Ladies handbags were produced by H.J. Cave, London (mid -18th Century) including clutch and tote and were known as 'ladies travelling cases.'
His critics said the the heavy material the bags were made from and their sizes would 'break the backs of ladies.'
Due to textile rationing in the1940s, small handbags were manufactured from raffia-like materials or crocheted from yarn.
Commercial patterns were made available which allowed ladies to crochet their own.
1945-1960: Couture handbags were designed as fashion accessories by French designers Christian Dior and Cristobal Balenciaga
1950's large structural handbags were made from crocodile and alligator skins and suede.
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| Aligator bag |
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| Lizard bag |
Princess Grace Kelly was responsible for the Hemes Kelly handbag's popularity, it is said she used the Hemes handbag that was released in 1935 to hide her pregnancy in 1950. Hemes renamed the bag in her honour.
1955 The first shoulder bag was made from Jersey designed by Coco Chanel, owing to their popularity, leather versions were produced.
1960-1970 The Swinging 60s, "Peace and Love, the Flower People and the Hippie Era."
Designers such as Mary Quant (London) made fashion more accessible to everyone, regardless of their social status.
Swinging shoulder bags were made from natural textiles, suede and Wool, they became one of the liberation symbols of the "Hippie" years.
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| Hippie style - Formal |
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| Hippie style - Casual |
1980-2000 Women became empowered as they moved up the corporate ladder and began 'Power dressing.' Larger handbags, stilettos, shorter skirts, tailored suits and shoulder pads.
1985 Prada introduced the first unisex bag the 'Backpack.'
1990 The Feudi Baguette bag (modelled on the French loaf) was a big success.
2000-2006 Designers focused on handbags in their fashion shows.
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