Curious about the origins of women's purses? Click here to discover more information.
The exact origins of the first women's purse remain unknown. However, ancient mythology references one of the earliest mentions, where nymphs presented Perseus with a purse. This allowed him to store the head of the defeated Gorgon Medusa. Naturally, contemporary purses serve different purposes and have evolved in appearance. In the 18th century, purses were crafted from fish leather, which was renowned for its durability and lightweight nature, leading to its widespread popularity. Subsequently, leather purses became fashionable, with materials including cowhide, crocodile, and snake skin. Mario Prada, the founder of the Prada brand, also played a significant role in the history of purses. In 1913, Mario established a small Milanese store specializing in elegant travel bags. These bags garnered attention from affluent clientele due to their use of exotic and supple walrus leather. This marked the beginning of the fashion house's remarkable success.
