Iconic, Whimsical, Luxurious: The Story of the Bucket Bag

Iconic, Whimsical, Luxurious: The Story of the Bucket Bag

Every woman deserves a touch of whimsy in her wardrobe. Yes, the Meg Ryan-esque black turtleneck from “You’ve Got Mail” is elegant and practical, yes an LBD will never go out of style- but that should not stop you from keeping a few whimsical pieces like a shocking pink dress with a flouncy skirt or a leopard printed pair of pants which you can dazzle your girlfriends in.

The bucket bag for women is that whimsical piece of accessory. You might not carry it with you to the office every day, but on Thursday night when you get that mail from HR saying that team lunch is tomorrow- you know it’s time for your bucket bag’s day out! It might not be what you carry to your daughter’s school for the PTM, but when you’ve found someone to babysit her for the night- you know it’s your bucket bag’s turn to complement that slinky black dress that your husband adores, when you go out with him for date night.

Bucket bags scream “main character energy.” They don’t just “complement” your OOTD or OOTN- they elevate it to the BOOTD or BOOTN [no, it’s not a typo for something naughty ;)]- we mean “Best Outfit of the Day/ Night.” If you do not enjoy attention, maybe steer clear of the bucket bag and go with one of the safer women’s handbags. Because, girl, your bucket bag is GOING to catch eyeballs. We can’t help it.

Loosening the Drawstrings: A Deepdive into the History of the Bucket Bag

Bucket bags, known for their iconic shape and versatile style, have a rich history that stretches across centuries. Initially born out of necessity, these bags have been influenced by various cultures and evolving fashion trends. Ready for a fun jaunt through the history of bucket bags? Let’s go!

The bucket bag’s story kicks off in the 20th century. Initially, these bags were the go-to carryalls for workers, especially those in agriculture and industry. Made from tough-as-nails materials like canvas and leather, they featured a roomy, bucket-like shape perfect for hauling all sorts of stuff.

Fast forward to the mid-20th century, and the bucket bag was ready for its makeover. No longer just a utilitarian workhorse, it started turning heads as a fashionable accessory. Designers went wild with creativity, experimenting with different materials, textures, and eye-catching embellishments. The game-changer? The iconic drawstring closure, adding a dash of elegance while keeping things practical.

From workhorse to runway star, the bucket bag has certainly come a long way!

Vogue, October 1, 1943, 95.

Under the Spotlight: Iconic Bucket Bags in Fashion History

The history of the classic drawstring bucket bag goes back much further, to at least 1900. Back then, it appeared as beaded drawstring satchels, or reticules. These bags took on many forms over the years—think luxurious mink by Koret or a perfect summer bag with a wicker base.

Since the early 1900s, the bucket bag has undergone several major transformations. Gaston-Louis Vuitton created one of the first modern versions with the Noé bag in 1932, designed to transport five bottles of champagne stylishly. However, it didn’t become a fashionable handbag until much later. By 1939, Vogue featured a black velvet drawstring bag reminiscent of “grandma’s reticule.”

Wicker base bucket bag, Vogue, April 15, 1948, 101.

During World War II, the reticule evolved into a “gargantuan drawstring pouch with a shoulder strap” and sturdy base, inspired by sailor’s duffle bags. Designed by Koret, these bags were made from non-priority materials like bookbinding leather and wool, reflecting wartime resourcefulness. Women loved them for their practicality and roominess, making them a Vogue staple through the late 1940s.

The late 1980s saw another surge in the bucket bag’s popularity. It was re-imagined in jewel tones, varied materials, and sizes to match the bold fashion of the time. Fendi’s coral patent leather mini bucket bag, for example, was both modern and reminiscent of the classic reticule. Vogue also showcased bucket bags made from untreated leather and woven straw, catering to a wide range of tastes.

As fashion moved away from designer monograms in the late ’80s, Louis Vuitton’s updated Noé in Epi leather became the epitome of understated luxury. This minimalist, hardware-light bag was featured in Vogue in 1986 and became a discreet yet chic alternative to its monogrammed counterpart.

The bucket bag trend continued into the 90s, with Vogue declaring roomy drawstring over-the-shoulder bags among the best of the season in 1993. Brands like DKNY, Coach, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Prada all had their takes on the bucket bag, each with unique silhouettes and materials.

The Recent Resurrection of the Bucket Bag

While the bucket bag’s popularity waned in the early 2000s, it never truly disappeared. The recent craze for Mansur Gavriel’s bucket bags proves that classic designs always make a comeback. Fashion trends may ebb and flow, but timeless styles like the bucket bag endure through the ages.

The award for the most successful rendition of the bucket bag undoubtedly goes to Mansur Gavriel, a trendy brand that burst onto the scene in 2012, founded by Floriana Gavriel and Rachel Mansur in New York City. Their sleek, minimalist drawstring bag, available in a rainbow of colors, quickly became a timeless staple. Recently, Business of Fashion dubbed it the “First Post-Recession It Bag,” and it’s easy to see why—it’s so iconic that it makes us almost forget about its stylish predecessors.

Mansur Graviel’s Bucket Bag, Credit: The Art of Dress

Before Mansur Graviel turned the bucket bag into a must-have craze, there was a resurgence in the popularity of vintage Coach handbags, which included their own take on the bucket bag. These vintage Coach bags were a dream come true for fashion-savvy individuals who wanted unique styles without the hefty designer price tags. With minimal branding and high-quality leather, vintage Coach bags offered an understated elegance that allowed the wearer’s individuality to shine through—all without breaking the bank.

Vintage Coach Bucket Bag, Credit: The Art of Dress

Konquer the world with our classy and affordable bucket bags

Yes, the bucket bags from the brands listed above might be in your wish list or even in your wardrobe. But that is no reason to miss out on the classy, trendy, oh-so-elegant bucket bag “Tiffany” from Konquer.

Designed with love by two young women, Akriti and Bhavna, these handbags for women will definitely be your companions forever.

Check out our collection of bucket bags and more here.