Handbags are lifestyle symbols too

Handbags have always been more than just accessories - they are cultural artifacts, status markers and personal style statements. From Victorian reticules to the sleek silhouettes of the 20th Century, handbags have mirrored women’s evolving roles in society. By the 1950s, the rise of the ‘it bag’ - think global brands - turned handbags into investment pieces and lifestyle symbols.

. Today, large global brands such as Dior, Louis Vuitton, Coach and Kate Spade have elevated handbags into objects of desire, each embodying storytelling, branding and craftsmanship. While Dior’s Saddle Bag and the LV Neverfull are internationally recognised, Coach and Kate Spade have carved a niche by blending accessible luxury with American design ethos - Coach through its heritage leatherwork and Kate Spade with its playful, feminine identity. Both exemplify how strong brand storytelling can transform bags into global cult items.

. Indian designers too must step into this space now. The couture sensibility of Indian designers could birth a bag rich in zardozi, mirror work, or even Kundan - a glamorous statement akin to a jewelled clutch with global appeal. Also, Indian designers with a minimalist ethos and mastery of Indian textiles, can offer a counterpart to global leather classics - a refined, sustainable bag rooted in handloom traditions.

. Imagine a handbag made from Banarasi brocade or ajrakh-dyed fabric, detailed in brass or silver accents, and structured for urban utility. Not just a bag - a story, a tradition, a movement. India deserves its own uber bag, rooted in culture, yet globally relevant. With the right vision, the Indian uber bag can redefine luxury - not through logos, but through legacy.

. Photographer: Akash Sharma

. Event: Palladium presents Walk of Luxury with Prasad Bidapa

Handbags are lifestyle symbols too

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