Bag Lady

Fashion is indisputable today. It doesn't matter if you are a street person or the rich house down the street, fashion is something everyone serves. Those runners, you know, the ones with their logo on the side, are admired without a doubt even though most won't admit it. Shoes and purses amongst the feminine set, rate high. Since shoes have too wide a scope, NPI, let's think about bags. Hollywood that has turned into more than a sneer by a certain glossy magazine whose editor lurks behind her curtain of bobbed hair, reigns as leader. What is worn down the red carpet speaks. And what dangles from the hand or well-toned arm of said actress, is lauded as the acme of style. Those little dabs of leather with their tiny symbols of power such as the crossed C's of Chanel or the Gucci logos say everything. Some of these little bits of leather are worth the net paycheque of the working classes. A video segment showed a trio of the world's most spoiled and wealthy media princesses doing a spate of shopping in Dubai. They wandered through an empty shop with gaping fans gagaing in the windows outside. They reached and held and fondled the purses that were displayed on pedestals deserved by their lofty price tags. I have to admit it was as fascinating as watching a boa constrictor hypnotically writhing behind glass. The group left disdainfully but elegantly not able to find what they favoured. The other day, in a fit of excess, I decided to splurge and buy myself a truly great handbag. And I did. Of course, it was on sale. The actual price was idiotic for the small amount of leather done only as trim. The rest was made of, yes, canvas! Albeit "coated". Somewhat astounded, I Googled the history of the piece and found out that it had humble beginnings. The tale is simple. Long ago a woman in the USA sold beans. She put them into paper bags at first but as her business grew, she used canvas bags. Eventually, her creation grew and became the hugely sought-after purse that women, especially younger ones, recognize and desire all over the world. They are in the three and four figured price range but are patterned after a simple paper sack. The pattern on the item and the logo are what one pays for, but the workmanship is also keen. I do have another bag made by the famous Chanel that I picked up for a dead low price in a thrift shop. I love it but don't wear it, not only because it is very old and the leather somewhat cracked, but I do put it on my armoire as a decoration simply because I admire its creator, now departed, and her rise from humble beginnings to that of a top designer respected today in that orbit. When I wear my new handbag, I do so remembering that those who dream and work hard may and often do, become everything they ever desired. And not for the money, but because they rose by living their dream and for all the dreamers out there, giving them hope and inspiration.