Introduction to Retro Designer Deals

At Retro Designer Deals we offer Vintage and Retro Designer Handbags, Designer Purses and Bags, Vintage Shoes, Accessories, and Jewelry. Please stop by often to visit us and shop for your vintage Designer Purse-o-nality Handbag with us.
You will find us here:
http://www.retrodesignerdeals.com


A little handbag history:

The very first mention of a handbag in written literature is found in the early 14th century. Handbags have developed over time from bags men carried for traveling into women's fashion accessories.
In the 16th century handbags took on more of a practical purpose. Made from leather with a draw-string to close them they also became more durable.
The 18th century saw a complex development of fashionable handbags in varying shapes, sizes and materials. The fashionable lady would own a bag which would look like the outfit she wore. The bags or "reticules" as they were called looked like a doll matching the owners outfit.
The name "handbag" was not known until the early 1900's. Usually carried by men they were luggage items. Once women discovered the practical use of such bags they became more elaborate and "fancy". Special fabrics, pretty hooks, buckles and fasteners became the latest rage.

During the early 1930's Etienne Aigner discovered his love for leather. The Hungarian-born Etienne Aigner (1904-2000) originally trained as a bookbinder but after World War II he produced his own creations in Paris, France. His designs and innovative use of leather were so unique, well known fashion houses such as Christian Dior and Edward Molyneux persuaded Etienne Aigner to design bags and belts for them. Aigner moved his operation to New York in 1950 and began producing bags in his signature "Rot" which would today be considered burgundy. Each bag would have his signature brass "A" fashioned into a horseshoe.

This signature "A" stands for tradition, innovation and classic design.

Here are some pictures from his popular signature "A" line.