The word Clutch arose in Middle English derived from the now obsolete word clitch- from Old English Clyccan which meant bend or clench. The modern meaning of the word is a device for engaging a motor vehicle's gears- which came from the meaning of clutch in the 19th century, "coupling for bringing working parts together." And when you think about it, that is exactly what happens when you pack your Clutch purse for a night out. It's a small bag for the essential items required for an evening out or special occasion- all the working parts, lipstick, money, keys... brought together in a small bag.
But the clutch is not a new fashion. According to Simon Steph at ezine articles, fashion style, "Small purses known as reticules were used by women as far back in time as the end of the medieval period, favored because of their lightness and convenience. These early clutch bags reached their peak of popularity during the 19th century in both Europe and America, and then, rather inexplicably, died out close to the turn of the century in the 20th."
Although I don't know if it is inexplicable. The 20th century brought more opportunities for women, more liberation. Maybe we just needed to carry more stuff? World War I opened up opportunities for women to go to work in factories which had an effect on the length of skirts / dresses and also hair. Both were shortened for reasons of safety and practicality. And while women certainly didn't enjoy the kind of equality we have now, going to work probably necessitated porting more things around to accommodate a working day.
Shoulder bags and larger purses became more fashionable in the early 20th century. And Steph from ezine suggests that this was, "perhaps partly because the large quantity of leather was a sign of ostentation in the sudden abundance of manufactured goods that the 20th century brought."
World War II, like WWI before it, had a similar effect on fashion. The war brought rations for everything; and anything frivolous, like large leather bags or purses, were in short supply. The shortage of leather meant simpler, smaller designs and the Clutch came back into fashion. It's interesting to think that something that was created out of necessity is now considered to be more of a luxury purse- mainly for evening wear or special occasions.
By the late 70s, early 80s, women's situation in terms of liberation and work choices had changed dramatically from the beginning of the century. Fashion-era.com outlines the changes throughout this time stating, "There were many sought after accessories in the 1980s. The early 80s saw a vogue for clutch handbags in many colours with matching shoes." They also go on to say that, "1980s fashion favoured applied decoration on suits and T-shirts and beadwork on clothing which all pandered to the ideals of a time of conspicuous consumption. The 1980s was a time of greed and individuals living a lie that they had everything whether it be fashion, champagne or property." It's interesting that the reticule that had once been brought back into fashion from a need to consume less, became a symbol of excess during the 80s when women could afford to buy numerous purses in a wide array of colours with matching shoes or other accessories.
Certainly this lipstick red beauty would make any modern woman stand out in a crowd! A great piece of late 70s early 80s history that represents as much how far women have come in the last century, as it does great style!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/69742481/red-leather-clutch-1970s
Thanks for visiting!
But the clutch is not a new fashion. According to Simon Steph at ezine articles, fashion style, "Small purses known as reticules were used by women as far back in time as the end of the medieval period, favored because of their lightness and convenience. These early clutch bags reached their peak of popularity during the 19th century in both Europe and America, and then, rather inexplicably, died out close to the turn of the century in the 20th."
Although I don't know if it is inexplicable. The 20th century brought more opportunities for women, more liberation. Maybe we just needed to carry more stuff? World War I opened up opportunities for women to go to work in factories which had an effect on the length of skirts / dresses and also hair. Both were shortened for reasons of safety and practicality. And while women certainly didn't enjoy the kind of equality we have now, going to work probably necessitated porting more things around to accommodate a working day.
Shoulder bags and larger purses became more fashionable in the early 20th century. And Steph from ezine suggests that this was, "perhaps partly because the large quantity of leather was a sign of ostentation in the sudden abundance of manufactured goods that the 20th century brought."
World War II, like WWI before it, had a similar effect on fashion. The war brought rations for everything; and anything frivolous, like large leather bags or purses, were in short supply. The shortage of leather meant simpler, smaller designs and the Clutch came back into fashion. It's interesting to think that something that was created out of necessity is now considered to be more of a luxury purse- mainly for evening wear or special occasions.
By the late 70s, early 80s, women's situation in terms of liberation and work choices had changed dramatically from the beginning of the century. Fashion-era.com outlines the changes throughout this time stating, "There were many sought after accessories in the 1980s. The early 80s saw a vogue for clutch handbags in many colours with matching shoes." They also go on to say that, "1980s fashion favoured applied decoration on suits and T-shirts and beadwork on clothing which all pandered to the ideals of a time of conspicuous consumption. The 1980s was a time of greed and individuals living a lie that they had everything whether it be fashion, champagne or property." It's interesting that the reticule that had once been brought back into fashion from a need to consume less, became a symbol of excess during the 80s when women could afford to buy numerous purses in a wide array of colours with matching shoes or other accessories.
Certainly this lipstick red beauty would make any modern woman stand out in a crowd! A great piece of late 70s early 80s history that represents as much how far women have come in the last century, as it does great style!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/69742481/red-leather-clutch-1970s
Thanks for visiting!
