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Spain The ''It'' Bags of the 50's, 60's & 70's
Tuesday, 04 August 2020
Fashion today is built on the shoulders of the original fashion houses and besides truly historic houses such as Goyard and Louis Vuitton, most have been launched between the 1950's to today. Step back in time with us as we look back on the original collections, trends and 'it' bags.
The 1950's
Top left is the Hermès Kelly
Top right & bottom left are items from the Gucci Bamboo collection
Bottom right is the Chanel 2.55 bag
In 1856, Grace Kelly was seen carrying a Hermès ''Sac à Courroies'' to, we found out later, mask her pregnant stomach. In 1977 the bag was renamed the ''Kelly'' bag and so the 50's has unknowingly given birth to an It Bag of a the future.
Guccio Gucci was using what avaliable materials he had in Italy which lead to the famous bamboo motif running through Gucci bags still today. In the 50's Jackie Onassis was seen carrying a Gucci bag which was later renamed in her honour.
One cannot discuss the 50's handbag fashion world without discussing the creation of a bag that is still worn today - The Chanel 2.55 flapbag which gave women a hands-free era for the first time. The Chanel 2.55 can still be purchased to this day solidifying itself as a true piece of fashion history.
The 1960's
Left is the classic Louis Vuitton Speedy
Right are Knot clutches from the Bottega Veneta Intrecciato collection
The 60's saw an increase of freedom for women and fashion followed suit. In 1965, Audrey Hepburn asked Vuitton to turn the popular Keepall travel bag into a miniaturised everyday piece and so the Speedy was born.
Bottega Veneta coined its intrecciato weave which is still a house signature today. The collection can be seen on nearly all Bottega Veneta bags from their Knot clutches to the infamous Belly bag.
The 1970's
Left are examples of Mulberry Bayswater handbags
Right is the Loewe Amazona
The 70's saw a hippie-influenced trend of tassels and fringes from the bohemian to the bizarre yet there are still a few collections that still can be purchased today.
In 1971, Mulberry was launched in Somerset, England embellished with embroidery and fringing. Although there was still a few years before they would launch a bag still seen today, Mulberry has been going strong as a British fashion house for the last 50 years.
In Madrid, Spanish label Loewe encapsulated the era’s free spirit with the practical Amazona. The Amazona is a firm favourite amongst european fashion lovers for it's variety of colours, materials and sizes available. Much like the Speedy bag, there's a version to suit anyone.
During the 50's, 60's and 70's many fashion brands developed signature bags distinctive in shape, colour and decoration alongside launching collections that are still seen today.
During the 50's, 60's and 70's many fashion brands developed signature bags distinctive in shape, colour and decoration alongside launching collections that are still seen today.
