Hello everyone and welcome back! Can you believe how many random “holidays” there are? National Donut Day, National Pie Day, our good friend Grandma Moses Day, but did you know that there is a whole day dedicated to handbags?
October 10th is National Handbag Day, an extremely fitting day since we have so many coming up for auction October 24th! Bags have been around for centuries, the oldest being a pouch found on the Iceman Otzi. More modern examples of handheld pouches are the reticule, a small bag a woman would carry in the early 18th century to compliment the new slimmer dress silhouette and to eradicate pocket lines.
However, handbags as we know them now can be attributed to a man by the name of Samuel Parkinson, and yes, it is the same Samuel Parkinson who invented butterscotch. Is that why your grandmother carried butterscotch in her purse? Can’t say! But in 1841 Parkinson, who (after noticing his wife’s bags were too small for journeys) ordered a set of travelling cases. Parkinson sent for bags of different sizes to be used for different occasions made of leather and not fabric like the popular carpet bags of the time. H.J. Cave & Sons, known for their luggage and trunks, were quick to jump on board Parkinson’s request and produced the first ever luxury leather handbags for women, marketing them as ladies travelling cases.
From there, other manufacturers of leather goods such as Louis Vuitton began to sell their own handbags. Starting in 1854, Louis Vuitton created a luggage company and gave birth to a very iconic brand, but it wasn’t until the 20th century that the company began to produce handbags of their own. In 1925, the company produced a one-of-a-kind dome shaped bag for none other than Coco Chanel to be used for everyday personal use. In 1934 Chanel allowed the Louis Vuitton company to start producing these handbags for the general public. The bag was redesigned and was given the name Squire until 1955 when the bag was renamed Alma. In 1977 the company added another big name to their team, hiring on Marc Jacobs as the first creative director, and began collaborating with artists like Takashi Murakami in 2003.
Although handbags are still meant to be used in utilitarian ways and serve as functional pieces, the evolution of design, colors, and materials have also made handbags into striking fashion pieces. So, this handbag day why not treat yourself to a new bag? Better yet! Check out part two of our Couture auction and peruse our plethora of handbags – There’s a little something for everyone!
