A purse or a handbag has become an essential in a modern woman’s wardrobe and everyday life. Imagine having to go out anywhere without having that necessary item in your hand? Where will you store all your basic essentials? What will hold your cell phone, money or makeup? The modern woman surely can’t go a day without purses, but have you ever wondered about their history?
Purses can be traced back to the times when they were a mean to carry around seeds and medicines, or other important items. That was a time when it was used by both men and women alike. 
Stepping into modern history, the 18th century saw the rise of purses as an essential accessory. Handbags came into being and were known as reticules, and carried everything from smelling salts to face powder, visiting cards to glasses.
The handbags made during the 1900s inspired newer designs and improvements during that period and locks, compartments, partitions and advanced fasteners became a part of purses and bags. Now purses were no longer an article for just the rich and famous, but a thing to be owned by every lady. Everybody could be just as stylish and elegant with a purse by their side, and women had purses for different occasions and settings.The popularity of purses in the fashion world rose during the 1920s when bags were reduced in sizes and purses became the norm of the day. These became every woman’s miniature companions!
The 1940s saw the incorporation of various new fabrics and materials in the making of purses. Leather and metal frames became highly popularized amongst the women in those times, and zips and face mirrors also got famous.
The world of fashion then saw its peak. The 1950s witnessed the rise of some very popular designer fashion houses. Consequently, with the rising popularity of youth culture in the 50s, purses got all the more fashionable and in use!
The success of purses over the years accounts to the fact that it changed with the changing times, and hence withstood the challenge of time. Today, it is a must-have for every girl and woman. From a simple coin-purse to a shimmering, glittery purse with a shoulder strap, there is a wide range to choose from.
Robin Trehan is a brand management expert and fashion sage
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