Purses

Purses have been recognizable since the eighteenth century, when leather and needlework purses were preferred. Beaded purses became popular in the nineteenth century, went out of style, but are again in use. Mesh purses date from the 1880s and are still being made. More distinctive purses were made by famous designers like Dior and Balenciaga after 1945, but before then, especially during the two World Wars, purses were practical. For more information, explore our identification guides for accessories and textiles.