The Humble Handbag speaks a thousand words!

In the complex universe of fashion, one element that never fails to capture attention is the fascinating array of handbags. A casual look into any woman's wardrobe would unveil an intriguing assortment of purses and handbags, ranging from petite money pouches, chic clutch bags, traditional batuas, to trendy sling bags and cross-body bags. According to a recent search, there's an impressive array of over 40 different styles of purses and bags, providing women with a plethora of choices.

One style that has rapidly evolved into an indispensable accessory to women of all strata is the often-underestimated shoulder bag.

A handbag, reveals infinitely more about its owner than clothes or other accessories. While the brand and colour of a handbag are the most apparent characteristics, it is the contents that narrate a more layered story. It offers an insightful perspective into the owner's life stage, lifestyle, and personality—even without a formal introduction. It can potentially indicate if the owner is a happy-go-lucky individual, a spontaneous adventurer, or an organized and well-prepared professional.

For the modern Indian woman, the handbag has emerged as a symbol of practicality, competence and versatility, resonating with the many roles she plays in her life. It gives her a sense of preparedness and control, being always ready for the curve balls that life may throw her way. It simultaneously becomes a medicine box, a make-up kit, a work tool (the little diary with its pen, charger, power bank), a financial and personal document organiser, a shopping aid, a goodie bag for her child, among other things.

Today the allure of the hand bag has spread to the lower socio economic classes too. An interesting incident last Diwali brought this to light when my cook asked for a handbag as her Diwali gift. I was intrigued by her request, and on probing further, discovered that a handbag to her represented not just an accessory and a utilitarian item, but a symbol of her professional identity and personal growth.

Most women in her socio-economic layer usually carry a small money pouch, for their essential belongings. This tiny pouch, containing a gate pass, a bit of money, and perhaps a house key, symbolises their modest world and its possessions. In contrast, a larger bag ?suggested a larger’ lifestyle. It offers her the opportunity to carry more personal items, such as a comb, lipstick, a handkerchief, and even a small snack box, the size itself suggests a more affluent lifestyle. It also immediately helps to differentiate herself as someone who has a better status than other household help and hints at being educated since the hand bags are associated with working women and madams.

This handbag, discreetly slung across her shoulders, allowed her to bring home little surprises for her child - a chocolate, some chips, or even a new pen. It shielded these treats from prying eyes and potential criticism from family members, who might disapprove of her "spoiling" the child. This simple act of carrying a handbag added an air of confidence and a hint of mystery for onlookers, implying a world of possessions.

If there is one thing which is unifying women across strata-it is the humble handbag!

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