Evening Bags

History of the Evening Purse

Early Beginnings

Evening bags first surfaced in the 13th and 14th centuries as a coin purse hung discreetly from the girdle. Designed from thick embroidered fabric, it replaced the pouch in the elaborate pocket-less dresses of the time. As the popularity grew, the evening pouch was used to dress up an outfit and show off fancy sewing skills. Some were even crocheted in the shapes of animals or fruits.

The concept of the purse was a private detail for these early times. Fancy presentations were intended to hide what would normally have been the display of an intimate garment.

18th Century Evolution

When the evening bag evolved into the 18th century, it grew larger in size as carrying the emerging social symbols of fans, perfumes, calling cards and coins became more important. The more significant the bag, the more it raised the status of the bearer. Historic purses became the epitome of the requirement to contain these wealthy signatures of the age.

Often constructed at home, the designs and craftsmanship were also symbols of affluence. The more ornate the bag, the more time women had to lounge and create them. Thus, the evening bag became an emblem of the prosperous woman with servants to attend to her household and the luxury to simply sit around and craft.

The Industrial Age

Eventually, evening bags became mass produced and the demands of mainstream culture defined their appearance. From the dance swinging Go Go bags of the ‘60s to the gold leather of the disco ‘70s, they followed the fashions of evening wear in fabrics, decorations, activities, and shapes.

Evening Bags of Today

Since the 18th century explosion in evening bag size, the dimensions of the evening purse have only been shrinking. Current evening handbags on the market are almost too tiny to be called a bag at all. As quite a reverse from history, status is now shown by how little you can carry -- verses how much. The woman who only needs lipstick and a credit card flashes her prominence to today’s world.

The basic design of current evening bags erupted in the 19th century. Almost an object of art rather than a true handbag, they are basically a trifle or bauble, a sign of luxury. Completely impractical as a bag, evening purses are adorations for your party look.

Brands and Fabrics

Fabrics

Embroidered Evening Bag

Evening purses incorporate a large variety of fabrics and decorations taken from jewelry and evening attire, with every color imaginable offered. The more elaborate the bag, the more the cost and prestige.

Common Materials:

• Crystal Beads
• Velvet
• Fur
• Sequins
• Voile
• Fine Metals
• Lace
• Silk
• Satin
• Shells
• Pearls
• Mesh
• Organza
• Tulle
• Stained Glass
• Taffeta
• Fine Leathers and Animal Skins
• Jewels
• Feathers

Brands

Just as with the evening dress, designers are abundant in the world of fashionable purses. While most manufacturers of handbags have some type of evening bag, the following are the designers with a strong marketplace reputation.

• Gucci
• Andre Courreges
• Christian Dior
• Chanel
• Badgley Mischka
• Couture

Heirloom Purses

Vintage Clasp Bag

Another important handbag market is the heirloom. As evening bags are expensive and rarely used, the antique and vintage marketplace provides an outstanding assortment of quality purses at excellent prices.

Fashion Advice

A bag can make or break an outfit. As you head out for your next evening of romance, keep these fashion tips in mind.

• An evening bag should be a harmonious part of your evening outfit.
• Practicality can, and should be, thrown out with the day bag.
• Think of your evening purse as part of your jewelry assortment.
• Ideally, the color, design, and decorations, should match either your shoes or your dress.
• Feel free to use your evening bag to make a statement, it doesn’t have to blend with your outfit to be appropriate.
• Consider the bag for the occasion. You want an evening purse to dance along with you.
• It is better to have no bag, than to carry the wrong one.
• Find the perfect size to keep your “mess’ a secret.
• A bag should enhance your outfit and never destroy the line of your evening attire.
• Be sure to match the formality of the bag to the event.