Do you think bags have always existed? Alas and ah! At the very beginning of the heyday of fashion, our great-great-great and (dozens of “great”) grandmothers were unfamiliar with such an accessory. Most historians claim that the prototypes of bags were pockets that appeared during the time of the notorious Louis XIV in the 17th century. Initially, pockets were located on vests and only after some time they appeared on men's trousers...
Today on the Internet there are sites of bag stores with a huge assortment. Each of them offers women's bags of different designs, textures and materials. But in the distant Middle Ages, even before pockets on pants, people carried valuable coins in special bags. It was customary among men to hang pocket bags on their belts, while women hid pocket bags in the folds of their skirts.
A few decades later, ladies began to invent new models of handbags in which they stored small items. These bags were made from all kinds of materials, and the decorations were beautiful patterns made by handicraftsmen to order. Needless to say that each such handbag was exclusive?
Today, in the catalog of bags in the online store, many models are complemented by embroidery and original ornaments, as it was several centuries ago. A significant difference between modern accessories is their high quality, thanks to the use of advanced technologies. But, alas, it is no longer so simple.
In the late Gothic era, entire collections of pouch bags were created in many countries, not only small, but also large. They were mostly worn at the waist on a cord, and the coins jingled as they walked.
Women began decorating handbags with beads in the 17th century, and wicker and knitted accessories appeared in the same historical era. Fashion changed quickly and women no longer hid handbags under their long skirts, but tried to show them off. But it was impossible to buy a shoulder bag, which is sold in every online store today - it simply wasn’t available. Ladies preferred to carry bags on the crook of their elbow.
Leather bags were not yet in fashion, but in the 18th century the first fabric bags appeared, which were decorated with original lace patterns. They were called “pompadour” in honor of the favorite of the King of France. Rich and noble women of that time sought to show off to each other who had the more elaborate and elegant handbag.
Today we call such models extravagant, and many women consider it too vulgar to wear such accessories every day. But in fact, how you will look with this or that bag depends on the right wardrobe.
In 1790, it became fashionable to carry handbags in one's hand, which was associated with the emergence of new fashions during the French Revolution. This innovation was a stunning success that lasted for several years. However, starting in 1804, respectable men began to hide their bags in their pockets, while women began to hide them in their sleeves, which was a mandatory rule of etiquette. Yes, we can say that fashion, as often happens in our time, took a step back when women hid bucket bags under the hem of their skirts.
Today, an Italian bag made of genuine leather from well-known brands such as Cromia, Ripani, Roberta Gandolfi and others is worthy of being noticed by others. Therefore, real ladies of the 21st century, on the contrary, show their accessory.
The Victorian era saw the development of mass production. During this period, the first companies producing leather handbags appeared. Despite this, homemade handbags continued to be created as middle-class people could not afford the genuine leather handbags that were sold in stores of the era. The high price of a bag was an indicator of the prestige of a society lady.
Brocade was one of the most popular materials of that time, and expensive bags were made from it. Practical and convenient locks appeared only in the 19th century, and the first zipper for a handbag was invented in 1923. Sealed, strict shapes are classic options today, but in the previous era, more attention was paid not to the shape, but to what the handbag is worn with. According to the rules of good manners, a lady's bag had to be the same color as the shoes, scarf, gloves and other accessories.
Leather bags began to gain popularity only at the beginning of the 20th century. And it was Italian designers who first began to make bags from leather. The material used was mainly calf or sheep leather - it was strong, durable and soft. Modern processing methods have given us Saffiano leather, from which Cromia models are created. This is the same genuine leather onto which a special pattern is applied using hot stamping. Then the material is treated with special wax to make the bag resistant to moisture and dirt. Unfortunately, such technologies were not available in the distant Middle Ages, and that is why leather bags have become popular relatively recently.
Today we are pleased to present you a variety of the most famous Italian brands.
Happy shopping!
The bag, like the suit and shoes, with which it appeared at about the same time, has its own interesting and varied history, rooted in ancient times.
Ever since man appeared, there was a need to carry various objects with him, so that his hands were free. And the first ancient man who came up with the idea of tying to a stick animal skin bag to carry food and flint in it, obviously did not suspect that he was becoming the founder of such a brilliant and necessary invention
For many hundreds of years, the appearance of bags did not differ much from their ancestor, and to this day simple forms and designs of bags made of different materials exist as part of the folk, national style.
With the development of society and the emergence of commodity-money relations and money, which is better to always have with you, appeared coin bags. Men wore them on their belts, and women under their skirts. Probably, such bags later became the prototype of modern wallets. Here is one of these bags - an Egyptian belt pouch
Another “branch” of bag development is the so-called "saddle bags", references to which are found in ancient Russian epics. Apparently, their purpose corresponded to the purpose of modern shopping bags and suitcases. Every nation has a history of such a bag, and their design has developed from the most primitive to the complex, skillfully finished and decorated.
And yet, some researchers believe that the prototype of the modern bag was pocket, which first appeared in Ancient Rome. He hid in the folds of the toga and was called sine. The Romans put money and other small items there. Unfortunately, the pocket was forgotten for several centuries and only reappeared in Europe in the 17th century.
IN Ancient Greece women used small bags resembling pouches, which later, in the 19th century, during the era of the craze for antique costume, served as the prototype for a woman's handbag. In general, bags in the form of pouches have been popular for a very long time.
People are starting to use bags in Europe from the 11th century. They were small purses, attached to the belt, into which noble ladies and gentlemen put small change coins for distributing alms. These bags are called laumoniere (coinmaker) .
Only in the 13th century bags appeared that looked a little like modern ones. Basically, these were flat, rectangular cases for prayer books, embroidered with gold and silver threads and decorated with tassels. And the belt purse became an attribute mainly of merchants and money changers.
Approximately in the 14th-15th century the bag is gaining popularity not only as a functional item, but also becoming a costume decoration, and there is also a division into women's and men's bags. Their types are becoming more diverse: soft purses embroidered with silk of different shapes and sizes, suspended on a long cord or chain from a belt, sewn from velvet, trimmed with other valuable stones. For courtiers, a money bag was an indispensable accessory to the toilet, as were keys attached to the belt, small folding knives and bottles of perfume.
The decoration of a handbag was an indicator of a lady's social status - the richer the woman was, the more skillfully her handbag was decorated.
16th century marked the beginning of a new era in the development of bags. Appeared frame lock, the design of which has survived to this day. But fanny packs still exist
In the 17th century reappears in Europe pocket, and men no longer need to attach bags to their belts. It is believed that the first pocket appeared on pants Louis XIV , and he was the first to replace the bag with a pocket. And women also did not stand aside and “took revenge” on men with an even greater variety and sophistication of their handbags. In those days, the ability to embroider was considered one of the keys to a successful marriage, so young girls competed in decorating techniques not only for clothes, but also for bags.
Coming 18 century- the heyday of neoclassical fashion. Refusal of corsets, lightness of clothing, antique forms of dresses - all this did not include the wearing of belt bags. This is when the reticule appears (from the French reticule - handbag or mesh). It was a small, richly decorated soft bag in the shape of a bag tied with a cord, which was carried in the hand on a chain or silk cord. Its invention is credited Marquise de Pompadour . The year of birth of the bag, which must be carried in the hand, is considered to be 1790. This accessory became a must-have companion for any self-respecting fashionista of that time. The ladies kept a lot of things in their reticules: powder, blush, perfume, smelling salts, and of course love notes. Everything is like modern women.
By the 19th century Corsets come back into fashion again, and then crinoline appears. It would seem, why not return to belt bags. But pouches on the belt did not become popular - the ladies loved the reticule so much that they did not give it up. Now the reticule has increased in size and taken on a wide variety of forms: an envelope, a pouch with a long cord, a small elegant bag, etc.
The functional features of the reticule also differed. So, there were special bags for visits; they were miniature and could only fit business cards. Slightly larger handbags were complemented by a pocket for perfume and a mirror, a coin purse, and a compartment for a powder compact. With such a handbag you could safely go for a walk. Ladies took a luxurious evening bag, containing a fan and ball books, for going out. And theater bags had a special compartment for binoculars or lorgnette. The materials from which such accessories were made were also varied: satin, tapestry, brocade. And they were decorated with beads, ribbons and tassels.
In addition to the development of the reticule, in the 19th century such a type of handbag appears as travel bag. At that time, handicrafts were very popular, and the travel bag was a repository of all sorts of things necessary for this. Today, a travel bag is just a travel bag.
Late 19th century became a turning point in the history of the reticule. People began to travel a lot and there was a need for convenient, functional and comfortable travel bags. Bags migrated from women's waists and wrists to the hand, and soon to the shoulder. These bags were less sophisticated, but much more practical.
In 1896 year Louis Vuitton released the first collection of travel bags and from that time on, a lady's bag becomes not only and not so much a secular accessory, but a very convenient container for a lot of things a woman needs - and not only on the road. A new designation also appears - handbag.
20th century. A century of great change. And the heyday of the bag. The world has never seen such a variety of shapes, sizes, textures and varieties. Life changed, and bags changed along with it. Already in the first decade, bags for work, parties, walks, dances and even funerals appeared.
The First World War gave birth to huge bags for gas masks, and in contrast to this there was a wide variety of theatrical bags of the most original shapes and styles. Later, towards the end of the second decade, pouch bags, covered with braid and decorated with fringes and lush pendant tassels, were revived again.
Around this time, fashion houses began to appear that did not ignore this accessory. Designers bring their bright and original ideas to life, creating unique collections of bags. And if you think that the handbag-car was born at the end of the 20th century, then you are mistaken. Already in the 1920s handbags in the form of cars, airplanes and steamships appeared.
A in the 1930s Simple in shape, but voluminous and durable leather bags come into fashion, and the word “reticule” takes on an ironic connotation. Bags are playing an increasingly functional role. On the other hand, with the emergence and development of fashion houses, the name of the manufacturer, that is, the brand, begins to play a big role. Even today, branded bags are not only a guarantee of quality, but also an indicator of a certain status of its owner...
The history of the bag is mysterious and confusing, we do not know the names of the inventors and the first “designers”, we will never see some of the masterpieces of their creativity, but today we should be grateful to our ancestors for this ingenious invention, which not only creates certain conveniences for us, but also makes our image is original and unique.
A woman's bag has long ceased to be just an accessory for storing and carrying things. Today, the social status of the owner is determined by the handbag, and classic models from luxury brands are becoming a profitable investment. We talk about the most famous bags.
At the beginning of spring, the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York opened an exhibition dedicated to the almost 300-year history of the women's handbag. Exhibition experts claim that the reticule was previously used to carry “letters, small fruits like oranges, and knitting needles.” If a woman had a high social status, then the contents of her handbag depended on the time of day.
Now the status of a woman can be determined without looking into her bag - the reticule has long ago learned to speak for its owner. The history of the emergence of iconic bag models that will always be relevant is in our selection.
Chanel 2.55
In 2005, the bag model celebrated its 50th anniversary. The story of the creation of the first ladies' bag on a chain is prosaic - this often happens with ingenious inventions. When Coco Chanel made a successful return to the fashion industry in 1954, she decided to improve her classic bag with two mirrored “Cs”. The bag has a handle solely for convenience reasons.
Gabrielle smoked so much that she could no longer hold the reticule in her hand - so she first attached a neckerchief to it, and later a chain.
You could even temporarily insert a cigarette into one of the links in order to get the desired item without the risk of dropping it. After the release of the sensational new product, all Chanel clients urgently acquired the “2.55”: the name of the model is the date of its creation, February 1955. Do not forget that Coco believed in the magic of numbers, and considered the number five a symbol of personal luck.
Fendi Baguette
“Baguette” from Fendi became the first bag that began to be called “It bag”, that is, a bag - the voice of an entire fashion era, generation. The authorship belongs to the great Silvia Venturini Fendi, and the funny name appeared thanks to the shape: a small shoulder bag fits under the armpit as easily as the signature French bread.
The miniature bag gained its recognition and incredibly high demand thanks to the TV series “Sex and the City,” in which Carrie Bradshaw dictated to women all over the world for several seasons what they should want.
Sarah Jessica Parker even commented on the bag's involvement in filming: "The baguette opened the floodgates (in the series), influencing the character of Carrie and playing a key role for women - for the first time we saw a woman who lives by her own rules and pays more for a bag than for rent." if she wants it.
Hermes Birkin
This bag remains the most coveted luxury accessory on the market and is a better investment than gold. Its price, on average, is $15 thousand for one copy, made specifically for your pleasure and social status.
According to the legend of the Hermès house, the idea for the iconic Birkin model originated during an unexpected meeting in 1981: Jane Birkin and the creative director of the brand, Jean-Louis Dumas, were in adjacent seats on a plane. Long before her name became associated with a bag model, Jane Birkin was known as a singer, actress and philanthropist, but most importantly, a French style icon.
A popular story tells how Miss Birkin inspired a French couturier with her straw tote bag, from which its contents spilled out.
Dumas decided to create a bag that could hold a lot of things and at the same time travel easily. Four years later, a sketch sketched on a bag used on a plane to treat severe nausea was finally brought to life.
Fame did not come to the luxury model quickly: in the eighties, the luxury handbag market was almost entirely occupied by Chanel, but already in the mid-90s they gradually began to buy it. Paradoxically, for decades to come Birkin was glorified by the same “Sex and the City” - in 2001, an episode was released, the plot of which was entirely related to the bag. It's been 17 years since Samantha Jones (Kim Cattrall's character) screamed, "That's my Birkin!"
Hermes Kelly
The history of the Hermès house is rich in iconic bags and style icons of their era: the Kelly model is proof of this. She, of course, was named after the American actress who became the Princess of Monaco - the real Cinderella of the 50s of the last century, Grace Kelly.
Her love story with Hermès began during the filming of Alfred Hitchcock's To Catch a Thief. The bag, named after the actress, existed on the market completely anonymously for 20 years: the handbag of this model got its name after Grace Kelly often covered her belly during her pregnancy.
Lady Dior
You've probably heard of this icon of the handbag world and one of the most popular designer bags of all time. The bag was not named, but renamed in honor of Princess Diana in 1996, but the story of their first meeting is truly royal. The fact is that the model of a small bag from the French fashion house was originally released without a name in 1994. In September of the following year, it was presented to Diana by the First Lady of France, Bernadette Chirac, in honor of the visit of the mother of Princes William and Harry to the Grand Palais for the Paul Cézanne exhibition.
The princess liked the gift so much that on the same visit she bought all its possible variations.
Not a single official reception or visit to children was complete without a small rectangular bag with a semicircular handle - thus, the most famous woman of her time blessed “Lady Dior” for a long and very happy life.
A woman should always look at the highest level. To be amazingly beautiful, everything is taken into account: grooming, hairstyle, makeup, outfit, shoes, accessories.
One of the main accessories that we simply cannot imagine ourselves without is a handbag.
Why do you need a bag?
During the day, lovely ladies may need countless things: from a comb to a wallet. And a woman puts this whole world in her purse, from which, if necessary, you can fish out a notebook, a brush or lipstick, a nail file, a hairpin or a tape measure. And, of course, the handbag completes the look: it balances the dress and shoes and gives the necessary accent.
This is an accessory that combines beauty with practicality.
History of bags
As an item for carrying necessary things, history of the bag goes back to ancient times. Initially, primitive people put their simple belongings into a well-dressed large skin, and, having tied such a bundle, they hung it on a stick to make it easier to carry. When they learned how to weave, they began to use canvas instead of skin, and this was the birth of the first knapsacks.
In ancient Greek myths, we find a story about Perseus, who, after a duel with Medusa the Gorgon, put her head in his bag.
In 1992, in the Austrian Alps, archaeologists discovered a human mummy with a leather “backpack” over his shoulders. Research has shown that the prehistoric traveler is 5,000 years old.
Initially, the bag was more like a sack, used to carry heavy things and was made of leather or canvas.
To carry money or any small items with them, in Ancient Greece they used small bags that were hidden in the folds of a toga or tied to a belt. And in Africa, amulets were kept in such bags, and the bag itself was considered magical.
In Europe, since the 11th century, men and women wore handbags on their belts - laumonier, a kind of coin holders for alms. And men stored tobacco in pouches, which had already become elements of the costume.
The history of the creation of a women's bag as an accessory begins in the 12th century, when mirrors, prayer books, smelling salts, dice, and card decks began to be carried in such bags. Then handbags began to be decorated with gold and silk embroidery, lace and tassels. Sometimes bells were attached to them, which created a melodic accompaniment to the gait.
The fashion for handbags was introduced by the famous Marquise Pompadour. The energetic favorite made an insipid craft bag, tied with a ribbon, into an expensive, stylish accessory that demonstrated the status of the hostess. Since then, it has been named after her - pompadour, although the ladies of the 18th century called it reticule - mesh.
The bags now contained everything: powder, a fan, perfume, a ball book, love letters, a lorgnette, and theater binoculars. Since that time, a rectangular handbag similar to an envelope has come into fashion. There could be pockets inside for various small items.
Active, energetic young ladies of the 18th century became the owners of travel bags - special suitcases (handbags, boxes) with many accessories for small items.
The 19th century brought fashion for chatelaines - miniature handbags attached to the belt with a special hook.
Now handbags could be of different sizes depending on their purpose: from tiny business card holders to bags with ballroom accessories. Now bags were made not only from leather or canvas, but also from satin, velvet, tapestry, and brocade. Often fabrics were made to order with genre designs. Bead embroidery was practiced.
If initially handbags were worn on the belt, then on the wrist, then from the 19th century they moved to the hand and to the shoulder. For travel, roomy suitcases are used. And already in 1896, the first collection from the fashion house Louis Vuitton appeared, which featured luggage bags.
What types of bags are there?
The twentieth century opens up to the world folder bags, briefcase bags, suitcase bags, bags for gas masks, designer bags, not to mention bags for work, walks, picnics, cocktails, the beach or funerals.
In the 21st century it becomes relevant psychologist bag. A set of 34 items, including a thermos with boiling water, an aroma lamp, tea, coffee, cognac, lemon, and a relaxation ball. Thanks to this kit, a specialist will be able to provide emergency psychological assistance.
A laptop bag has become a popular stylish accessory.
Global high fashion designers make bags in the shape of cars, airplanes, soccer balls, animals, and musical instruments. 
The manufacturer's brand begins to play a big role. Bag museums are appearing in Tokyo, Great Britain, and France. There is even National Bag Day, which was introduced in England in 2010.
Nowadays it has become an axiom that you can never have too many bags. The bag must correspond to its purpose: we cannot go to the theater with a sports bag, or to a restaurant with a backpack. And a self-respecting girl must have a work bag, an evening bag and a travel bag. It is advisable to have them in several colors to match any outfit.
Of course, in summer light or bright prints are used, in winter they often lean towards dark options.
Those who want to know what types of bags are there, photos The article will answer all questions.
Character of a woman based on her bag is recognized
Determine tastes, preferences, woman's mood by bag not difficult. You just need to know which girl chose , and psychology, the science of the soul, will help you understand the character of a lady.
It is believed that on average a handbag can hold about 30 items.
A pedantic and punctual person, as a rule, has all her things in exemplary order, each in its place in the appropriate compartment. Such girls are very disciplined and organized, reliable employees and colleagues. They are active and reliable.
If all the objects are in disarray and it takes a long time to find them, then we are dealing with a creative, dreamy person. A young lady with chaos in her purse will always find a new way to solve the problem.
A thoughtful, calculating person has a minimum of items in her luggage, but they help her out in all unforeseen situations.
A huge number of things speak of an insecure nature, which tries to provide for all life’s moments. With the accumulation of experience, the contents of the bag will decrease.
Unnecessary items (buttons, coupons, used tickets, several notebooks and pens, broken hairpins and old keys) are kept by romantic but careless young ladies. It is unlikely that they will need a candy wrapper from a candy eaten two months ago. As a rule, they behave the same way around the house: leaving unwashed dishes in the sink for 2-3 days is not a problem.
A practical, economical, broad-minded lady, she has in her collection a durable stylish psyche bag, made from environmentally friendly jute fiber.
Notice how the girl carries her bag.
Discreet conservative ladies carry their handbag by the handle. They have an excellent upbringing and a developed sense of responsibility.
A thrifty, sensible woman will most likely put her handbag on the crook of her elbow, and a shy and insecure woman - on her shoulder.
An independent and self-confident lady will carry her purse by the corner, and for an active person it is convenient to throw the strap over her head in the “postman” style.
A reserved, responsible young lady will clutch her purse under her arm, while an energetic, inquisitive nature will rest behind her back.
Of course, when determining a girl’s character, one must take into account that over time, experience accumulates and mood changes. Therefore, preferences for certain models and colors, as well as the manner of wearing bags, may change.
Bags need to be protected
Along with clothes and shoes, the bag should look impeccable. If you want to extend the life of your favorite accessory, you should handle it carefully. Now, taken from grandmothers' chests, carefully preserved handbags become almost museum exhibits. They pay a lot of money for this vintage. And maybe in fifty years your granddaughter will be sporting your favorite handbags. Therefore, it is worth maintaining their shiny appearance. You will learn how to properly care for your handbag at home from.
How to wash a bag?
We don't always know Is it possible to wash a leather bag and how to clean it.
And to add shine, wipe with a sponge with glycerin or castor oil. To renew the leather of the bag, you can apply a nourishing cream to the surface and after 20 - 30 minutes, gently wipe it off with a flannel cloth. An orange peel or a cut of fresh onion will also add freshness to the skin.
A Is it possible to wash a suede bag and how to clean it?
If the suede is heavily soiled, wash it in a warm soapy solution. Usually it is enough to wipe off the dust with a cloth and wipe from time to time with a crust of black bread or a large soft eraser.
However, it is best to purchase a ready-made product for cleaning the product of the required type and use it according to the instructions. Then you can safely say: “ My favorite bag All right!"
There are special sprays for patent leather handbags that maintain shine and do not stain clothes. Lacquered leather can only withstand a temperature range of -15 - +25 degrees. In severe frost or heat it cracks.
It is better to clean exotic leather carefully with a dry cloth. Do not get wet under any circumstances!
How and where to store bags at home correctly?
To allow natural leather to breathe, you need to store such a bag in a fabric bag or box.
You need to put crumpled newspapers inside to maintain its shape.
To prevent skin from burning, it is better to protect it from light.
To prevent stretching of leather products, do not carry heavy items in them. It is believed that a bag should not weigh more than 2 kilograms: this is harmful both for the accessory and for the female body.
Never place a wet bag on a radiator or any other heating device; leave it to dry at room temperature.
A bag is not only a practical and fashionable accessory. This is a kind of business card of a woman that completes the image and makes it unique. Therefore, your handbag deserves to always be at its best in appearance and condition.
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Ladies handbag, how the ladies are accustomed to this constant attribute! History of a woman's handbag for every young lady it begins almost from infancy. First, the mother puts the baby's belongings there. Then comes the time for kindergarten, school, college, work, and between them regular trips to the market. What about birthdays, going on dates, going to the theater? The female half of humanity has for every occasion.
The first women's handbags
Initially, women used bags made of skins to store and carry food and household utensils. Then the bags changed size, becoming smaller. They now have straps and become more comfortable. Each nationality decorated the bags in accordance with their concepts of beauty.
Then, for a long time, women's bags served as bags for storing money. Men's and women's bags differed only in that men wore them attached to their belts, and women wore them on laces. Then they began to put personal items in the bags - mirrors, snuff boxes, smelling salts. Under Louis XIV, pockets appeared and men's hands were freed. The pouch remains the prerogative of women, but is modified. That is, it becomes an inseparable and distinctive part of a woman’s wardrobe.
The favorite of Louis XV, Jeanne Antoinette Poisson, known to us as Madame de Pompadour, introduced fashion reticule(translated as “funny”). It was a ball-like bag made of lace - a bag with a bottom, tightened at the top with a beautiful long cord, which at the same time served as a handle. Over time, the reticule has undergone changes, but remains small, only for the most necessary little things. It is usually worn for special occasions.
And in Russia, during the time of Elizabeth I, they began to produce silk bags, stitched with gold threads. Of course, they were expensive - only wealthy ladies could wear them. The handbag became a distinctive sign of the classes.
Modern bags for women are an integral part of the wardrobe
Now the money has migrated to wallets. But the essence of the bitch has not changed over the centuries. Still, handbags are a warehouse for all sorts of little things - a wallet, cosmetics bag, paper tissues, wet wipes, a mobile phone, a comb, medicines and much more. How men joke - woman bag looks like a garage. You can find the most incredible things in it, and sometimes the lady herself gets lost in her purse, not knowing what lies there.
A handbag, large or small, has become the calling card of any young lady, which reflects the individuality of the owner. A lady can be dressed “haute couture”, with an excellent hairstyle, a beautiful manicure, but, for example, a shabby handbag will negate her efforts to look her best. A handbag immediately shows financial capabilities and status in society.
From a small piece of fabric that was always hidden in the folds of a skirt, the bag was transformed into a work of art and not a single designer show is complete without it.