History of Ladies gadgets & purses

Purse, is a great item of fashion. 

Purses and handbags have their origins in early pouches used to carry seeds, religious items and medicine. Early on, both men and women carried pouches. In the 15th century, a purse was a traditional gift from a groom to his bride. The bags typically were elaborately embroidered with an illustration of a love story. In New Guinea, centuries ago, both men and women carry large knit bags which looked like nets decorated with feathers, seashells and other mementos. The more shells a person had was a sign that they had many people who lived by the sea.

Chenoune says that the similarity between an haute couture tote and a satchel belonging to an African witch is that both bags hold a secret of some sort. He says bags are very personal, it holds the things you need for the day and the things you want to have, just for comfort or hobby. People began carrying items from home when the traveled, even on short trips. Items such as a deck of cards, knitting, a diary as well as beauty and personal items could be brought along.

Traditional wallets began as early as the 16th century, as small leather pouches which a drawstring tie could loop through a belt. Also in the 16th century there were ‘sweet’ bags that women used often as lavender bags to scent their handkerchiefs. Pockets, called bagges were also introduced into clothes around the same time and allowed people to carry small personal belongings.

By the late 18th century, women’s clothing was more form fitting and pockets ere not easily accommodated into the garment. Women began carrying small, often silk embroidered drawstring bags or purses called reticules, or 'ridicules'. These bags often carried a handkerchief, fan, dance card, perfume, or face powder. Reticules were smaller version of what women used to carry their needlework. This is likely the origin of the Dorothy bag which has since emerged as shoe bags, dress bags, laundry bags and today, gym bags.

The Victorian period brought a large variety of bags. Bags often were made t coordinate with the outfit and were now made of many different fabrics. By the mid 1800’s, bags changed from simply drawstring styles, to a popular flat style, that could be made in either a circular or square shape and was generally heavily decorated with beading and needlework. Patterns and directions for making these types of purses became popular in ladies magazines at that time.

There were also smaller versions, used as coin purses which often included a metal fastener.
By the early 20th century, women were carry bags every time they left home, even for short periods while hats were popular accessories that began to loose popularity by the early 20th century, handbags became increasingly popular. The success of the handbag has much to do with the fact that it has adapted to the needs of the time. Handbags held cigarettes, sunglasses rather than seeds and medicines. Years ago, it was ladylike to carry as little as possible. A small bag was typical. Today women are gone form home for longer periods of time, frequently working or if not, often with children along . The size of the typical bag has increased to meet the need. Eleanor Roosevelt is noted as a sing of the time as a very busy and active woman herself, she carried a large leather handbag not necessarily typical of the time.