There’s Money in Purses!

Purses as a means of transporting valuables and necessities have been around since ancient days, and have been used by both men and women.  The ancient Egyptians hung pouches from their waists, and during the 17^th century, embroidered pouches of silk were hung across the body suspended from a long strap.

Modern purse size has grown with responsibility and independence. In the days before car keys, cell phones, widespread use of cosmetics, and women’s liberation, purses were tiny, and might have held a handkerchief and a few coins.  These dainty purses were hung on belts or dangled from finger rings.  By the late 1700’s,  well-to-do women carried purses they called reticules, which might contain a pair of opera glasses, a fan, a box of face powder, visiting cards in a special case, a scent bottle, and smelling salts.

Purses have been popular collectibles or years, and not surprisingly as they relate to the volatile world of women’s fashion, the style of the most valuable examples has changed frequently.  While collectors still love the mesh evening bags of the 1920’s prices have come down from highs in the 1990’s, except for those examples executed in precious metals.  However, bags of that era with Bakelite or Catalin components still make high prices.  Earlier beaded bags are also still popular, but common examples or  bags with missing beads may  bring well under $100.  Plastic and Lucite purses were all the rage in the 1950’s and are now eagerly sought by collectors who will pay $300-600 for them.

Today, collectors are also looking for classic designer bags, particularly from the 1950’s & 60’s.  A vintage Hermes Kelly bag (after Grace Kelly, actress & princess) can sell for as much as $15,000!  Look for authentic bags from Hermes, Gucci, and Chanel.

 
She is glamorous, luxurious, gorgeous, sexy, and one of the most talented women I know.  She is Leslie Bonnell, owner of Glitzkrieg - the Austin, Texas based line of handbags, jewelry and accessories.  I first met Leslie in while I was studying Costume Design at the University of Texas at Austin.  I had just landed my first professional design gig with Zachary Scott Theatre, and she was the Costume Shop manager.

Leslie has worked as a Costume Designer, Milliner, Jewelry Designer, and Chantuese for over two decades.  She has won many awards for her designs, and her knowledge of design and construction techniques just blows me away.  A few years ago, Leslie left her full time Costume Shop Manager role, and started her own business.

She now teaches sewing, jewelry and design element classes in her studio in Austin, Texas.  I have had the pleasure of watching Leslie grow into an even more fabulous artist - and participating in shows where we both had booths.  Having her right across the aisle from me makes me nervous every year - and makes me want to step up my game and make the coolest stuff I can!  The fact that she has purchased some of my handbags is one the best compliments I've received.

This year, Leslie will be joining the fabulous line up of designers at STITCH - an indie fashion show and designer craft fair on November 10th.  I can't wait to see all the new stuff she has been working on. These earrings are right up my alley - big, bold, and a fabulous mixture of materials.  I think it's czech glass and vintage beads mixed together.

This glamorous purse features one of Leslie's signature handmade silk flowers as the main design element.  She makes tons of these flowers as pins that can adorn anything you own!

 


I hear that Leslie has been taking silk screening classes, and she has some great pictures of new bags featuring her own designs, hand screened onto fabric.  See more pictures of her work on Flickr.

Leslie is really a master of her craft - and her background in Costume Design really shows in her work.  Who else do you know that can create clothing from any time period from her own pattern, design jewelry, make handbags, teach classes, AND sing?  If you're in Austin - be sure to check out her class schedule, and I will see you at STITCH on November 10th!

 

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The iTaggit Community Team