History of the Handbag

Alexander McQueen S/S 2008 stamped crocodile minaudière Ever wondered how handbags became absolute fashion musts? Well on a random trip to my local library, I lucked up on an exhibit called "The Handbag: A History of Style." How very serendipitous! Here's a short history of my favorite accessory, courtesy of the Morris County Historical Society: fasdfa The earliest historically verifiable handbags - little sacks containing pomanders (scented oranges), flint and money - were carried by gentlemen and known as "pockets." These were hung by thongs from the back of the girdle and were often cut from behind by thieves who knew how to capitalize on a friendly pat on the back; hence the name "cut purse." asdfads By the 1400s, both men and women were wearing purses, and as times prospered and the little sacks got fuller, they were ornamented with gold or elaborate embroidery. asdfasd A century later, the drawstring bag was a status possession. Paintings of that era show flat bags gathered by tasseled strings. By the end of the century, however, fashion went undercover, as women preferred to wear their pouches under their skirts. asda In 1670, breeches with built-in pockets came into fashion and men dispensed with their handbags. But they did continue to carry a little netted "purse" for money inside the pocket. asdfsd In the 18th century, pouches for both men and women disappeared. After the French Revolution, however, the style of women's clothes was so delicate that it was impossible for them to contain a pocket. Out into the open came the handbag, then known as a reticule (and occasionally a "ridicule" by men whose idea that was of a good joke). fasdaf Skirts became more ample, and pockets won the next round. Even when dresses grew tighter in the 1880s, handbags were slow to return. The real renaissance for bags came around the turn of the century, with the advent of the hobble skirt. A pocket was an impossibility, and very large handbags carried by long strings or chains became popular. asdf In the 20's, as dresses got skimpier, handbags became indispensable, and have remained so until the present, both as a utility and as a fashion item reflecting a personal style. Now every fashion has its handbag and every woman can have a wardrobe of shapes and colors. asdf In addition, a new chapter in handbag history is being written, as men's fashions become leaner, and more and more men discover the convenience of toting their belongings in a handsome hand or shoulderbag. asdfad Twentieth century technology has opened up a treasure of textures and materials from space age synthetics to hand-woven straws. There are rain-proof bags for stormy days, sturdy totes for the beach, delicate fabric for evening, and squashy shoulder bags for casual wear. In short, a fascinating variety of handbags for every mood, every outfit and every occasion. Fashion is in the bag!

Fab Look of the Day

Lucy Liu is looking too fierce in this hot pink Alexander McQueen dress for her appearance on Letterman. The more I look at this dress the more I love it: so structured yet with that gorgeous draping. Divine! And don't get me started on the opera-length leather gloves...I can totally picture her peeling them off slowly and back-slapping someone. Anyone will do. On the runway WTF? I am confused as to why she would choose to pair this coat and bag with such an otherwise fab outfit, though. The coat is lovely, but together it just doesn't work for me. Scans via ONTD

SBL by Alexander McQueen

When we last checked in with designer Alexander McQueen, he had collaborated with MAC on a bewitching collection of makeup just in time for Halloween. Now, the King of Couture has launched a collaboration with Samsonite Black Label. The result is SBL by Alexander McQueen, a striking collection of luxe luggage and travel accessories that have ingeniously fused cutting-edge technology with textures found in nature. The signature piece, the Hero AI1 Upright, is inspired by the human torso and boasts a ribcage and sternum outline in the front, and a backbone on the back. “The human rib cage protects our vital organs as we move about in the world. Luggage takes on the same role as we travel and pack our worldly possessions inside for safe transport,” said McQueen at the launch of his new collection. asdfasdf Also pictured above are the Beauty Case and the Crocodile AI2 Spinner, which features zipper pulls imprinted with McQueen’s own fingerprint. Creepy-licious! You can view the entire collection, here.

Luxe Links

Just in time for Halloween, enter to win the entire Alexander McQueen Collection for MAC and a bewitching mini clutch with skull clasp - Net-A-Porter asdfasdf Sonya Dakar's at home beauty remedies for puffy eyes and dry skin - Style Dash asedf Shut my mouth and call me Heidi! The Hills isn't real?!?!?! - Best Week Ever asdf Lucky Shops, the ultimate shopping experience, is happening now! Don't just sit there, get thee to NYC at once! - Luckyshops.com asdf Scandalicious! An interview with Donnie McClurkin's Ex-Lover - Clay Cane asdf Attention young professionals! Think stylish work clothes are an oxymoron? - ShopYupster.com fasdf Be afraid: Patricia Field for Payless - Payless asdfa The best places for plus size fashion in NYC - The Budget Fashionista asdf Have a great weekend poodles, and stay forever fab!