Handbags come in many sizes and forms and are produced from a wide variety of materials. A leather purse is the best option available. They’re timeless, genuine, and guaranteed to last for a long time.
However, picking the ideal leather purse is not as simple as it sounds. Learn the ins and outs of handbags, from their history to the characteristics of an “It” bag, right here.
To kick things off, here’s a quotation from the hilarious and talented Retta:
‘Handbags, man. Italian leather purses are all the rage. What really gets me going is a new purse, so I tend to invest a lot of money in them.
I hope you enjoy the story.
All Types of Handbags
I prefer to have my cash in plain sight, therefore it hangs in my wardrobe.
In the words of the irreverent Carrie Bradshaw, “hanging around my hand!”
A handbag is an essential accessory for any fashionista, as any good outfit would not be complete without one. This is why many of us regularly inquire about the best technique for selecting a leather handbag. At I Medici, we custom-make a variety of purses to meet your every need.
There are essentially three broad groups into which all handbags can be sorted:
- Handbags for everyday use
- Professional purses
- Stylish handbags
The same level of care should be given to any type of expensive leather clutch. This is why we have an article on our blog dedicated to leather maintenance.
Handbags for Everyday Use
Crossbody
When it comes to convenience, the crossbody bag is unrivaled. As the name implies, you wear it across your body so that you may keep your hands free. It is common knowledge that you need both hands to do things like carry groceries and run errands.
Likewise, keeping your balance in a crowded subway car can be challenging if your phone rings while you’re using the public transportation system. You may make your crossbody purse unique by attaching a scarf or a keychain.
Bucket
Originally, the bucket bag wasn’t intended for what we use it for now. Wine merchants would use it to carry cases of champagne. There has been a renaissance in its popularity since then, thanks to the likes of Alexa Chung and Kate Bosworth, who are considered to be the street-style elite.
There’s plenty of room in the bucket bag to store all of your valuables safely. They typically have a drawstring top and an internal magnetic closure. To further ensure that your hands remain free at all times, it has a crossbody strap. A gorgeous scarf tied around your shoulder will take your bucket bag from boho chic to full-on stylish.
Backpacks
Backpacks might bring back fond memories of our days in high school. All the textbooks, notebooks, and pencil cases we’d need for the day would go in there. Nowadays, leather backpacks are a staple of any well-dressed street fashionista’s wardrobe. These bags are the pinnacle of convenience for those who prefer to avoid carrying anything.
The Olsen twins, Mary-Kate and Ashley, have frequently been seen using leather backpacks. Straps, clasps, magnetic clasps, zippers, and so on are only some of the many options for fasteners. Backpacks are perfect for any activity, whether you’re headed to the park or the grocery store.
Professional Purses
Messenger
This is a favorite of modern-day bicycle messengers and postmen. Hence, the term “messenger bag.” The ladies quickly discovered the usefulness of such a bag. It’s versatile enough to substitute for a briefcase or a casual bag.
And it has been especially helpful for women in academic positions like teaching and research. Everyone in that industry is constantly lugging around stacks of paperwork, books, pens, and pencils. The messenger bag is roomy, so it’s perfect for carrying around sensitive documents without worrying about them becoming crumpled.
Tote
The tote bag is often called the “shopper’s bag.” It is broad and often rather huge. Rectangular in shape, it has a top that opens and has straps or handles to carry it.
Despite its reputation as a “shopper’s bag,” the tote’s ample storage space makes it a useful accessory for businesswomen. First, it’s a huge benefit that a laptop can be stowed away so effortlessly. Your tote bag may easily accommodate not only your laptop, but also any and all paperwork, notepads, and utensils you may need for the day.
Duffel
Every woman who travels frequently should have a duffel. There’s a lot of room in its horizontal, cylindrical form. Medium-to-significant variations are available.
It was the military that first used this type of bag. You could fit all of your essentials in one, and it wasn’t as bulky and awkward as a suitcase.
That is still true in today’s world. A large suitcase might be a major nuisance on our trip. As you travel the world for business or pleasure, the duffel will serve as an excellent substitute for your standard suitcase.
Doctor
Historical doctors actually carried the storied doctor bag. With everything they needed in one convenient suitcase, they could visit patients in their homes. In addition, the medic bag was a recognizable accessory from the Wonder Woman comics.
The typical doctor’s bag lacks extraneous ornamentation in favor of spare elegance. Many chic women are carrying this bag. Its elegant design makes it an ideal complement to a professional conference.
Stylish Handbags
Baguette
In one of the show’s most memorable scenes, a robber makes a fool of himself trying to steal Carrie Bradshaw’s purse in Sex and the City. To paraphrase, “Hand over the bag” is what he demands. Carrie corrects him: “That’s a baguette!”
The popular French bread served as an inspiration, as suggested by the name. Girls in Paris required a compact bag to carry their essentials while out and about. The petite baguette is ideal for a night out with the girls or a candlelit meal for two.
Clutch
The envelope clutch purse was originally a prestige symbol used by royalty and the wealthy. Even now, it’s the kind of purse you should only carry to the most formal events.
Unfortunately, we no longer have the opportunity to attend balls, but a wedding or a company promotion party can serve as suitable substitutes. On such occasions, nothing but an envelope clutch will do. Your sense of wealth will be through the roof!
Barrel
The little horizontal cylindrical bag is the duffle bag’s little sister but just based on appearance alone. The barrel bag is like a miniature duffel bag. Consequently, great caution should be exercised when making travel plans.
In order to fit in the barrel, one must only bring the absolute necessities. For this reason, it is a great evening bag for clubbing or a romantic evening out.
History of Purses
Common topics of conversation about the past include major scientific breakthroughs, major wars, and the conquest and subjugation of many peoples. Some other unseen factors contributed to shaping humankind’s past identities. The development of the handbag is mirrored by its own unique past.
We would be lost without them, yet they too went in their own direction. In modern times, it has become a must-have item for every woman. However, men were more likely to carry purses than women were in the past. The original idea of a purse developed over time into the sophisticated accessory it is today.
There are three distinct eras in the evolution of handbags:
- Ancient times
- The Renaissance
- The 18th century
Ancient Wallets
Men are depicted in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics with tiny pouches slung across their hips. There are additional historical references to purses. Beaded purses were a common accessory for African priests. It is mentioned in the Bible that Judas Iscariot had a purse.
It was for practical reasons that both men and women carried tiny pouches. Unfortunately, pockets didn’t exist back then, so they had to improvise. Because of the widespread availability of pockets beginning in the 16th century, gentlemen gradually abandoned the use of handbags. At this point, the gender roles began to diverge, with women increasingly carrying baggage.
The Renaissance
The first chatelaine appeared in the 16th century. It was a little pouch with a hook that recalled modern key rings. As a result, women had a place to put their small, essential items.
With the full skirts that were in style back then, they came in very handy. Many chatelaines may be “stored” in their skirts, hidden from view.
The 18th Century
Discovering Pompeii in the 18th century sparked a renewed interest in all things Greek and Roman. There was a widespread trend toward more form-fitting gowns, and the first genuine “handbag” hit store shelves.
All styles of handbags were tremendously helped by the advent of mass production techniques during the industrial revolution of the 19th century. The introduction of new textiles was one of the first steps toward creating a handbag revolution.
So, what exactly are the criteria for a “It” bag?
Handbags first became almost a cult object in the 1950s. Women were beginning to ponder how to pick the best leather handbag as the fashion business grew.
And as the Golden Age of Hollywood grew in popularity, many people, especially women, yearned to emulate its glitz and glamor. The fashion industry caught on to this, and ladies rapidly began to look really stunning.
In the 1990s, the phrase “It bag” first appeared in use. The trend of carrying a handbag, on the other hand, began much earlier. It was right about the time that Grace Kelly became famous for carrying the Kelly purse.
Quickly after, celebrities began endorsing a variety of clothing lines. Some of them, like the Chanel 2.55 and Birkin bags that Jane Birkin wore, became instantly recognizable.
The phrase “It bag” referred to an item that was currently fashionable. It was the kind of item that everyone wanted, no matter the cost. We need to change the meaning of this phrase today. The It bags from I Medici Leather are the best on the market, in our opinion, because they are well-made, stylish, and functional.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you’ve learned everything you wanted to know about handbags from this post. You can finally put an end to that frustrating mental loop. And go for your next handbag now!