie Rucksack

We like to add a bit of history to our bags to make them special, whether it be a vintage component or a one of a kind vintage fabric. The handbag itself has such a rich history.

References to what we now call handbags started appearing in the early 1900s. At first the term referred to men's hand-luggage. Women's bags grew larger and more complex during this period, and the term hand luggage was then attached to the women's accessory.

1900s coin purse.

The word handbag became a verb during Margaret Thatcher's time, as she was known for always carrying one and pulling notes written on paper out of it! We're not sure if people wanted to get "handbagged" or not!

From the ancient beaded bags of Africa to the tote of the modern woman, handbags have historically been both the holders of secrets and the signifiers of power, status, and beauty.

Early Europeans wore purses for only one purpose, to carry coins. Purses were made of soft fabric or leather and were worn by men as often as ladies. The Scottish sporran is a survival of this custom. In the 17th century, young girls were taught embroidery as a necessary skill for marriage, this also helped them make very beautiful handbags.

Scottish sporran

 By the late 18th century, fashion in Europe was moving towards a slender shape for these accessories, inspired by the silhouettes of Ancient Greece and Rome. Women wanted purses that would not be bulky or untidy in appearance.

The modern purse, clutch, pouch or handbag came about in England during the Industrial Revolution, due to the increase in travel by railway. In 1841 the Doncaster industrialist and confectionery entrepreneur Samuel Parkinson ordered a set of travel cases and insisted on a travelling case or bag for his wife's particulars after noticing that her purse was too small. He had them made in leather to match his own luggage and leather was used in order to distinguish them from others, who mostly carried bags made from carpet (carpetbags).

In the 20th century, art and fashion movements came and went in and the handbag evolved along with them. 

Branding became increasingly important during the 20th century and the great handbag designers emerged. Designers known all over the world for their exclusive handbags and leather ware include Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Prada. Bags began to change in style from season to season.

Coco Barclay Glovie frame bag

Did you know the Queen's favourite handbag brand is British designer Launer.

Here at Coco Barclay we feel privileged to design these special accessories.

Coco

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