THE EVOLUTION OF THE HANDBAG

WRITTEN BY SHARRA GREENE

Me, in the OG Runway Bag from House of Rehab.

If there’s any article of clothing that serves as a symbol for how much high-low fashion has transformed the entire industry, it’s the handbag. The essential accessory serves as a prime example of how what once was mainly flaunted by the elite as a symbol of status, has now evolved into a staple with way less rules and restrictions and is more of a reflection of one’s personal taste and preference.

There was a time in history when a woman’s purse was almost always, undoubtedly, the most expensive piece of her entire outfit. With Louis Vuitton’s iconic “Speedy” being first introduced in the 20th century, along with Coco Chanel’s innovative “2.55” design being one of the first bags designed to be worn on the shoulder, luxury bag wearers of the 1910’s, 20’s, 30’s and beyond were giving very much this energy:

This mentality reached a new height in the 80’s, when Hermes first introduced the rare and precious Birkin. Highly sought after for possessing both beauty and practicality (many women wanted a bag that was spacious while still being stylish), the Birkin bag quickly rose to fame and hasn’t gone anywhere since, with bags today starting at $11K and ranging all the way up to $3 million, depending on scarcity and the demand of certain styles.

The original Birkin bag circa 1983, initially designed for English Actress Jane Birkin.

Louis Vuitton’s iconic “Speedy” bag. Vuitton created the first mini version specifically for Audrey Hepburn in 1965.

However, today you can find your average fashionista comfortably sporting bags outside of the luxury market. The concept of mixing high end with low end names has disrupted almost every facet of fashion, including accessories.

There once was an era where one would be embarrassed to be seen with anything less than an authentic luxury good on their arm. Now, it’s so common to see anyone from middle class to elite rocking a knock - off or , "designer inspired” purse and tagging the brand’s page on their post for the gram… and it only makes sense, seeing that we now have so many affordable alternatives from online retailers. It’s almost a flex to brag about knowing where you can find something cheaper these days.

But as much as we’ve evolved when it comes to handbag culture, it is still safe to say that the luxury handbag isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. We can still catch our fave public figures collecting as we covet.

Hot Girl Meg showing off her amazing designer bag collection.

However, I do think that it’s interesting that we can now catch, even the wealthy, unapologetically owning a bag that ranges anywhere from $40K to $40. It’s definitely a sign of the times where we now are generally more open minded and accepting of lesser known brands, lower price points, and practicality when it comes to shopping. As long as the fit still hits!

The Foxxy Bag by Kendall Miles Designs - $895

Jacquemus Long Chiquito Long Bag in Pink - $485

The ESR Tote by Brandon Blackwood - $80

Hermes Yellow Birkin Bag - Prices Vary

The Bandana Bag from The Style Animal - $74.80

The Everything Bag by House of Rehab - $125

The Monarch Milk Jelly by PishPosh World - $100

The Fashionpreneur Backpack - $199

Do you prefer your purses luxury or more affordable??? Let me know in the comments. In the meantime, Check out a mix of some of the most prominent styles from my current fave handbag brands rn, some luxury and some mid range.

Sharra,

“The definition of walking art.”