I have given up trying to figure out what my wife is upto with her obsession of massive handbags. Big new ones appear each week at home. In the morning, a new one is selected for the day. Its takes a while for complete ‘content transfer’. In the car, the phone in the handbag rings, and since the bag is almost the size of a cave, it takes forever to find the irritating ringing thingy in the tunnel – by which time the caller gives up and hangs up. Each new store we visit, she first heads to ‘womens bags’
Why are women fascinated by big handbags? And why do they buy new ones ever so often?
- It’s primitive DNA gene:
I think women were the hoarders or safe keepers in the caves and that’s why clutching bushel like parcels is hard wired in their brains. The bag replicates that experience – it makes them feel that they are in possession of something very material and hence the comfort of the big wobbly cushiony thing near them.
- It is a baby-cradling fetish:
The bag is a surrogate baby. Cradling and holding it delivers the same effect. Stuffed with things women never use, the weight and proportion is almost that of a baby. It’s a good way to feel.
- Its that industrious feeling:
In India, women in rural areas carry large water vessels on their heads. Or on their waist. It makes them industrious. Some toil with sickles in the paddy fields. Are handbags the avant garde tools of industriousness of the modern woman ?
- It feels like protection
These large handbags are perfect for swinging and protection. Think of carrying a soft manageable boulder hanging out with you. A swig or two can do the job. It’s a nice feel safe thing.
- None of the above – women are just richer than men.
The economics of the handbag business are mind boggling. Women buy them like clothes and its just plain simple economics – They have a better cash flow than us men.
I’ve given up reasoning and hope to get some answers. And watch out – the next handbag is going to become the trolley bag. I’m gonna get my car an overhead bin!
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Such insite. Wonderful reading.
Also pretty brave to talk about the wife on a public forum.
Hey Alok ,
That was an interesting and witty analysis, and was fun reading
However the truth is that large bags are in fashion .. But do not fret .. just wait a while, and the smaller ones will be back .
P.S.
Did you hear about the woman who was offended, when someone called her handbag a bag .. for God’s sake it was a Prada !
Check this one out !
http://www.bagsnob.com/2007/10/louis_vuitton_joke_bag.html
Looks like you’ll have to do with McDonald’s burger for dinner tonight =D
It also lends a feeling of security. That you’re carrying everything you MAY need with you!
It’s a very important almost ‘gadget-ish’ accessory for a women to have several wonderful handbags.
You are bang on Economics. I met a girl in London her job was to constantly attend all the Celeb loaded Social events and simply spot their branded handbags and take as many pics as she can, the pics were later passed on to Luxury and Style Magazines who decided what to place depending on the Brand in the pic and how much they are spending with their publication!!!
The reasons why we carry huge handbags are many…
One, its more of a security feeling – of needing something and finding it with u, then and there..there could arise occasions when u want something – like a face wash and a sunscreen; but u have to make do without it, coz u r carrying a smaller bag…and that can be really very upsetting…it affects the entire day…and as a result, it affects the work that u do..
Two, its also to discuss with other gal pals about the latest stuff launched by Mac or Maybelline and how u wouldnt mind sharing them….(depends from person to person, though..)
Third, its more of a fashion trend….large bags look good….:-)
came here via Paid Content i think and wow, sir, this is good writing and great POV on the world. this bag post is a classic and should be reprinted worldwide, maybe even send a link to Maureen Dowd at the NYTimes she might write about this meme one day. It’s funny, and it’s true, and yes, you were brave to write about your wife this way. Bravo! Humour works!
here’s my take on the google vs china contretemps via brokeback mountain: “I just don’t know how to quit you.”
http://northwardho.blogspot.com/2010/01/google-to-china-i-just-cant-quit-ya.html
Danny
in Taiwan
Tufts 1971
Danny – thanks so much for the encouragement!
Bags are a great fashion accessory. And bigger they are, more chances of it turning heads! Moreover, as compared to a small clutch it can hold ‘everything’ that a woman ‘might’ need! I personally have a huge collection of big handbags and I can never stop craving for more
I think big bags offer a kind of reassurance that I will never be caught not having something I need just when I need it the most!
Now, not sure if its a DNA thing but definitely is a comfort thing!
very articulate write up…
Alok,
Visited your blog first time today and read 4 posts. Great stuff and will recommend to all my friends who want to “start up”
Also, it is always very interesting to see the comments of others.
Pingback: If women could use the memory they have… | Rodinhood.com by Alok Kejriwal
I found your resource via Google on Saturday while searching for large gadget bag and your post regarding Why do women carry such large handbags? | Rodinhood.com by Alok KejriwalRodinhood.com by Alok Kejriwal looked very interesting to me. I just wanted to write to say that you have a great site and a wonderful resource for all to share.
You are very kind. Thank you. Alok
i think it is
It feels like protection
basically a prop to cling to, a thing to keep them busy with while idling.
and then they definitely need to carry more stuff than men, so the large size argument just keep getting larger in style race.
Handbags are part of women – bec they carry lot of makeup kits, money and some other essential things, Also packed in one thing.
Carrying the same old bag does not look good for her looks, so with different brand with different style always enhance her looks and style
This is completely hilarious. It was great to read a man’s mind about a woman’s mind-bent and baggage attached. Wow…m in love with this piece and i’m sure you hv voiced thoughts and sentiments of men who have not found the right words to put it across. M surely gonna share it with my husband so that he doesn’t feel alien to this mystery, which he has never been able to crack. a completely awesome post.