Saturday, October 4, 2008

Carpetbags

As all you United States history buffs know, "carpetbagger" was the term southerners gave to northerners who moved to the South during Reconstruction, the period between 1865 and 1877. See the 1872 political cartoon at right, pictured courtesy Wikipedia.org.
A famous fictional toter of the design is pictured at right: Mary Poppins (film still via starpulse.com). Her oversize handbag was even endowed with magical powers!

It seems designers were quite taken with the historically significant accessory. The most ubiquitous (and coveted!) handbag of the season, Gucci's Hysteria tote (pictured at top of post via style.com and at left via gucci.com), is clearly in the style of the traditional carpetbag, both in design and in dimension!
Even apparel gets carpeted!
Plenty by Tracy Reese Turkish Rug soft pleat skirt, available at chickdowntown.com.

Matthew Williamson - runway at left; a giant geometricized floral tapestry print tote at right, available at net-a-porter.com.
Tory Burch print canvas Tory Tote, at shopbop.com

Fendi's white patent accent beaded B Mix large tote is stunning! CC loves the vintage vibe of the design.
Visit bluefly.com to buy.


Right: L.A.M.B. Signature Eton PVC duffel. Left: Antik Batik canvas Ares handbag. Both at shopbop.com.
Will you be making your next "weekender" a tapestry or carpet bag? CC will!

45 comments:

La Belette Rouge said...

My mother had a beautiful carpet bag that she used for years. I wish she still had it---it was beautiful, but beyond that it was loaded with sentiment.

Elizabeth said...

The carpet bag really isn't my thing, largely because of the history of the terminology. I've never been able to divest the bag from the term.

Gucci's version is pretty nice, though.

uneventriΔngle said...

Thank you! xx

Siljesfashion said...

Love the Gucci collection!

Rebecca said...

I really like these bags - the gucci one especially!

leeselooks said...

interesting - not my thing- BUT that GUCCI. i think its so eclectic + would look amazing with all black attire.

x.

Penny Lane said...

oh i love these!! i really want one but in a petit point vintage bag style.
and that's a really good idea! i never even thought of DIY for that dress!

Lissa said...

Mmm the Gucci bags are yummy :]

Jadore-Fashion said...

my grandma had lots of carpet bags, but I never paid much interest in it!--love the gucci version--don't mind that!!

have a wonderful weekend CC !!!
xoxo

ivoreece said...

I like the last 4 bags very much!

carolina @ patagonia gifts said...

Thank you CC for visiting my blog and for your nice comments! Those bags are gorgeous. I especially like the one with colored flowers.

P. said...

My friend got this one from Urban Outfitters http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?itemdescription=true&itemCount=10&startValue=81&selectedProductColor=&sortby=&id=14780357&parentid=W_ACC_BAGS&sortProperties=+product.marketingPriority,-product.startDate&navCount=81&navAction=poppushpush&color= and I LOVE it. It is literally larger than life with an amazing Santa Fe feel. Maybe not so practical but definitely a statement bag.

geri hirsch said...

cool bags! my mom has something similar, i may need to go swipe it!

starbrained said...

I'm rather partial to those bags..

MimiSaeger said...

love, love, love carpet bags! You've posted amazing pics!!
The clothes are also pretty cool!!!

Rosanna said...

those are gorgeous!

Fifi Flowers said...

I want a bag like MARY POPPINS... I like all the magic that came out of her bag!

Oooh la la... I love the buckles on shoes!

Bluukbob said...

aww.the grey and purple bag is lovely..
where is it from...?


xoxo

Bluukbob said...

oh, i just linked you up dear... xoxo

WendyB said...

Been loving the Gucci!

miss vintage love said...

I love Mary Poppins!

Cait said...

I want that Gucci bag so bad, but then again I find myself wanting like everything you post!!!

Anonymous said...

I love carper/tapestry bags - especially those really bohemian ones in paisley print!

Fashion_Girl22 said...

I'm not really to into the carpet bag trend. The Gucci bags were undeniably beautiful though. I loved the Mary Poppins reference. It just goes to show how fasion can be found in the most unespected places/things.

I finally got back my connection and fixed the problems that hindered my posting. Tommorrow will be my complete Paris Fashion Week wrap up. I can't wait to see what will appear at Lanvin and Louis Vuitton. <3

Rebecca, A Clothes Horse said...

Oh those carpet bags are delightful--it's funny the place they have in history and in stories.

Anonymous said...

I love the carpet bag, now that they are becoming fashionable I may be able to get my hands on one.

poeta fit, non nascitur said...

I love carpet bags! And funnily enough, I always think back on Mary Poppins and the lamp coming out of hers.

Eeli said...

Why thankyou! THat neckline is actually a babies bib lol. Just very craftily used so it looks like its a part of the dress!

I'm not a huge fan but that Gucci one would be so amazing. Just versatile on oh so many levels :)

Siska said...

I love your blog <3

Ana said...

Great post. The name "carpetbag" isnt all that lovely but the bags are. I love Mary Poppins.

Anonymous said...

love the gucci carpet bag.. <3

Mónica said...

I hadn't got any, yet. I love the ones you have selected.

Unknown said...

Some of the designs are nice. But I'm not really into the carpet look.

Nemerae said...

Uhmm I just really like Gucci's Hysteria tote... Gucci is always so great! *.*

AsianCajuns said...

I love the carpet bag look. It's so funny because yesterday I saw this carpet bag at a local store and was trying to justify spending $130 on it. Maybe if I save up...

Sasi said...

Mmm I love love love carpet bags!!!

Juan Andres said...

my favorite!?
Gucci please!

hahaha :)

Diana Coronado said...

I luv all of them !!

Miss Urbanita said...

Huge bags are the most useful. Love them.
Mary Poppins :)!

Sara Morante said...

Great post! I normally like all these things until they're in fashion. I always wanted to have Mary Poppins' carpet bag... Or was maybe it's magic? I still prefer the Poppins one, for sure.

Songy said...

Gucci did it so well so that I'm looking all other kind of 'carpet' bags now. Dorit bags are my fave at the moment.

Marian said...

I am DYING,DYING I tell you Carrie for a gorge carpet bag! I do not know why I am attracted to them and sometimes the older the better. I am such an old soul my dear. Isnt the Gucci Hysteria fabulous?!It is on my christmas want list.;o)
Oh and used to have the most endearing carpet bag years ago but it went missing and I still miss it!
Darling you have been tagged,do check my latest posts for details.
Kisses CC!
Marian

Susanna-Cole King said...

Oh carpet bags! I really want one so bad, must find the perfect one though... well the perfectest one that I can that also has an afforable price tag! :D

Thanks so much for your sweet comment, as always! :)

xoxo,
S-C

Dropsofglamour said...

Sometimes it's fab, other times whack.

Leeann @ Join the Gossip said...

Oooh, like the 2nd to last purse!