A bag is not only a product designed to carry items. It is also an accessory with which a person can emphasize his personality. The history of the bag began in the days of the primitive communal system. It is still being written, since a complete replacement for this device has not been found. What is the way products went?
Stone Age
Many are interested in the history of the bag from the origins to the present day. How did it all begin? The ancestors of modern products were invented in the distant Stone Age. Primitive people began to look for a way to carry various objects that frees both hands.
The first bags were made from animal skins. They were also made by interweaving branches and ropes, which were then attached to a stick. The stick, in turn, was laid on the shoulder. Products created in this way served to carry flint, food, and other necessities. Interestingly, most of the women used them. Men carried with them only weapons that were attached to their belts.
A bag made around 2500 BC has survived to this day. Archaeologists have discovered it in the territory that now belongs to Germany. The product found was hung with animal fangs.
Antique times
The history of the bag continued into ancient times. Society developed rapidly, people entered into commodity-money relations with each other. They had a need to carry money. In ancient Rome, it all started with special pockets, which became known as "sines." Women hid such products under the magnificent robes of skirts. Men hid them in the bends of the toga.
In ancient times, not only money was carried in bags. Representatives of the upper strata of society, as a rule, did not burden themselves with a heavy burden. The things they needed were worn by servants. Bags of ordinary people were made in the form of knots or bundles. The sizes of such products were different.
Luggage bags arose at a late stage in the development of ancient society. These were rectangular bags that tied to the saddle of a horse. Such products were made from carpet fabric or animal skin.
Middle Ages
The history of the bag will be incomplete if you do not talk about the traditions of the Middle Ages. At this time, wallets gained immense popularity. The first of them had a fairly primitive look. They were fabric bags tied with a leather cord. The purse bag has traditionally been attached to the belt of outerwear. Most actively, merchants and money changers used these products.
Then special pouches, which served to carry tobacco, came into fashion. The material of such a bag depended on the status of its owner. The products were created from natural velvet, suede leather, brocade, and canvas. In the course were the skin of a calf and goats. Next came rectangular handbags designed to carry prayer books. They were decorated with beautiful bells, decorated with threads with silver and gold tint. They were also preferred to wear these devices on their belts.
In the Middle Ages, the history of bags in Russia began. At first, they were used mainly by men. They took large products from the skin of animals, which were called furs. Women preferred to hide the things they needed in their wide sleeves.
Renaissance
What is the history of Renaissance handbags? Already with the onset of the 14th century, the initial function of products began to fade into the background. Increasing importance was given to beauty. Then the division of bags into male and female began.
Representatives of the stronger sex loved embroidering their bags with elements of heraldic ornament. In the course was the symbolism of tribal emblems. In the 16th century, hunters began to actively use products from canvas and animal skin. They had long straps that allowed them to be worn over the shoulder. Inside, such bags had several compartments.
The history of the women's bag deserves special attention. They were created, as a rule, from velvet, decorated with silver and golden threads, precious stones, and beads. Such handbags were attached to the belt using a lace or chain. The quality and finish of the product could tell a lot about the social status of the owner. Simple girls carried canvas bags with them. Noble ladies preferred products trimmed with natural silk, precious stones.
The first women's handbag with a carrying handle appeared in 1790. Such products came into fashion with the light hand of the Marquise de Pompadour. They had a trapezoidal shape, were made of textile. They were abundantly decorated with hand embroidery, lace, beads and beads. Women wore cosmetics, mirrors, snuff, love letters and much more.
Nineteenth century
The history of the appearance of bags does not end there. The 19th century brought a lot of new things. The sizes of products increased, their forms became more diverse. Bags with several compartments began to become popular. The first frame-type locks also appeared. Ladies handbags, popular at the beginning of the 19th century, were called “reticule”.
Gradually, the separation of accessories according to their purpose began to be practiced. There were bags for walking, going to a gala event, dates and so on. To decorate products, decorative ribbons, hand embroidery, precious stones, pearls were used.
In the mid-19th century, the construction of railways was already actively underway. People began to show great interest in long-distance travel. They had an urgent need for large, roomy and comfortable bags. High demand could not but give rise to supply. The era of luggage bags has arrived. The so-called traveling bags, to which representatives of both sexes showed interest, gained great popularity. The first models were made of carpet cloth. Then the bags were made from animal skin.
The twentieth century
The history of Charleston bags began in the first half of the 20th century. Their popularity was due to the Broadway musical, which was released under the name Runnin Wild. Its main highlight was the song "Charleston." The actresses who performed it were holding handbags in their hands, richly decorated with fringe. They immediately won the hearts of fashionistas.
In the first half of the 20th century, a zipper was also invented, which many modern bags are equipped with. In men, a wristlet was popular, which could be worn on the wrist. She has become an integral attribute of business style.
In the forties, large-sized square-shaped bags came into fashion. Also, for the manufacture of accessories began to be used synthetic materials. In the fifties, monodieres, clutches and posh became relevant. There was a high demand for handbags with a trapezoidal bottom and short handles.
The sixties have amended the history of the bag. There was a high demand for bag products with free cover. They were performed, as a rule, from simple and inexpensive materials. Such products were decorated with floral prints, psychedelic motifs and ethnic ornaments. In the seventies, sporty style came into fashion, which could not but affect the appearance of the bags. There was a high demand for bulky and comfortable backpacks. In the eighties and nineties, bags began to take on the most bizarre shapes.
New millennium
In the new century, a revolution in the world of bags did not happen. Fashion designers continued to experiment with the size, shape and appearance of accessories. The models of past years gained and lost relevance.
Nowadays it is difficult to answer the question of which bags are considered fashionable. This gives each person the opportunity to express their personality with this accessory. There are no strict frames, and a flight of fancy is welcome.
What is the history of Chanel bags
Who today does not know the name of Coco Chanel? This legendary woman styled a tan, taught the fair sex to wear jewelry, and invented a small black dress. It should be noted and her huge contribution to the world of bags. What can you tell about this? What is the history of Chanel bags?
In February 1955, Coco presented to the public a quilted model on a chain of flat links that were bound with leather ribbons. Prior to this, shoulder bags were used mainly by doctors and the military. Thanks to Chanel, the fair sex finally got the opportunity to hang the accessory over his shoulder and forget about its existence. Women who were tired of carrying reticules in their hands were very grateful for this.
The famous Chanel bags were presented in two versions. The more expensive product was intended for an evening out, made of silk and jersey. The budget option, which appeared at the popular request of fashionistas, was made of lamb skin. A quilted pattern of stitched rhombuses has since been considered a peculiar highlight of the Chanel brand.
The interior decoration of the bag was given maximum attention. The lining was created from rougher calf skin, so the product kept its shape well. Coco insisted that the lining should be in burgundy, which made it easier to find things. Pockets for powder boxes, lipsticks and mirrors, a compartment for business cards were provided.
Hermes Bags
Attention can not be given to another fashion brand. Its products are imbued with aristocracy, indicate a refined taste. What is the history of Hermes bags? It is known that it began in the distant 1922. It was then that the brand launched the first line of handbags.
Legend has it that the wife of the owner of the company, Emil-Maurice, complained to him that she could not find a decent handbag. Especially for his beloved wife, he ordered to make a durable, convenient and reliable accessory with a zipper.
Perhaps the Birkin bag remains the most famous piece of the brand. Thousands of women dream of this practical and roomy product. The accessory is associated with the name of the famous actress Jane Birkin. According to one version, the star herself came up with a bag design. The other claims that she only approved the development of the designer of the fashion house.
Interesting Facts
What are some interesting facts related to the history of the bag? What else can you say about this accessory?
- When did the first leather bags appear? The mention of such a product is first found on the pages of the mythology of Ancient Greece. Nymphs present it to the famous hero Perseus. A leather bag was required by a brave youth in order to hide the head of the Medusa Gorgon in it. According to legend, this magical creature could turn men into stone with one look. The bag was supposed to protect Perseus from the spell of Medusa Gorgon.
- Until the end of the 18th century, accessories made from fish skin (stingray, eel and so on) were very popular among the rich inhabitants of Europe. It was not easy to get this material, so only a select few could afford bags from it. He weighed very little, but was much stronger than cow skin.
- The honor of creating the largest bag belongs to the Hermes brand. This brand has made an accessory whose height exceeds three meters. Of course, this is more of an art object. In such a bag, an adult can not only stand at full height, but also live.
- The most expensive bag in the world costs $ 3.8 million. In its manufacture was used 18 carat gold. This accessory is decorated with 4517 diamonds. It was created manually by a team of designers and jewelers. Supervised by Robert Muawad.
- The most famous movie bag is considered an accessory from the saga about the adventures of Harry Potter and his friends. This is a product that belongs to Hermione Granger. Actress Emma Watson, who embodied this image, does not hide that she is in love with her heroine's bag. This accessory looks like a small women’s clutch bag, it weighs almost nothing. Thousands of women dream of becoming the owners of such a bag.
- Fashion house Louis Vuitton in an original way gets rid of unsold items from the previous collection. Surprisingly, brand bags are burned in the stove. This is necessary in order to exclude the slightest reduction in product prices. Seasonal sales are not held. Perhaps this is what allows the brand to always remain at the peak of popularity.
Museum in Amsterdam
The largest museum in the world dedicated to the history of bag brands is located in Amsterdam. It is definitely worth a visit to people who want to know how this accessory has developed and changed over the centuries. Many instances of the collection were once owned by the powers that be.
The oldest item in the museum was made in the early 16th century. In total, the collection includes over 4000 copies. Its part is male and female accessories.
The history of the museum began with a tortoiseshell purse with mother-of-pearl finish, which was made in 1820. This item made a strong impression on the antique dealer Hendrickier Ivo. This woman decided to establish a museum dedicated to bags, to trace the history of their creation. The collection has been replenished for over 35 years.