The Origins of Handbags: From Ancient Utility to Modern Conscious Luxury

LETTER CASE, Unknown, c1740-50, From the collection of: Simone Handbag Museum

At HereBags, we believe a handbag is far more than an accessory — it’s a statement of identity, artistry, and values. To understand the exclusivity and meaning behind every HereBag, it’s worth looking back at where it all began: the origins of handbags throughout history.

Ancient Beginnings: Carrying More Than Objects

The first known handbags date back thousands of years. From the leather pouch of Ötzi the Iceman (3,300 BCE) to the finely woven satchels of ancient Egypt, early bags were designed to hold life’s essentials. Yet even then, they carried stories of craftsmanship and individuality — traits that still define true luxury today.

The Middle Ages: A Symbol of Status

By the Middle Ages, handbags became more than functional. Embroidered pouches and intricately beaded purses were proudly displayed as symbols of artistry and refinement. Much like today’s HereBag, these early designs reflected the character of their owner — rare pieces, carefully crafted, and deeply personal.

Renaissance to 19th Century: The Evolution of Elegance

During the Renaissance, handbags became expressions of elegance. Women carried delicate, jewel-adorned purses, created not just to serve but to captivate. Later, with the rise of travel in the 18th and 19th centuries, larger and sturdier leather bags appeared — paving the way for handbags as we know them today: functional, versatile, and designed to last.

Today: The Handbag as Identity

In the modern era, handbags embody something far greater than practicality. They represent style, exclusivity, and values. The most treasured handbags are those that carry not just belongings, but also stories of craftsmanship, rarity, and meaning.

At HereBags, we honor this legacy by redefining what luxury means today. Our handbags are:

• Exclusive — Each piece is handmade in South America in limited editions, often arriving in Australia as a one-of-a-kind creation.

• Sustainable — Crafted from high quality ICONTEC-certified Proquinal vegan leather, cruelty-free, and produced through fair trade practices.

• Artisanal — Every HereBag is created by skilled artisans, blending tradition with innovation.

• Slow Fashion — No mass production, only meaningful design made to be treasured.

  
  

HereBags: Luxury With Purpose

Just as history shows, handbags have always been more than mere accessories. They are symbols of status, artistry, and individuality. At HereBags, we carry this tradition forward — but with a new vision: luxury that cares for people and the planet.

When you carry a HereBag, you don’t just carry a bag.You carry style, values, and individuality.

✨ Because true style doesn’t cost the Earth.