Up until the early 1800's a bag as an external garment as we use today was non-existent. Instead both men and women wore 'pockets'. Essentially a pocket was a single or a pair of flat bags tied onto a ribbon which was worn around the waist amongst many intricate undergarments.
Although only ever seen by the wearer the pockets(see examples in the Victoria and Albert Museum), are beautifully detailed and exquisitely made. By the early 19th century pockets started to appear as 'pouches' carried in the hand and known as 'indispensables'. They were used to carry such necessities for a woman as her purse, smelling salts and handkerchief.
Over two-hundred years later we are still carrying bags and there are many to choose from, but I feel few are as indispensable as Jessica Maxcy's collection for her company KNOX NY.
Made in Jessica's studio in Brooklyn, New York, each piece is hand cut, sewn and finished. The wonderful detailing such as the brass D-rings on the Carriage Bag are a product of a collaboration between Jessica and her father who owns a traditional ironmongery factory in the city. The shapes are reminiscent of those very early bags, simple, but very elegant and made out of the finest materials, each one taking up to two weeks to make.
Although I like the idea of a secret bag, for my eyes only, I don't think I could hide my KNOX NY bag under my dress because a)they are far too big and b)more importantly they are just too beautiful not to share with the world!
The collection is available in the Bag Department at www.theshopfloorproject.com
If you are interested in the history of textiles we cannot recommend enough Selvedge magazine.
It has just launched it's new DIY craft section and if you visit their website, you can watch a lovely little film about Indian block printing called, Building Blocks: The foundations of the Anokhi Museum
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