A fashion statement since Chaucer: The beaded bag

Beaded bags may be in fashion at the moment, but did you know that this trend is far from new? One of the oldest references to a beaded bag dates back to the Middle Ages, with Geoffrey Chaucer’s Prioress from The Canterbury Tales sporting a beaded leather purse on her arm.

 They have been especially fashionable in the past 100 years – bags from the early 1900’s were woven with hundreds, sometimes thousands, of glass beads. Beaded bags for the evening were akin to jewellery – sparkly yet lacking in practicality, designed to be carried by hand or on the wrist for maximum visibility. They were not made to hold many items; makeup and a mirror (maybe a few cigarettes if you were bold) would have been the extent of it. Moving on to the 1950’s and 60’s, plastic beaded bags gained popularity. The acrylic beads were significantly lighter and less expensive than the glass and gemstones previously sewn into bags, allowing manufacturers to adorn bags with beads that resembled expensive jewels for a fraction of the price.

Even after all these years, the beaded bag remains in fashion – some things truly never change. It’s easy to see how these styles translate into items on the high street today. If you want to participate in this age-old trend, there are many beaded bags currently on the market.

The magic of this trend is that you don’t have to search far for the type of beaded bag you want. Patterned, tasselled, delicate, or chunky, there is something for everyone

First, River Island has an extensive collection of beaded bags, ranging from traditional grab bags to beaded shoulder bags shaped like pizza slices and baked beans cans. A personal favourite of mine is the ‘Red Premium Lobster Beaded Shoulder Bag’, on the market for £46. It’s perfect for a warm day out paired with a red or white sundress.

For something more floral, look no further than Zara’s ‘Beaded Mini Tote Bag’, completely covered in colourful, delicate flowers on a dark backdrop. If you want a bag where every inch is covered in beads, this one’s for you. The many colours on this bag, including green, pink, maroon, white, and navy, mean that it would pair well with a wide range of outfits. It may be a bit pricey at £59.99, but it would give a stylish look for both spring and summer.

If you are looking for something classier, Accessorize sells a gorgeously timeless white mini handbag covered in pearls. This would make a perfect accessory for a summer garden party or wedding, especially paired with a pastel satin dress. Again, it may be slightly more expensive at £50, but it would make a staple accessory for any classy event.

For a more casual look, Primark has a blue, white, and orange shoulder bag with an adorable starfish pattern. Reasonably priced at £16, this bag is perfect for wearing to lunch on the beach.

Is it really any surprise that this fashion accessory has stood the test of time, all the way from Chaucer’s Prioress?

If you’re in the market for something more expensive, Lily & Bean offers a beautiful collection of beaded tote bags. Among my favourites is the Zebra ‘Juliana Beaded Tote’ (priced at £195), depicting a detailed jungle scene, which would pair nicely with pink or green clothing for brunch on a hot summer’s day.  ‘The Juliana Aspen Beaded Tote’, also costing £195 and portraying a ski slope with the slogan ‘OFF TO ASPEN’, puts a unique winter spin on the beaded bag, showing that it does not have to be an accessory just for summer.

These are just a few examples of beaded bags currently on the high street. Given their versatile nature, it’s easy to see why they continue to be in fashion. They are a striking plus-one for any event, from afternoon tea to a beach stroll to a casual lunch. The magic of this trend is that you don’t have to search far for the type of beaded bag you want. Patterned, tasselled, delicate, or chunky, there is something for everyone in this trend. Is it really any surprise that this fashion accessory has stood the test of time, all the way from Chaucer’s Prioress?