Fascinating Handbag Facts

For women, handbags are more than just something where they can put their essential (and non-essential) items into. They are more than mere accessories. They are dependable companions and great friends who share all the days with them, either good or bad. Not to mention that handbags make the perfect partner for women whenever they want to make a strong (or subtle) fashion statement.

Here are some fascinating facts about handbags (that may make you obsess more over them!)

1) It was during the ancient Egyptian era where the first handbags were used. The evidence was recorded on 14th-century hieroglyphics. It was not uncommon for ancient Egyptian men to carry pouches (that resembled purses or handbags) which they would tie around their waists in order to carry tools and items in.

2) Do you know that Louis Vuitton burns all its unsold bags? This rumor appears to be true. If the bags are not sold, the company just burns them in order to prevent marking a lower price in them.

Why is that so? It seems that Louis Vuitton’s reputation and image as a luxury goods brand will suffer greatly from selling bags at discounted prices.

3) The developing technological advancements during the 17th century paved the way for the creation of bags made of various fabrics. The increase in train travel and the growing number of railroad constructions means that people needed a practical and spacious item that would carry and store their important belongings. And so the handbag was invented!

4) It is said that an average woman has six handbags.

5) 2 out of 10 luxury handbags that you see on the street are knockoffs. Many women fall into the trap of buying replica bags. You may not know the difference at first glance because they practically look the same. Those cheap knockoffs may look beautiful and stylish, but obviously have a poorer quality compared to genuine designer labels.

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6) During the early 20th century, handbags were called “briefcases” as they were once considered as male accessories. Funny, because you cannot call a man’s briefcase as a “handbag” these days.

7) The first handbag with a zipper was introduced by Hermes in 1923. Before that, bags were typically closed by drawstrings, since they were a common accessory used to carry coins.

8) In the days of rationing during the World War II era, Gucci started to use canes as bag handles because leather was scarce. Nowadays though, this piece has become fashionable.

9) The Guinness Book of World Records awarded Mouawad for creating the most expensive handbag, in 2010. Called the “1001 Nights Diamond Purse” this heart-shaped purse is encrusted with not just 1,001, but 4,517 diamonds in colorless, yellow and pink. It costs a whopping $3.8 million!

10) If given the chance to splurge, 22% of women said they would choose a handbag, while only 9% would spend on shoes.

Some of the most popular and enduring handbags in history (like the Hermes Kelly Bag) are listed here on this fascinating article, Top 7 Handbags for Women in 2018.