A Brief but Beautiful History of the Bag Industry (And Where We Fit In)

Ancient Origins: Carrying Stories Since the Beginning

Bags are one of the oldest human inventions — because from the moment we needed to carry food, tools, or treasures, we needed something to carry them in. The earliest bags were simple leather or fabric pouches tied to belts, used by both men and women.

In Ancient Egypt, bags took on a new meaning — status. Ornate purses and satchels were crafted by hand and often embroidered or adorned with jewels. Throughout the Middle Ages, small drawstring pouches called "girdle pouches" were carried for coins, keys, and herbs — often beautifully embroidered and personalised.

The Industrial Age: Travel, Trunks & Tailoring

As the 1800s rolled in and long-distance travel became more common, a new kind of bag was born: luggage. Louis Vuitton, a French box-maker, revolutionised travel with the stackable, flat-top steamer trunk — a far cry from the bulky, round-topped chests before it.

The Industrial Revolution ushered in mass production, making bags available to a wider audience. Around this time, fashion houses began emerging, and bags started to reflect personal identity, not just practicality.

The 20th Century: Iconic Handbags & Women’s Liberation

From the 1920s to the 1950s, handbags evolved with women’s roles in society. As women gained independence, their bags became more functional — and more expressive. Legendary designs like the Hermès Kelly (named after Grace Kelly) and the Chanel 2.55 (named for its 1955 release date) were born.

Between the 1960s and 1990s, designers pushed boundaries with new shapes and materials. From boxy patent leather to slouchy bohemian styles, bags kept pace with shifting fashion movements. Logos became power symbols. A Louis Vuitton or Gucci bag was not just an accessory, but a statement.

The 2000s–2010s: The It-Bag Era

A new phenomenon exploded: the "It Bag." These were the must-have accessories of the moment — Fendi Baguette, Chloe Paddington, Balenciaga City. Their popularity was supercharged by celebrity culture and the rise of paparazzi-driven fashion.

It was around this time that consumers also started to look beyond designer labels. They wanted something more: a connection, a story, a reason.

Today: The Rise of the Independent Maker

The bag industry today is massive — from luxury fashion houses to fast fashion, streetwear, indie artisans, and everything in between. But independent makers like myself are starting to reclaim a space in the market.

Why? Because:

• Consumers crave authenticity.

• People want sustainably made and ethically sourced pieces.

• Bags are once again personal, not mass-produced.

• A good bag now tells a story and reflects its maker’s heart.

  
  

Add to this a shift in materials — with innovators working with vegan leather, plant-based fabrics, and recycled materials — and we find ourselves in one of the most exciting periods of bag design ever.

Where MeganGaea Fits

I never formally trained in fashion. I didn't go to design school. But neither did Coco Chanel, Vivienne Westwood, Jean Paul Gaultier, Virgil Abloh, or Giorgio Armani.

I’m self-taught. I learn by doing, by making, by watching, by trying again. And that’s what makes this business honest.

At MeganGaea:

• Every bag is handmade.

• Every design is limited and personal.

• Every decision is shaped by sustainability, creativity, and purpose.

  
  

We’re not just making bags. We’re creating legacy pieces that speak to the soul of both the maker and the wearer.

This is where fashion is heading — and I’m honoured to be a part of it.

Thanks for reading,

Meg x