Guide Note

A handbag, also considered a purse or pocketbook, is an accessory mainly used by women to hold a wallet, keys, makeup and other daily necessities. Handbags come in a variety of sizes, colors, and materials including Leatherleather, canvas and vinyl.

Fast Facts

1. Mainly considered a women's accessory
2. Bag with compartments and a zipper or fastener
3. Available in a variety of sizes, colors, designs
4. Extreme price range from $10 - $5000
5. Notable high-end bag: Birkin Bag

From the days of hieroglyphics to the fourteenth century European pouches, handbags have been around for centuries in different form and style, but it wasn't until the 1900s when a wearable bag was called a handbag. Throughout time men and women both utilized this type of bag but after World War II, the originality of fashionable handbags began to emerge leaving men less interested in using the accessory. In 1950 high end designers such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes began their take on the handbag.

• Michael Kors
• Calvin Klein
• Hermes
• Gucci
• Coach Leather Goods
• Dooney & Bourke
• Louis Vuitton