83
Modern handbags
designer Lulu Guinness
has continued this trend,
making bags in the shapes
of houses, flowers, and
lips.
During World War II most
fashion creativity in
Europe came to a halt.
There was no room for
frivolity or excess in
wartime so in handbag
design, function won out
over fashion. Clothing
scraps, straw, raffia, yarn
and any other available
materials were used to
make satchels based on
military designs which
were popular for their
simplicity and utility.
America was less affected
by the conflict and during
the 1940’s and into the
1950’s the large structured
bag, usually made from
Joy feelings magazine
alligator, crocodile, or
suede, was all the rage.
1945-1960 Couture
Handbags & Classics
When the war ended,
French designers like
Christian Dior and
Cristobal Balenciaga
reignited the fashion
industry in Paris and with
clothing designs of
organza, satin and tulle,