1950s Ladies Handbags

1950s Ladies Fashion

Ladies Handbags

          The 1950s were a groundbreaking decade for handbags. It’s not that women were using them more than before or for different purposes, but designers went out of their way to be different and it showed.

          Today almost every woman has a purse with her. But until the 1950s, few women carried one. It was considered too much to coordinate handbags, gloves and hats. Only matching shoes and belts were necessary.

          Then it became important for women to maintain a well "put together" appearance. Handbags and purses were very much thought of as an integral accessory with which to complete the overall "look". Hats, shoes, belts, scarves, bags and gloves, were all expected to coordinate.

          Women preferred short-strapped handbags that stayed close to the body. Duffel bags weren’t unheard of, but didn’t provide the slender, graceful look that women wanted.

          The materials used for purses in the 1950s were varied. In the early 1950s, most purses were made from crocodile, alligator, turtle or snake skin. Some fashion designers used lucite (a transparent material similar to Bakelite, or plastic) boxes that functioned as purses.

          Women also bought wicker purses, leather purses and straw. Popular high fashion purse designers of the 50's included Gucci, Chanel, Dior, Hermes, Wilardy and others.

          Just like the little black dress, every lady had to have a black leather purse by her side.

Tell us about your memories of purses back in the 50s?