fashion bags

BAGS

By Suneel Talekar-M. Sc. (Fashion Design)

TOP FASHION BRANDS

PRADA

GUCCI

CELINE

DIOR

LOUIS VUITTON

TOP SPORT BAG BRANDS

ADIDAS

PUMA

NIKE

REEBOK

POLO

Handbags have been essential to fashion history ever since people have had something precious to carry around with them and only the items have changed over time.

In the 16th century, handbags took on more of an air of practicality with the use of everyday materials such as leather with a drawstring fastener on top.

The 17th century saw more variety and both fashionable men and women carried small purses with more complex shapes.

The term "handbag" first came into use in the early 1900's and generally referred to hand-held luggage bags usually carried by men.

The 1920's saw a revolution in fashion with varying hemlines and lighter clothing. Bags no longer needed to match the outfit perfectly.

The 1940's saw new austerity in clothing, including handbags with the war effort in mind. Metal frames, zips, leather, and mirrors were in short supply so manufacters used plastic and wood.

50's saw the rise of important designer houses including Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes and the

60's saw the breakdown of old notions of the classical and the rise of youth culture.

Copy is the most sincere form of flattery and, if so, Kate Spade, Gucci, Hermes, Coach and Dior must be very flattered! There are many replica handbags flooding the market (just visit Canal Street in New York City!).

This drawing shows a woman with a drawstring work bag. In one hand, she holds a pair of scissors and a piece of gauze, which was very popular in the 18th century.

HISTORY

A bag with stud and mainly used for any social function as an accessory.

Evening bag

Victorian style

bag

Reversible bag

A soft, roomy bag used to carry sporting equipment and apparel.

Athletic bag

a bag that lies across the back and is supported by wearer’s shoulders with double handles. You can wear it on one or both shoulders.

Backpack

Backpack

a rectangular bag that reminds a baguette in shape (doh!). It is long from side to side and small from top to bottom.

Baguette

Baguette

just like the name suggests, it’s a bag that was originally intended for holding a bowling ball, and which later became a fashion item.

Bowling bag

Bowling bag

a bag shaped like a bucket, usually has an open top and a shoulder strap.

Bucket bag

a small but long evening bag without a handle. May feature jewels, crystals, etc.

Clutch bag

A large bag usually used for travel or sports. The name comes from Duffel, a town in Belgium where the fabric used to make the bag originated. Duffel bags are sometimes called sea bags due to their popularity among sailors.

Duffel Bag

a flat, square or rectangular bag with a triangle-shaped top flap that folds over like an envelope.

Envelope bag

a clutch with or without a handle that can be tucked or folded.

Fold over

clutch

a roomy crescent-shaped, or just large, shoulder bag with a main compartment closure.

Hobo bag

like the name suggests this is a bag meant for carrying a laptop computer. Good laptop bags have a separate compartment for a charger.

Laptop bag

a roomy bag with a long strap that lies across the body, winds around the chest and rests the bag on the lower back. Usually made of high quality, durable and water-resistant materials.

Messenger bag

A small ornamental case for a woman’s cosmetics, jewelry, or personal items that is often carried as a handbag.

Minaudiere

a handbag with a wide, flat bottom and double handles. Satchel can be large or small.

Satchel

a bag of any size and shape that comes with a shoulder strap.

Shoulder bag

a small bag with a long strap, similar to a messenger bag but much smaller.

Sling bag

a large bag with two handles, often used for shopping.

Tote bag

a clutch shaped bag that comes with a leather or bracelet-looking strap allowing you to use your hands freely.

Wristlet

Golf bag are the top of the line when it comes to golf bags. Staff bags are used by professionals when on tour, and because the pros are usually sponsored by the companies that make their bags, brand logos are prominently displayed on most staff bags.

Golf staff Bag

Thank You