Nowadays, it is almost impossible to see a Nigerian woman go out without a hangbag or purse. It is a most have fashion item for almost every woman. From their makeup kit to cash, to phones to sanitary materials, the woman’s hangbag does a lot for her and you would be truly amazed what some of them would carry in it. Be it big designer names, fantastic colours or styles, the handbag has definitely come a long way with Nigerian ladies and INFORMATION NIGERIAÂ in this piece brings you 10 interesting facts about how bags came to be…
– The term “handbag” first came into use in the early 1900’s and generally referred to hand-held luggage bags usually carried by men. These were an inspiration for new bags that became popularized for women, including handbags with complicated fasteners, internal compartments, and locks. With this new fashion, jewelers got into the act with special compartments for opera glasses, cosmetics, and fans.
– In the society of Ancient Egypt, it was totally common and normal for men to carry around purse-like pouches that they could tie around their waists to carry different items in.
– Early medieval times across Europe saw peasants fashioning small bags to be able to transport things like seeds from market places back to their homes.
– In the 14th century drawstring bags were a common accessory used to carry coins, and at the same time wealthy women began to wear them simply as accessories to events like balls.
– Handbags in this century were very often linked to marriage, with an ornate pouch being presented to a bride on her wedding day. It was also common during this time for Knights to carry ‘hunting purses’.
– Although drawstring bags were still the most common, women began to wear what they called girdle pouches, which were bags that could be concealed underneath petticoats. Cloth bags that could be worn over one shoulder were also popular with peasants and travelers.
– In the 17th century, carrying bags began to become popular with women and young girls, and bags like these became a common and sought after gift to give on a birthday or similar occasion.
– As clothes became more slender and more simple, bags started to become something more of a fashion symbol. In Europe they were called ‘indispensables’, which gives you an idea of how popular they had become. Drawstring bags were still popular and were called reticules.
– Technological advancements in this century saw the handbag being fashioned out of a wide range of fabrics in a wide range of sizes. The increase in train travel meant that people wanted a handbag to carry their valuables in safely. We saw the introduction of the carpet bag.
– The 1920’s saw a revolution in fashion with varying hemlines and lighter clothing. Bags no longer needed to match the outfit perfectly and the rage was for the stylish lady to carry a doll dressed exactly like herself, complete with matching bag for her minature companion!
Hope you learned something???
