Ever since mankind understood the necessity of keeping their valuables safe, they started finding ways to protect such personal belongings. Initially, men used to wrap such valuables in fabric to keep them inside their clothing. By the early 13th century, this fabric enclosure method had paved the way for creating pouches, bags and purses made of leather, fur or cloth. After the introduction of briefcases in the market, purses were used only to carry coins, and bags and pouches to carry other casual things.
It was in the 1850s that a modern day leather handbag was first made. Shoulder bags were first introduced for women in the forces, during the Second World War.
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