Chapter 1
Ancient pouches and hidden pockets
Chapter 2
Carrying culture across the globe
Chapter 3
Steam engines and the birth of the handbag
Chapter 4
Power, prestige, and the it bag
YOUR GOAL
Master of From pockets to power purses
Ch 3 · Steam engines and the birth of the handbag
louisvuitton The Birth of the Handbag
Riding the new steam train, (All aboard!) We need a tough leather handbag! (Oh-oh-yeah!)
louisvuitton A compact H.J. Cave leather bag displays its innovative metal frame and clasp.
louisvuitton A polished leather horse saddle stands beside a modern luxury designer handbag.
Fun Fact
First modern handbag: The bags made by H.J. Cave in 1841 for Mrs. Parkinson are widely considered the world's first modern luxury handbags.
Glossary
handbag (noun)
A container, usually with handles or a strap, used for carrying personal items. In 1841, Samuel Parkinson commissioned H.J. Cave to design leather handbags for his wife's train travel.
A container, usually with handles or a strap, used for carrying personal items. In 1841, Samuel Parkinson commissioned H.J. Cave to design leather handbags for his wife's train travel.
Quiz
Which luxury brand founder worked as a luggage porter at London's Savoy Hotel before starting his business?
Quiz
Which mode of transportation in the 19th century directly drove the demand for handheld luggage?
Quiz
Who commissioned the first modern metal-framed leather handbags from H.J. Cave in 1841?
Quiz
What key feature did Samuel Parkinson demand for his wife's 1841 bags that defined modern handbags?
Quiz
Why did bag designers use alternative materials like bamboo and wood during the World Wars?
Quiz
What did Thierry Hermès originally manufacture when he opened his Paris workshop in 1837?
Quiz
What was a major limitation of pre-industrial wooden trunks for train passengers?
Quiz
Which material became highly popular for bag handles during WWII-era shortages, notably used by Gucci?