Over time the handbag has become a necessity, as well as a fashion symbol for many women. The purse defines a woman, while serving the added purpose of carrying her belongings. The handbag has a history that goes back 2000 years, a history of competing need and status. Handbags were typically carried by men at one time, but now that practice is taboo in many social settings. Women in the past as well as today, use their purses to define themselves or to form a character that they want others to see. In medieval times, women began decorating their belt pouches with jewels and embroidery; the embellishments were a status symbol, an indicator of wealth. The pouches were strapped to a belt under a woman’s clothing. There were slits in her dress that allowed her access to those pockets. Women carried their essentials in their handbags, such as a sewing kit, money, make-up, scissors, smelling salts, snacks, and handkerchiefs. As today, the contents of a woman’s purse were private. When the nineteenth century fashions came about, the bags became an accessory, similar to today’s type of handbag. It was common for women to have several handbags to go with multiple outfits.
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