Originally invented in the 17th century by Europeans, the purse was designed for carrying coins and was worn by both men and women. Young girls in this era were taught the skill of embroidery, which they applied to a variety of objects, and as a result handsome purses were fashioned. As time went on, woman wanted purses that were not bulky in appearance but a complement to their fashion wardrobe. In the late 18th century, inspired by the slender forms of ancient Greece and Rome, the reticule bag was born.
Hand crafted out of the finest materials, either silk or velvet, and sporting a wrist strap, the reticule bag was so popular that it found its way from France to Britain, where it was later re-named the indispensable bag.
Handbags have since evolved into a fashion necessity and are now available in a variety of shapes.