Vintage Handbags

When we talk about a vintage bag, we talk about beauty, art, and functionality. Every vintage bag has a story to tell, and the choice of bag is a reflection of your personality.

Throughout history, fashion has evolved. Constant experimentation with different forms and materials, especially in the last century, has resulted in a wide range of styles in the world of bags.

A vintage bag is not only about design and style, but it is also an evocative element that can tell us tales of its time. In this sense, drawstring and evening bags, typical of the early 20th Century, adorned with tassels, fringes and beads reflect the lives of luxury and extravagance of their owners whose social activity becomes increasingly important. It is at this moment when the bag begins to evolve as it must offer some structure and increase its capacity. Traditional skins such as cowhide, goatskin, calfskin or lambskin are used for this purpose. Their resistance allows for a great range of finishes.

Movement and the avant-garde would arrive twenty years later. At this time, handbags become essential to obtain a complete look and are no longer regarded as a mere accessory. The wonderful mesh bags, popularized by Withing & Davis, as well as tiny night bags with glass beads or designs with Art Deco motifs are some of the keys items of the modern girl of the 1920s.

With the arrival of the Great Depression at the end of the decade, people turn to the glamour of Hollywood in order to escape from reality. The clutch is the perfect companion of the Star System divas, in all their splendour: diamond, turquoises, and lapis lazuli brooches embellish the silk and crepe of these genuine evening bags that only movie stars can afford.

Today, snake, crocodile, alligator, and ostrich skins are associated with luxury products, but the truth is that from the 20s to the 40s its use was quite common. They are utilized in the manufacture of bags of all types and sizes, from wallets to briefcases.

During World War II, women need to join the workforce and demand for functional designs and materials. These handbags are sturdy and comfortable, with pockets and straps to carry them over the shoulder or on the back. Superfluous adornments and backpacks disappear, with shoulder and cross over bags becoming a modest focus of style. Bags made of raffia become popular because the material is highly available and is easy to work with.

Luxury returns after a hard period of economic recovery. During the 50’s, bags become a symbol of status. Handbags showcase distinction and formality, and they are typically shaped like boxes made from transparent Plexiglas. The arrival of new materials such as faux leather or vinyl makes way for the lightness of the coming years.

Youth’s rejection of conventions and the notion of fashion as fun are the key trends of the 60s. Patent leather bags in pop art colors, defined shapes and original closures represent the new freedom and youthful spirit that is very much present in society. Plastic beads become popular and metal space age-inspired surfaces captivate designers.

Years go by and people look back towards the past. The ideas of the Arts and Crafts movement make a comeback, as do studs, rivets and embossed leather in an attempt to return to traditional techniques. Crossover bags with wide straps become the ideal accessory for trouser suits, icons of that time. The embroidery and typical decorations of the Flower Power movement still inspire our current looks like the boho-chic.

Designers made their debut in the 80s, redefining luxury and introducing exaggerated fashion trends. Big handbags match voluminous hairstyles, and shoulder pads create broad-shouldered figures. Extra large handbags in crocodile skin become an object of desire. Evening minaudières with inlaid precious stones and exotic skins – such as python skin – are genuine collectors’ items. Typical of this period are the logo mania trend and consumers’ desire to have the latest model as a way of showing off their economic power.

After this period of waste and extravance, a strong rejection of fierce consumerism and a new wave of spirituality that claim functionality as the main premise in the 1990s soon appears. Discreet logos and minimalist designs conquer all aspects of fashion. Canvas backpacks, crossover bags and strapped wallets adapt to the dynamism of women in their social and cultural environment.

Buying a vintage handbag is a unique and special experience. It is not only about chosing another accessory, but also about the reinterpretation of the spirit of an era adapted to your beliefs and values, having as frame of reference your particular outlook on life.