7 Unique, Vintage-Inspired Handbags (+ a brief history)
Handbags have been around for millennia (yes, you heard right!), but in contrast to today, used to be primarily carried by men. The oldest known purse was a pouch worn by “Otzi the Iceman.” The ancient Greeks used purses known as “byrsa” to carry coins—fun fact, that word is the origin of the word “purse!” Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics depicted men carrying pouches around their waists, and bags remained utilitarian until fairly recently.
Fashion changed over time, as it’s prone to do, and men started dressing differently. Trousers replaced breeches, so men started carrying coins (and later, paper currency) in wallets that could fit in their pockets…I wonder what that’s like! Men were no longer in need of handbags—at least, not as often.
In the 1500s-1600s, women started wearing elaborate fashions that had a lot of fabric. They couldn’t wear girdle pouches outside their clothing anymore, because it would get tangled in said fabric, so they started wearing them under their dresses.
Then we reach the late 1800s, when feminist movements arose, and with them, liberation and freedom in fashion. It became increasingly important for women to be able to move, so fashion became a bit more sleek and bags became a bit more utilitarian—essentially, small suitcases with handles. (Did you know Amelia Earhart had an entire clothing line of functional women’s clothing? She’s part of the reason tops and bottoms are sold separately today!)
But the 1900s were really the Handbag’s Heyday. Women entered society, and designers adjusted accordingly. The Art Deco movement in the 1930s saw geometric, streamlined bags. The WWII era saw large, daytime bags because women needed to carry more items (like gas masks). The 1980s saw animal skin, canvas, and pleather purses rise to popularity.
And now…there is no limit to what the handbag can achieve. It can be both utilitarian and expressive. It can be small, large, anything in between. A handbag is a statement, no matter how it looks. Here are some of my current favorites, all with a vintage-inspired twist.
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$398
Girl, what?! You will be the belle of the ball everywhere you go with this bag. I don’t have words for how gorg this bag is, so I’ll leave it at this: WOW.
P.S. It’s on final sale right now, so it’s your last chance!
$135 (final sale)
Your milkshake may bring the boys to the yard, but my purse brings the envy of everyone in sight. Evoke the nostalgia of the 1950s (remember: vintage vibes, not vintage values!) with this sweet treat.
$160 (final sale)
The cool thing about this perfume bottle purse is that the knot clasp is interchangeable! It comes with both a black piece and a red piece, to suit your glam of choice.
Ah, yes, the era of the rotary phone. Anyone else have a fuzzy pink one in their bedroom that made you feel like the coolest girl at school? Anyway, this is an adult-ish upgrade sure to bring back all the sparkly memories.
Three Words: Pink. Pony. Club.
Seaside Luxury Crossbody Handbag
$230 (final sale!)
If a mermaid decided to become a flapper in the 1920s, she would wear this. Period.
You don’t need to follow a treasure map to find this gem. Pick up this bag and make sure to show off the booty.