National Handbag Day
From totes to satchels to clutches, treat yourself to a new handbag. With so many options, you’re sure to find something that reflects who you are.
It’s no secret that many women love handbags, sometimes perhaps a little too much, but who would have thought that it would ever get to the point where an entire day of the year would be put aside especially for handbags to be celebrated in all their glory?
Learn About National Handbag Day
“I want someone to look at me the way I look at a Chanel bag.”
Well, believe it or not, National Handbag Day exists, and real people actually do take some time out of their day to celebrate it and pay tribute to their beloved collection of handbags as well as all those they wish they could afford.
It is a day when women talk about handbags…even more than usual, both on the Internet, through blogs, and in real life with friends. It is a day where the greatest designs and designers are discussed and celebrated.
And also a day through which the purchase of a new handbag, or bags, for the more extravagant, can be justified and needs no explanation.
We are sure all ladies will appreciate this date. After all, it is often remarked that women keep everything but the kitchen sink in their handbags!
While you should never go into a woman’s handbag, if you did, you would probably be shocked by the sheer number of different things inside. And so, it is only right that we pay tribute to such an important accessory. A handbag is our trusty companion; it goes everywhere with us.
Of course, you don’t need to be female in order to celebrate this trend. There are a lot of bags on the market today that have been created for men. In fact, the oldest purse known dates back 5000 years, and it was worn by a male; Otzi the Iceman. Men used to carry purses so that they could hold all of their coins.
While handbags are more popular with women today, designers in Europe in the ‘70s revived this trend for men as well. This is something that has only gotten more and more momentum. In fact, there has been a much more diverse range of accessory bags for men that have been marketed since the ‘90s.
In the United States, the styles for men that are more common tend to be those that are variations on messenger bags or backpacks.
They tend to have more of a unisex or masculine appearance. However, it’s not to say that the industry is not thriving. In fact, the worldwide trade in the men’s small leather goods and bag sector is $4 billion per annum.
History of National Handbag Day
“My biggest fear is that when I die, my husband will sell all my bags for what I told him they cost.”
In order to understand the history of National Handbag Day, we need to delve a little bit deeper into the history of the handbag. Purses were worn by early modern Europeans for the sole purpose of carrying coins. They were created using leather or soft fabric, and men wore them just as regularly as women did.
Young girls were taught how to embroider clothing during the 17th century. This was considered a skill that was vital for marriage. Not only this, but it helped them to craft truly stunning handbags.
Fashions in Europe changed in the late 18th century. They moved towards bags that had more of a slender shape. They were inspired by the silhouettes of Ancient Rome and Ancient Greece. Ladies wanted purses that would not look untidy or bulky in their appearance. This resulted in the creation of reticules.
Reticules is a term that is used to describe bags that had wrist straps and were made of fine fabrics, for example, velvet and silk.
They became highly popular in France first and foremost. After a short while, their popularity spread to the United Kingdom, and they were considered indispensable here. The trend was not adopted by men, however. Instead, they used pockets, which had started to become popular in trousers for men, as well as purses.
It was during the Industrial Revolution that the modern handbag, pouch, clutch, or purse thrived in the United Kingdom. This was partly attributed to the increase in railway travel.
Samuel Parkinson, a confectionary entrepreneur and industrialist from Doncaster, ordered a site of different handbags for his wife.
When he was traveling and ordering some trunks and cases, he realized that his wife’s purse was too small for everything required. Plus, the material that it was crafted from would not have withstood the journey.
Because of this, he decided to order different bags in different sizes for various occasions for his wife. He requested that the bags were crafted using the same leather that was used for his trunks and cases.
This is how the first set of luxury handbags were created, as H. J. Cave of London adhered to the orders of Samuel. These are the sorts of bags that you would recognize today!
However, it was not all plain sailing for H. J. Cave, as you may have expected. Although he continued to create and advertise these handbags, a lot of critics said that they were unnecessary.
Some critics even said that the heavy material and size of the bags would break women’s backs. After 1865, H. J. Cave stopped promoting the bags as a consequence. It was not until 2010 that the production of handbags was resumed by the brand.
How to Celebrate National Handbag Day
“I’m very organized these days, and I keep my life in my handbag, like most women.”
It goes without saying that the best way to celebrate National Handbag Day is to treat yourself to a new handbag. There are so many different handbag styles to choose from nowadays, from totes to satchels. This means that you should have no trouble finding a handbag that is right for you.
No matter your individual style, color preference, or the belongings that you intend to store within your handbag; you should have no trouble finding something that is right for you. Why not donate your current bag to a charity store or sell it online in order to make way for your new bag?
You can also get involved with National Handbag Day on your blog, YouTube channel, and social media platforms. A lot of bags have stories behind them, so why not share this with your followers?
You can show them the different bags that you own, and tell them the story behind the bag. This is a fun way of using National Handbag Day to engage with your followers, friends, and family members.
National Handbag Day FAQs
What is the significance of handbags in ancient cultures?
In ancient Egypt, hieroglyphics depict men carrying small pouches around their waists, indicating the early use of handbags for practical purposes.
How did the Industrial Revolution influence handbag design?
The Industrial Revolution introduced new materials and manufacturing techniques, leading to more diverse and affordable handbag designs for the growing middle class.
What role did handbags play during World War II?
During World War II, handbags became more utilitarian, with designs focusing on practicality and durability due to material rationing and the need for functionality.
How have handbags been used as status symbols throughout history?
Historically, handbags have signified social status, with the affluent showcasing ornate designs and luxurious materials to display wealth and position.
What are some eco-friendly trends in modern handbag design?
Contemporary designers are embracing sustainability by creating handbags from recycled materials, vegan leather, and ethically sourced components to reduce environmental impact.
How do different cultures incorporate handbags into traditional attire?
In Japan, traditional kimonos are often paired with small, elegant handbags called “kinchaku,” reflecting the cultural emphasis on harmony and aesthetics.
What are some notable innovations in handbag security features?
Modern handbags often include anti-theft features like slash-resistant straps, locking zippers, and RFID-blocking compartments to protect against electronic pickpocketing.
How has the perception of men’s bags evolved over time?
While early handbags were unisex, the 20th century saw a decline in men’s usage. Recently, there’s been a resurgence, with designs like messenger bags and totes gaining popularity among men.
What are some famous handbags that have become cultural icons?
The Hermès Birkin bag, introduced in 1984 and named after actress Jane Birkin, has become a symbol of luxury and exclusivity in popular culture.
How can one authenticate a designer handbag to avoid counterfeits?
Authenticating a designer handbag involves examining details like stitching quality, material, brand-specific hardware, and serial numbers, often requiring expert evaluation to ensure genuineness.
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