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Handbag History

The earliest handbags were little sacks containing pomanders (scented oranges), flint and money carried by men and were known as "pockets". By the 1400's both men and women were wearing purses, and as times prospered and the little bags got fuller, they were ornamented with gold or elaborate embroidery.

By the 1500's drawstring bags were a status possession. Paintings from that era show flat bags gathered by tasseled strings. By the end of the century fashion went undercover, as women preferred to wear their pouches under their skirts.

By 1670 pants with built-in pockets came into fashion and men quit carrying handbags. They did continue to carry a little netted "purse" for money inside the pocket.

By the 1700's, handbags for both men and women disappeared. After the French Revolution the style of women's clothes became so delicate that it was impossible for them to contain a pocket, so again, the handbag reappeared for women to carry their necessities.The real reemergence for hand bags came around the turn of the century, with the advent of the hobble skirt. As a pocket was not possible, large handbags carried by long strings or chains became popular.

By the 1920's, as dressdesigns became skimpier, handbags became indispensable, and have remained so until the present, both as a utility and as a fashion item reflecting a personal tastes.

Coach Handbags Coach Handbags

More than forty years ago, Coach introduced twelve eloquently simple bag designs with classic, well-balanced proportions. Over the years, we have added a multitude of new shapes, styles and materials, but each collection embodies the same principles of classic design and American style.

Prada For Less Prada For Less

Save up to 70% on a huge selection of handbags and wallets. Shop now!

Prada History

The Prada label started its journey into fashion history in 1913 when Mario Prada began selling shoes, leather handbags and trunks. The original Prada suitcase was made of heavy walrus skin but air travel made heavy suitcases impractical. Prada started to make lighter bags and high quality items made of crystals, tortoise shell and wood. They also sold garments of waterproof fabrics to the U.S, but despite the global interest in its product, the company had gone into decline by the 1970's. In 1970 Miuccia Prada started making backpack bags out of waterproof fabric called Pocone. In 1979 she took over the Prada family business. As sales were slumping, she expanded into luxury tote bags and backpacks in black with flat classic lines, made from nylon.In 1985 Miuccia launched a line of footwear for women and her first ready to wear clothing line, using high quality fabrics. Her clean lines became very popular, and she became known for under-stated elegant garments.In 1993 she received an International award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America and in 1995 She won "Designer of the Year" award.In 1998 Prada opened their first menswear shop in Los Angeles. They also opened new Prada stores in Manhattan and Las Vegas, as well as Miu Miu's first North American boutique, in Los Angeles. Prada has become a worldwide empire, with stores in practically every country in the western world. It is a multi million dollar concern, with every celebrity wearing Prada clothes.

Cole Haan Cole Haan

Cole Haan, the premier American lifestyle brand, offers high quality, handcrafted men's shoes and women's shoes, handbags, accessories and outerwear. Each blend craftsmanship, luxury, style and innovation, giving them distinctive character.

The Factory Brand The Factory Brand

We are a factory, a unit that designs, manufactures, and retails our very own merchandise. We are not selling someone else’s brand. Our fashion accessories are our own. There is VATRA, our most seasoned brand that was designed for those who dare to go against the grain. Our unique VATRA prints can be seen on all of our accessories. For an alternative, cool, rebellious look, you need to venture no further than VATRA. Then of course we have the ATTIC, our brand new, unique junior brand which features the story of Sarah, Nerez, Grumbles, and Meer. Four lovable yet mysterious denizens of the deep, dark Attic. Adopt the Factory Brand look today.

Funky. Fashion. Forever.

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