What is a Handbag?

handbag

The handbag is a bag used to carry personal belongings. It may be made from leather or fabric and features handles for carrying the purse on one’s shoulder. It may also have a flap to close and multiple pockets for storage. Many women have more than one handbag and purchase several each year. The design of the handbag is often as important as the contents. A designer handbag can be a fashion statement that can add a touch of elegance to an outfit.

Originally, handbags were called purses and were designed to hold money. They evolved into larger bags that could hold more items and looked aesthetically pleasing. At the end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth, luggage creators like Louis Vuitton began to make small suitcase sized bags with plenty of interior storage compartments, easy to carry handles and snap closures. These bags were called handbags and the word caught on.

Fashion trends in handbags change quickly. What was popular in 2006, for example, might not be the case five years from now. Some basic rules remain, however. Most women prefer neutral colored purses that coordinate with a variety of outfits. They are also willing to spend heavily on a bag that appeals to them.

The handbag industry is a competitive one, but that hasn’t stopped some aspiring entrepreneurs from starting their own businesses. A few good designs and some capital can help a fledgling handbag company get off the ground. Some companies focus solely on manufacturing and selling bags, while others produce other apparel accessories like scarves or jewelry.