Skip to content
FREE UK DELIVERY ON ORDERS OVER £95
|
EASY RETURNS
|
BAGS CARRY A LIFETIME GUARANTEE
|
20% OFF FIRST ORDER & FREE GIFT
|
  • SHOP
    • BAGS
      • Shop All Bags
      • New Arrivals
      • Totes
      • Shoulder
      • Crossbody & Mini Bags
      • Clutches & Pouches
      • Backpack & Weekenders
      • Small Leather Goods
      • Gift Cards
      • Outlet
    • STYLE YOUR BAG
      • Shop All Styling
      • Bows & Deco Strips
      • Changeable Pouches
      • Chains & Straps
      • Tassels & Pompoms
      • Silk Scarves
      • Organise Your Bag
      • Lifestyle
      • Essential Tool Kit
    • COLLECTIONS
      • Dahlia Tote
      • Fern Tote
      • Jasmine Crossbody
      • Ivy Crossbody
      • Millie Crossbody
      • Mini D Crossbody
      • Jessica Shoulder
      • Hyacinth Shoulder
      • Tulip Shoulder
      • Poppy Backpack
      • Mini P Backpack
      • Marigold Weekender
  • DISCOVER
    • About Us
      • Our Story
      • Our Concept
      • Design Ethos
      • Press
      • Visit Us
      • LIVE Events
      • SHcoop News
    • Getting Started
      • Getting Started
      • Our Colours
      • Chains & Straps
      • Pompoms & Tassels
      • Deco Strips
      • Welcome Offer
    • VIP
      • About Our VIP Club
      • Become a VIP
      • VIP Clubroom
      • Complimentary Gifts
      • Join our Facebook Group
  • OUTLET
  • Wishlist
    Log in
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • Pinterest
  • TikTok
  • LinkedIn
  • Call us: +44 (0)141 345 2810

Currency

  • AED د.إ
  • AFN ؋
  • ALL L
  • AMD դր.
  • ANG ƒ
  • AUD $
  • AWG ƒ
  • AZN ₼
  • BAM КМ
  • BBD $
  • BDT ৳
  • BGN лв.
  • BIF Fr
  • BND $
  • BOB Bs.
  • BSD $
  • BWP P
  • BZD $
  • CAD $
  • CDF Fr
  • CHF CHF
  • CNY ¥
  • CRC ₡
  • CVE $
  • CZK Kč
  • DJF Fdj
  • DKK kr.
  • DOP $
  • DZD د.ج
  • EGP ج.م
  • ETB Br
  • EUR €
  • FJD $
  • FKP £
  • GBP £
  • GMD D
  • GNF Fr
  • GTQ Q
  • GYD $
  • HKD $
  • HNL L
  • HUF Ft
  • IDR Rp
  • ILS ₪
  • INR ₹
  • ISK kr
  • JMD $
  • JPY ¥
  • KES KSh
  • KGS som
  • KHR ៛
  • KMF Fr
  • KRW ₩
  • KYD $
  • KZT 〒
  • LAK ₭
  • LBP ل.ل
  • LKR ₨
  • MAD د.م.
  • MDL L
  • MKD ден
  • MMK K
  • MNT ₮
  • MOP P
  • MUR ₨
  • MVR MVR
  • MWK MK
  • MYR RM
  • NGN ₦
  • NIO C$
  • NPR ₨
  • NZD $
  • PEN S/.
  • PGK K
  • PHP ₱
  • PKR ₨
  • PLN zł
  • PYG ₲
  • QAR ر.ق
  • RON Lei
  • RSD РСД
  • RWF FRw
  • SAR ر.س
  • SBD $
  • SEK kr
  • SGD $
  • SHP £
  • SLL Le
  • STD Db
  • THB ฿
  • TJS ЅМ
  • TOP T$
  • TTD $
  • TWD $
  • TZS Sh
  • UAH ₴
  • UGX USh
  • USD $
  • UYU $
  • UZS
  • VND ₫
  • VUV Vt
  • WST T
  • XAF Fr
  • XCD $
  • XOF Fr
  • XPF Fr
  • YER ﷼
Sarah Haran Accessories Sarah Haran Accessories Sarah Haran Accessories Sarah Haran Accessories
  • SHOP
    BAGS
    Shop All Bags
    New Arrivals
    Totes
    Shoulder
    Crossbody & Mini Bags
    Clutches & Pouches
    Backpack & Weekenders
    Small Leather Goods
    Gift Cards
    Outlet
    STYLE YOUR BAG
    Shop All Styling
    Bows & Deco Strips
    Changeable Pouches
    Chains & Straps
    Tassels & Pompoms
    Silk Scarves
    Organise Your Bag
    Lifestyle
    Essential Tool Kit
    COLLECTIONS
    Dahlia Tote
    Fern Tote
    Jasmine Crossbody
    Ivy Crossbody
    Millie Crossbody
    Mini D Crossbody
    Jessica Shoulder
    Hyacinth Shoulder
    Tulip Shoulder
    Poppy Backpack
    Mini P Backpack
    Marigold Weekender
    SHOP NEW SHOP NEW
  • DISCOVER
    About Us
    Our Story
    Our Concept
    Design Ethos
    Press
    Visit Us
    LIVE Events
    SHcoop News
    Getting Started
    Getting Started
    Our Colours
    Chains & Straps
    Pompoms & Tassels
    Deco Strips
    Welcome Offer
    VIP
    About Our VIP Club
    Become a VIP
    VIP Clubroom
    Complimentary Gifts
    Join our Facebook Group
    SHOP NEW SHOP NEW
  • OUTLET
Search Log in Your Bag
Access Denied
IMPORTANT! If you’re a store owner, please make sure you have Customer accounts enabled in your Store Admin, as you have customer based locks set up with EasyLockdown app. Enable Customer Accounts
Home/ The SHcoop /

History of Handbags

A handbag is considered an essential accessory for the majority of us ladies and gents, who appreciate the design and function of a beautiful bag.

And for many of you lovely ladies who already know the fascinating history of the Sarah Haran brand, the history of handbags may be fairly unknown to a few of you. This accessory has a whole lot of history and you'll definitely be interested to learn more about it.  

In todays society there are bags in all shapes, sizes and styles available to buy. However, each decade had that one bag that ruled the era and was the 'must' item that everyone had to have. 

So let's take a trip back in time to trace the history of the item that brings us all so much joy and take a look at the bags that ruled the decade! There's lots to learn about fashion's most practical - and must have - accessory. 

First Ever Bag 

Did you know the handbag was originally a man's accessory? Back in the Ancient Egyptian times men carried pouches around their waist to carry their belongings. By the 18th century embroidery was all the rage. Best known as Indispensables, women were able to personalise their bags to their own style. In recent times, personalisation has become quite the trend again. Monogramming your initials onto your bag is the 21st century equivalent to embroidery. 

 

The Early 20th Century 

 Fast forward  to the early 20th Century where the post-war economic boom was sparking a revolution in the fashion world. This was the era of Outré decadence, full length skirts and defined waists with a small dainty bag to finish off the look. Grace Kelly dominated the decade with her iconic Hermès Sac à Dépêches bag which would later be renamed after her. The 50s trend has made a comeback in recent times and we love it! Who doesn't love bit of glitz and glam?! Our Rose Mini bag is the perfect evening bag for a special occasion.  

The Late 20th Century 

The late 20th century saw an array of handbags styles. From the boho fringed crossbody bag in the 70s, to the power purse dominating the late 80s. Handbag trends have very often reflected the role women play within our society. Throughout the late 20th century icons such as the Queen and Margaret Thatcher were best known for their extensive collection of handbags, also known as the 'Power Purse'. As women began to move away from their roles as 'house keepers' and into office jobs and other industries, there was a greater need for a practical handbag. Our Dahlia 2-in-1 is the ideal office bag! Take a look here at our go-to work bag. 

 

21st Century 

So far the 21st century has seen bags of all shape, sizes, colours and patterns. Trends from previous decades have made a comeback such as small bags from the 50s to fringed bags from the 70s. With this came new, unique styles with a modern day twist.  The unique and innovative designs in recent times have been bold and stylish with so much to choose from, women and men have had the freedom to show their personality through the handbag that they wear. At Sarah Haran we love to see the fun and joyful ways our customers restyle their bags. 

Share Share on Facebook Tweet Tweet on Twitter Pin it Pin on Pinterest

Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published


Back to The SHcoop
Invalid password
Enter

FREE GIFT & 20% OFF UNTIL SUNDAY

Exclusive first time customer offer! Keep up to date with all our joyful news, product launches and offers.

Contact Us

+44 141 345 2810

hello@sarahharan.com

Our Contact Details

LIVE Events

Support

  • Delivery & Returns
  • FAQs
  • Pay With Klarna
  • Terms of Business
  • Caring For Your Bag

Company

  • About Us
  • Brand Ambassador
  • Privacy
  • Lifetime Guarantee
  • Environmental Policy

Social

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • Pinterest
  • TikTok
  • LinkedIn

Currency

  • AED د.إ
  • AFN ؋
  • ALL L
  • AMD դր.
  • ANG ƒ
  • AUD $
  • AWG ƒ
  • AZN ₼
  • BAM КМ
  • BBD $
  • BDT ৳
  • BGN лв.
  • BIF Fr
  • BND $
  • BOB Bs.
  • BSD $
  • BWP P
  • BZD $
  • CAD $
  • CDF Fr
  • CHF CHF
  • CNY ¥
  • CRC ₡
  • CVE $
  • CZK Kč
  • DJF Fdj
  • DKK kr.
  • DOP $
  • DZD د.ج
  • EGP ج.م
  • ETB Br
  • EUR €
  • FJD $
  • FKP £
  • GBP £
  • GMD D
  • GNF Fr
  • GTQ Q
  • GYD $
  • HKD $
  • HNL L
  • HUF Ft
  • IDR Rp
  • ILS ₪
  • INR ₹
  • ISK kr
  • JMD $
  • JPY ¥
  • KES KSh
  • KGS som
  • KHR ៛
  • KMF Fr
  • KRW ₩
  • KYD $
  • KZT 〒
  • LAK ₭
  • LBP ل.ل
  • LKR ₨
  • MAD د.م.
  • MDL L
  • MKD ден
  • MMK K
  • MNT ₮
  • MOP P
  • MUR ₨
  • MVR MVR
  • MWK MK
  • MYR RM
  • NGN ₦
  • NIO C$
  • NPR ₨
  • NZD $
  • PEN S/.
  • PGK K
  • PHP ₱
  • PKR ₨
  • PLN zł
  • PYG ₲
  • QAR ر.ق
  • RON Lei
  • RSD РСД
  • RWF FRw
  • SAR ر.س
  • SBD $
  • SEK kr
  • SGD $
  • SHP £
  • SLL Le
  • STD Db
  • THB ฿
  • TJS ЅМ
  • TOP T$
  • TTD $
  • TWD $
  • TZS Sh
  • UAH ₴
  • UGX USh
  • USD $
  • UYU $
  • UZS
  • VND ₫
  • VUV Vt
  • WST T
  • XAF Fr
  • XCD $
  • XOF Fr
  • XPF Fr
  • YER ﷼
© 2023 Sarah Haran Accessories
  • American Express
  • Apple Pay
  • Diners Club
  • Discover
  • Maestro
  • Mastercard
  • PayPal
  • Shop Pay
  • Visa
x