The Origin of the Trapezoid Bag
Throwing Shapes through Handbags 👜
If you haven’t listened to the Handbag Designer 101 Podcast, which you should, you will know I am obsessed with the history of the handbag. The origin story as to the “why” silhouettes were created and the backstory is fascinating as it gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what was going on at that time and, more importantly, why certain silhouettes are bound to make a comeback.
While I work on my children’s book, “Savvy Suzanna’s Amazing Adventures in Handbags,” which will be published in 2025, I have been doing extra research on how to integrate the narrative of each handbag into the story (which you will see in next year for sure!).
Today’s Handbag History Lesson is about the Trapezoid Bag. The Industrial Revolution brought steam railways and, with them, an increase in travel. In 1841, Yorkshire entrepreneur Samuel Parkinson, whose Butterscotch confectionery was appointed to the British royal household, wanted to treat his wife to a custom-made hand luggage set. He noticed her purse was too small and not sturdy enough to travel. To solve this, Parkinson commissioned leather handbags of varying sizes for different occasions.
Parkinson also wanted to distinguish his luggage from that of lower-class passengers. London-based luxury leather goods company H. J. Cave & Sons was more than happy to oblige. Their Osilite trunk became so famous that it won several prizes in the 19th century, including first prize in Paris in 1867. Most importantly for Mrs. Parkinson, she owned the world’s first designer handbag, which featured the distinctive trapezoidal shape.
The Trapezoid bag, named for its trapezoidal shape, originated from these early designs by H. J. Cave & Sons. This shape was both practical and stylish, providing a sturdy and spacious option for travel. The structured silhouette offered better durability and organization, making it ideal for long journeys. As travel became more common, the demand for practical yet fashionable luggage like the Trapezoid bag increased.
Fast forward to the 1950s, and the Trapezoid bag gained a new wave of popularity. Hollywood golden girl turned Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly, was photographed positioning the trapezoidal bag over her stomach—apparently in an attempt to hide her pregnancy. The bag became famous and was eventually renamed for Kelly herself, solidifying its status as an iconic fashion piece.
Today, the Trapezoid bag has evolved into a modern fashion staple. Designers like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Prada have embraced this classic shape, reinventing it for contemporary fashionistas. The structured silhouette and spacious interior make it a favorite for everyday use and special occasions.
Independent designers have also given the Trapezoid bag their unique spin. Brands such as Mansur Gavriel, Staud, and Akris have their versions, offering a fresh take on this timeless shape. Rising stars like Danse Lente and Cult Gaia have also contributed to the Trapezoid bag's resurgence, each infusing their distinct style and creativity into the design.
The Trapezoid bag has made a huge comeback in the past five years, capturing the hearts of fashion enthusiasts worldwide. What do you think?