Atlanta Antique Gallery - Purses

Purses have been essential to daily life every since people have had something precious to carry around with them. Embroidery and jewels adorned some of these purses, and were used to show status - the richer the person, the more elaborate the purse. The word purse is synomous with handbag. 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 complicated fasteners, internal compartments, and locks. With this new fashion, jewelers got into the act with special compartments for opera glasses, cosmetics, and fans. The '20's saw a revolution in fashion, with bags that no longer needed to match the outfit. The discovery of King Tut's tomb inspired Egyptian art on purses. The '40's saw new austerity. Metal frames, zips, leather and mirrors were in short supply so manufacturers used plastic and wood. The 50's saw the rise of important designer houses and the 60's saw the breakdown of old notions of the classical and the rise of youth culture.