Happy International Women's Day!
Let's Celebrate Every Day!

Katherine Watson here, of the mystery Kat Out of the Bag. An international purse designer and founder of the Purse-onality Museum, I can confirm that all purses tell a story.

I'm going to share a story by Jessica Leigh Hester about a purse that literally tells a story. It's an Italian purse made, likely in the 17th century, with a "trashed manuscript".

Inspired by International Women's Day, let me show you what the world has carried around over time.

It's interesting that even long ago, trends spanned the globe.

Moonjava, what do you think? Purses are all through history.

You're right on Kat. Take the 12th century, it's recorded purses were made from leather for the sole purpose of carrying money. But around the world purses have been made from materials available, making a beautiful variety. One example is basket purses. Your picture here is a contemporary bag by Baskets of Cambodia. In Africa they also had basket purses in the beautiful African prints that are so very vibrant and colorful.

This is an example of a Contemporary African print purse made with the ankara fabric

Yes Moonjava, and this contemporary basket bag is so light and easy to carry. The materials a bag is made from can be so intriguing, and also helpful to the purpose, as well as beautiful.

And look at how roomy the interior, including three side slip pockets and a zippered side pocket. All of this is kept securely with a full zippered top.

Well, Katherine, leap to the 16th century, the Renaissance, purses became adorned with ribbons, fringes, lace, bows, beads and decorative stones.
MJ, that reminds me of my beautiful beaded replica of a 16th century, Italian beaded purse, pictured here.

I admire the intricate beading, and I love the color!

It is cool, Kat. The originals and replicas both show skilled crafting.

And considering the style, it's actually quite roomy, with the beautiful silk lining, and even a little slip pocket. It was in the 16th century that we began to see velvets, brocades, and satin used.

Yes Kat, in 16th century Italy we saw the Cartella, a more spacious purse that included a knife pocket. That was also the period of the Brachetta which men wore over pants as a codpiece and it carried money and a handkerchief. Yes, men carried purses. They also carried hand bags. And the Renaissance invented the Borsada Matrimonio that was filled with money as a wedding gift. This was also a time when messenger bags became popular, catering to the needs of the Italian working classes, and also in other cultures around the world. Yes, messenger bags in history!

In the 17th century all the rage were small bags with drawstrings. These were made of silk, and sometimes of metal. The one in my collection is made of metal, yet surprisingly light to carry. In France this style was called reticules. In the United Kingdom they were called Indispensables. And for peasants and travelers, the drawstring style was the sack made from leather or fabrics and worn cross body.

This was also the beginning of swete bagges. These were bags filled with sweet smelling materials. In a time when personal hygiene was grim and grimy, swete bagges were stuffed with sweet-smelling herbs and spices, lavender or perfumed balls of cotton. In the long run, swete bagges were also stored with clothes and linens and used for aromatherapy.

Admire the space inside this vintage drawstring bag

Shall we tell them, MJ?

Go ahead Kat, you're bursting to tell

In my mystery Kat Out of the Bag a note is discovered hidden within the lining of a vintage bag. Amber who is in charge of the gift shop finds it. What she and her roguish boyfriend Michael discover is quite revealing. I analyze it along with the clues I find myself. What an exciting chase ensues!

Enjoy the following published story, and Happy International Women's Day! - Let's Celebrate Every Day!