Both men and women love their wallets, purses, satchels, handbags, pocketbooks—whatever the term may be. And just as equally, they enjoy purchasing the can’t-do-without items that go in them. From hand sanitizers and compact mirrors, to make-up kits and money holders, the pocket and purse market provides a wealth of products and profits for distributors. The market remains true to the popular adage: good things come in small packages. Here are some fun facts about the handbag to consider (www.henriettashandbags.com):
•In 2004, an estimated $5 billion was spent for handbags in the United States.
•The most famous handbag from Hermes was originally designed in 1892 to hold a saddle. The bag was called the Haut a Courroies, a name derived from its long straps and tall shape.
•One of the most popular purses of the 1920s and 1930s was the Mandalian Bag. The mesh bags were introduced to the United States by Turkish immigrant Shatiel Mandalia and consisted of Art Deco designs.
•When Mary, Queen of Scots, was imprisoned in the Tower of London, she spent most of her time embroidering handbags as gifts for her captors.
•China has set up a national hotline to take complaints about fake handbags being sold.
•Fendi handbags date back three generations to a heritage of very strong and independent women. The first of the Fendi line was Adele Fendi who had five daughters. As babies, the children slept in a handbag drawer at her shop.
•During the First World War, women began to leave home in order to help with the war effort, and their handbags reflected their new working status. Bags became more utilitarian, such as messenger style and cartridge bags that could be slung over the shoulder when traveling to work.
• Sometimes it is difficult to accurately date a vintage beaded bag because newer bags are sometimes made with older beads. The only way to really tell the worth of a beaded bag is if the bag is signed and dated by its maker.
