In the beginning of the twentieth century, the handbag referred to leather briefcases or hand held luggage, carried by men. During the 1920s the modern handbag emerged and woman began to carry handbags. The fashion during this period of time called for lighter dresses without pockets and women were becoming more independent and did not need men to carry things them. The handbag gave women the ability to travel on their own, carrying everything they needed themselves.

Today, the handbag is a very important fashion accessory that comes in countless styles and sizes.