The History Of The Handbag

The fashion and love for handbags and purses is not a recent phenomenon. These accessories are not only practical but have also evolved into symbols of status, fashion, and style—becoming for a long time a lifestyle of high society. The story of how handbags and purses transformed from simple functional tools to iconic fashion pieces is one that everyone should know as a piece of cultural heritage.

The earliest historical records of bag usage go back to ancient civilizations. In prehistoric times, bags made of animal hides were used to carry tools and food. These rudimentary bags, known as saddlebags, are the origin of the modern handbag. For thousands of years, bags have accompanied humanity and were not limited to any gender—a shift that society is now beginning to embrace.

Over the centuries, with the invention of money, there was a need to carry coins and bills, which led to the creation of wallets, coin purses, and billfolds. Wallets evolved from being simple containers for coins to complex pieces of leatherwork, adapted to the needs of each era. In the 18th century, wallets gained elevated status among European women, who considered them valuable family heirlooms. The history of wallets is rich with unique designs and styles, like the famous Kelly bag by Hermès, which rose to popularity in the 1950s.

Although the invention of the handbag cannot be attributed to any one person, Hermès was among the first brands to develop a handbag that combined functionality and style with its Plume model in 1930. This year marked a revelation in fashion, with designers of the time rejecting volume and creating more fitted, straight evening gowns known as “skeleton dresses.” Luxurious embroidery gave way to more affordable fabrics like satin, while knitted garments dominated casual daywear. This creation changed the way women used handbags, allowing them to carry more items without sacrificing elegance.

Today, handcrafted artisanal bags are a growing trend. This type of leatherwork is renowned for its quality, durability, and personalization. Brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton continue to use traditional techniques in crafting their luxury bags. In the modern era, women’s handbags have gained special status within fashion, especially among the more privileged social classes. Leading fashion brands have positioned the handbag as an aspirational item, to the point where certain models are considered investment pieces due to their high value and market demand. Designer handbags have evolved from a practical need to become statements of style, good taste, and social standing, with some people valuing them almost as highly as jewelry.

In Puerto Vallarta, this evolution of handbags has an interesting connection to the local lifestyle and the tourism that characterizes the area. While Puerto Vallarta is known for its relaxed and bohemian atmosphere, it is also a destination that attracts high-end tourists in search of exclusive, high-quality fashion items. For this reason, you can see a blend of decorative handbags, from designer pieces to artisanal bags that reflect Mexican style. Local stores and artisans also offer unique options, with embroidered details, woven patterns, and materials like leather and canvas, capturing the style and spirit of the place.

The handbag in Puerto Vallarta has become an accessory that goes beyond functionality, reflecting the style of each individual and the city’s character. For some, handbags are pieces that pair with fresh and relaxed outfits, while for others, especially tourists, an exclusive handbag may be an item that defines their vacation style and status, while also contributing to the local economy and promoting Mexican art and culture.

The evolution of the handbag illustrates how an accessory can go from pure functionality to become a symbol of fashion and identity. In Puerto Vallarta, the variety of styles reflects both the diversity of its inhabitants and the profile of tourists who visit the city, showing how such an everyday object can capture the spirit of a place and its cultural and social influences.