OK - Armani Privé - we see you.
How many times have I said about history repeating itself?
OK, I had an entirely different post that was supposed to go out, but OMG! I saw the Armani Privé Spring 2025 Couture Collection show that just happened. Now, if anyone has been following me, reading what I write, or even listening to my podcast. In that case, I have been preaching that not only do fashion cycles repeat themselves, but sometimes it just shows up as if it, well, already happened.
I must apologize, though, that school started last Monday, which put me behind on my weekly Substacks, but it’s Sunday night, and this put me back on track because there was no way I could let this go. Quick reminder:
Post-Spanish Flu, much like after COVID-19, women embraced the Roaring 20s with exuberance, leading to trends that would echo in the future. The era saw the popularity of small evening bags, often rectangular or pouch-like, adorned with beads, embroidery, and metallic elements. Check out my TikTok for the history of the evening bag.
Art Deco’s influence was evident in the handbags' structured, geometric shapes and bold designs, with sleek clutches becoming a favored silhouette for their sophisticated and minimalist look. The color palette ranged from classic black and gold to vibrant jewel tones, reflecting the period's exuberance.
The invention of the zipper in 1913 didn't mean anything in handbags until Emile-Maurice Hermès traveled across North America and met Henry Ford, so this didn’t impact handbags until the later 1920s but only with handbags that were of luxury value. DIY trends flourished as women crafted handbags from scrap fabric and recycled materials, often using simple shapes for practicality. Ok - got it? Ok - well let’s dive in.
On the left is the Armani satin pouch with beaded trim, and on the right is a drawstring beaded bag from 1925. Couture, with satin and beaded trim? Ok.
On the left is Armani; on the middle and right are two French, beaded art-deco handbags from the 1920’s.
On the left is Armani, on the right - again, a 1920’s crystal beaded coin purse.
On the left is Armani, and on the right, is Whiting & Davis from the 1920s.
Armani is on the left, and an antique beaded bag is on the right from the 1920s.
Ok, it’s crystal on the left by Armani, clearly still couture - but on the right - is a late 1890s, early 1910’s chatelaine purse.
Suffice to say, this wasn’t much of a rabbit hole. As I have said time and time again, check your history and realize it’s bound to repeat itself whether we are talking about on the runway, Bergdorf’s, or Walmart - it’s inevitable because, guess what, whatever it is, it’s been done before.
Let me know your thoughts, and we are back.