The beaded handbags of Roaring Twenties fame are once again
The beaded handbags of Roaring Twenties fame are once again a hot fashion trend!
In the 1920s, beaded handbags were all the rage, the one must-have bling item of the time. While these lovely handbags never really fell out of favor, women held the beaded handbag in reserve, limiting use to fancy nights on the town, theatre or ballet events, state dinners and the like. Today, beaded purses are back in the fashion news in a big way. what is different is that, today, women are wearing them as everyday fashion accessories.
During the 1920s, these lovely beaded accessories were styled in an evening bag size. You could not fit much more than your lipstick, a comb and some pin money in the typical beaded purse. The ones made today come in almost every style and size you might use for any number of occasions. you will find some quite original designs, from the classic evening bag to whimsical day-at-the-beach or go-to-school looks. For a luncheon or dinner date at an upscale restaurant, there are sophisticated styles made in a variety of patterns, in bright jewel tone color schemes, delicate and detailed geometrics of pink and pearl glass beads, or earthy shades in a mandala pattern.
The new beaded handbags are hand made works of art. Some resemble paintings, so detailed are the designs. For example, I spotted one with a peacock, sewn so carefully in the bead work that there was no mistaking the subject. Another, worked in light brown and beige beading, looked amazingly like bamboo. Rhinestones, glass pearls, lucite, bugle and seed beads are other popular materials. Most are lined in the classic black satin, with an inside pocket to hold a small mirror.
While beaded purses are not made with precious or semi-precious stones, the majority of the cost is in the labor and artistry. Some of the glass beading simulates semi-precious and precious stones quite attractively. Some styles have gold chain handles, which may convert to a clutch if you choose to put the chain inside the bag. Others have beaded or leather handles, matched to the style and intended use of the particular beaded handbag.
These very special purses make a great gift for the handbag devotee. Girls and women of all ages will certainly find an occasion to use their lovely beaded handbag. They are a pleasure to look at, even when not being used. You may inspire them to start a collection, or to start one yourself.
Most online vendors provide high resolution images of each beaded handbag, so it is easy to see the quality of craftsmanship. Online shops often have informational articles which describe the materials and a little background on the history of this fashion accessory. A complex design that is perfectly worked will naturally be more expensive, while simple designs in just one or two colors are less pricey.
There are online shops which specialize in beaded purses, with matching accessories, such as earrings, necklaces and even hats. You can find both new and vintage purses as well. eBay is another place to look, for both new and vintage beaded handbags. you will find such a diverse selection of shapes and styles, each in a one of a kind design, you surely will not have any trouble finding one that is a must-have!
