The handbag, also known as the purse, baguette or clutch, has evolved from a utilitarian vessel for cash and keys into a symbol of personal style. Handbags can be made of leather, suede, canvas, metal, plastic or other materials. They can be adorned with studs, sequins, beads or embroidery. They can be shaped as a pouch, tote, shoulder bag or messenger. They can be worn with casual clothing or incorporated into evening attire. They can be decorated with a monogram, logo or embroidered initials. And they can be as glam or as practical as a woman wants.
The twentieth century saw significant changes in the design and manufacture of handbags. The industrial revolution brought about a leap in technology that allowed handbags to be made more quickly and cheaply. New materials such as waterproof canvas and space age synethics were introduced. Improved manufacturing processes allowed for the production of more and varied colors, from a simple black to a flamboyant faux reptile skin.
By the 1930s a sense of irreverence had infected handbag design; designer Elsa Schiaparelli once decorated a pochette with a print of newspaper clippings about herself. The 1920s also saw the introduction of the compact mesh bag that complemented the sinuous lines of the flapper dresses. These small bags could fit a mirror, lipstick, and minuscule umbrella.
In the 2000s, designers continued to explore the possibilities of the handbag. Some bags were fashioned from recycled materials. Others had special storage for electronic devices such as iPods or personal digital assistants. Some were shaped as animals or cars. A few even incorporated interior lighting and security features designed to deter pickpockets. As the handbag becomes more commodified and streamlined, there is speculation that a return to more handmade one-of-a-kind designs may occur.
GIANCOMICS Goth Book Shelf Womens Wallet RFID Blocking, Gothic Skull Witchy Credit Card Holder Bifold, PU Leather Travel Billfold, Long Cute Cash Purse, Zipper Coin Pocket Clutch, Ladies Gift Woman
$16.99 (as of December 28, 2025 19:54 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Jogjam Black Cat Floral Rfid Women Wallet, Small Slim Thin Credit Card Wallet, PU Leather Bifold Cash Zipper Coin Pocket ID Window for Female Ladies Teen Girls Girly
$14.99 (as of December 28, 2025 19:54 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Montana West 3PCS Purses for Women Tote Bag and Wallet Set Shoulder Satchel Handbags
$35.99 (as of December 28, 2025 19:54 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Dooney & Bourke Handbag, Penrose Suki Crossbody
$74.24 (as of December 28, 2025 19:54 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Montana West Purses for Women Hobo Shoulder Handbags with Zipper
$18.99 (as of December 28, 2025 19:54 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
BAGSMART Mini Backpack for Women, Lightweight Puffer Small Backpack Purse, Quilted Casual Travel Daypack, Cute Water-Resistant Bookbag for Daily, Black
$24.99 (as of December 28, 2025 19:54 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
BLESSAC Bible Leather Handbag For Christian Women, Medium, Zipper - Christmas Gift For Wife, Mom, Grandma
$79.95 (as of December 28, 2025 19:54 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Auto Amazon Links: No products found. No products found. http_request_failed: A valid URL was not provided. URL: https://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?SearchIndex=All&multipageStart=0&multipageCount=20&Operation=GetResults&Keywords=The+Evolution+of+the+Handbag|Purses+%26+Handbags&InstanceId=0&TemplateId=MobileSearchResults&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US Cache: AAL_b071ba8d4c78d5859146cc8687d2f6c3