The history of the bag from its origins to the present day

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

A bag is not only a product designed to carry items. It is also an accessory with which a person can emphasize his individuality. The history of the bag began in the days of the primitive communal system. It is still being written, since a full-fledged replacement for this device has not been found. How far have the products gone?

Stone Age

Many are interested in the history of the bag from its origins to the present day. Where did it all start? The ancestors of modern products were invented back in the distant Stone Age. Primitive people began to look for a way to carry various items, which frees both hands.

The first bags were made from animal skins. They were also made by weaving branches and ropes together, which were then attached to a stick. The stick, in turn, was placed on the shoulder. Products created in this way served to carry flint, food and other essentials. Interestingly, most of them were used by women. Men wore withwas just a weapon that was attached to the belt.

To this day, a bag made around 2500 BC has survived. Archaeologists discovered it in what is now Germany. The item found was hung with animal fangs.

Ancient Times

The history of the bag continued in ancient times. Society developed rapidly, people entered into commodity-money relations with each other. They had a need to carry money with them. In ancient Rome, it all started with special pockets, which became known as "sines". Women hid such products under lush cassocks of skirts. The men hid them in the folds of a 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 carried by the servants. Bags of ordinary people were made in the form of bundles or bundles. The sizes of such products were different.

Sling bags arose at a late stage in the development of ancient society. These were rectangular bags that were tied to the horse's saddle. Such products were made from carpet fabric or animal skin.

Middle Ages

The history of the origin 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 rather primitive appearance. They were fabric bags tied with leather cord. A purse bag was traditionally attached to the belt of outerwear. Merchants and money changers were the most active in using such items.

Then special pouches came into fashion, which served to carry tobacco. The material of such a bag depended on the status of its owner. Products were created from natural velvet, suede leather, brocade, canvas cloth. In the course were the skin of a calf and a goat. Next came rectangular bags designed to carry prayer books. They were decorated with beautiful bells, decorated with threads with a silver and gold sheen. They also preferred to wear these devices on the belt.

In the Middle Ages, the history of bags in Russia began. At first they were used mainly by men. They took large animal skin products, which were called furs. Women, on the other hand, preferred to hide the things they needed in wide sleeves.

Renaissance

What is the history of renaissance bags? Already with the onset of the 14th century, the original function of the products began to fade into the background. Increasing importance was given to beauty. At the same time, the division of bags into men's and women's began.

The representatives of the stronger sex fell in love with embroidering their bags with elements of heraldic ornament. In the course was the symbolism of family coats of arms. In the 16th century, hunters began to actively use canvas and animal skin products. They had long straps to allow them to be worn over the shoulder. Inside, these bags had several compartments.

The history of the women's bag deserves special attention. They were usually made of velvet,decorated with silver and gold threads, precious stones, beads. Such handbags were attached to the belt with a cord or chain. The quality and finish of the product could tell a lot about the social status of the owner. Ordinary girls carried bags made of linen with them. Noble ladies preferred products trimmed with natural silks and 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 and were made of textiles. They were richly decorated with hand embroidery, lace, beads and beads. Women wore them with cosmetics, mirrors, snuffs, love letters and more.

Nineteenth century

The history of the appearance of bags does not end there. The 19th century brought many new things. The sizes of products have increased, their forms have become more diverse. Bags with several compartments have become popular. The first frame-type locks also appeared. Popular at the beginning of the 19th century, handbags were called "reticule".

Gradually began to practice the separation of accessories according to their purpose. There were bags for walking, going to a gala event, dating, and so on. Decorative ribbons, hand embroidery, precious stones, pearls were used to decorate the products.

In the middle of the 19th century, the construction of railways was already underway. People began to show great interest in long-distance travel. They had an urgent need forlarge, roomy and comfortable bags. High demand could not but give rise to supply. The era of luggage has arrived. The so-called handbags, in 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.

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. His main highlight was the song "Charleston". The actresses who performed it were holding ladies' handbags richly decorated with fringe. They immediately won the hearts of fashionistas.

The first half of the 20th century also saw the invention of the zipper, which many modern bags are equipped with. Among men, the borsetka, which could be worn on the wrist, was popular. It has become an essential attribute of business style.

In the forties, bags in the form of squares with large sizes came into fashion. Synthetic materials have also been used for the manufacture of accessories. In the fifties, monodiers, clutches and bags became relevant. There was a high demand for handbags with a trapezoid bottom and short handles.

The 1960s changed the history of the bag. There was a high demand for bag products with a loose cover. They were made, as a rule, from simple and inexpensive materials. They decorated such products with floral prints, psychedelic motifs and ethnic ornaments. In the seventies, sportswear came into fashion.style, which could not but affect the appearance of the bags. There was a high demand for voluminous and comfortable backpacks. In the eighties and nineties, bags began to take on the most bizarre shapes.

New Millennium

In the new century, the 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 the past years gained and lost relevance.

It is difficult to answer the question of what bags are considered fashionable these days. This gives every person the opportunity to express their individuality with this accessory. There are no strict limits, and a flight of fancy is welcome.

What is the history of Chanel bags

Who doesn't know the name Coco Chanel these days? This legendary woman brought tan into fashion, taught the fair sex to wear jewelry, invented the little black dress. It is impossible not to note her huge contribution to the world of bags. What can be said about this? What is the history of Chanel bags?

In February 1955, Koko presented to the public a quilted model on a chain of flat links that were interlaced 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 an accessory over their 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. A more expensive product was intendedfor an evening out, made of silk and jersey. The budget version, which appeared at the numerous requests of fashionistas, was made of lamb skin. The quilted pattern of stitched diamonds has since been considered a peculiar highlight of the Chanel brand.

The interior of the bag has been given maximum attention. The lining was created from a rougher calfskin, thanks to which the product kept its shape well. Koko insisted that the lining should be burgundy, which made it easier to find things. There were pockets for powder boxes, lipsticks and mirrors, a compartment for business cards.

Hermes bags

Attention should be paid to another fashion brand. His products are imbued with aristocracy, testify to 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 released the first line of handbags.

Legend says that the wife of the owner of the company, Emile-Maurice, complained to him that she could not find a decent handbag. Especially for his beloved wife, he ordered to make a durable, comfortable 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 capacious product. The accessory is associated with the name of the famous actress Jane Birkin. According to one version, the star herself came up with the design of the bag. Another claims that she only approved the design of the designer of the fashion house.

Interesting facts

WhatAre there interesting facts related to the history of the creation 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 brave young man needed a leather bag in order to hide the head of Medusa Gorgon in it. According to legend, this magical creature could turn men to stone with just its glance. The bag was supposed to protect Perseus from the spell of the Gorgon Medusa.
• Until the end of the 18th century, accessories made from the skin of fish (stingray, eel, and so on) were very popular among we althy Europeans. It was not easy to get this material, so only a select few could afford bags from it. It weighed very little, but was much stronger than cowhide.
• 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 upright, but also live.
• The most expensive handbag in the world costs $3.8 million. 18 carat gold was used in its manufacture. This accessory is adorned with 4517 diamonds. It was handcrafted by a team of designers and jewelers. Robert Muawad supervised the work.
• The most famous movie bag is an accessory from the saga about the adventures of Harry Potter and his friends. We are talking about a product that belongs to Hermione Granger. Actress Emma Watson, who embodied this image, does not hide that she is in love withbag of his heroine. This accessory looks like a small ladies' clutch, it weighs almost nothing. Thousands of women dream of becoming the owners of such a bag.
• Louis Vuitton fashion house in an original way gets rid of unsold items from the last collection. Surprisingly, the brand's bags are burned in the oven. This is necessary in order to exclude the slightest decrease in prices for products. There are no seasonal sales. Perhaps this is what allows the brand to always remain at the peak of popularity.

Museum in Amsterdam

The world's largest museum dedicated to the history of handbag brands is located in Amsterdam. It is definitely worth visiting for people who want to know how this accessory has developed and changed over the centuries. Many pieces 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 4,000 items. It includes men's and women's accessories.

The history of the museum began with a mother-of-pearl tortoiseshell wallet, which was made in 1820. This product made a strong impression on Hendrikje Ivo, who sold antiques. 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.