I love carpet bags, and the history behind them: they date to early 19th Century Victorian England, and they are really born of an "upcycling" mindset. It started as just what it sounds like: old carpets were repurposed for use as bags and suitcases, with the idea being that carpets were virtually indestructible and made to stand the test of time. Many women hand embroidered their bags themselves and then had a local saddler add leather corners, handles, and a metal frame. In the 1830s, steam powered railway services in England made travel more accessible to the masses for the first time, hence the sudden need for travel bags. The craze for carpet bags was suddenly resurrected in the 1960s, when Jerry Terrence (the maker of this piece) drew inspiration from his family's carpet business to create a handbag brand using the same materials. His brand became wildly popular, and made carpet bags *THE* it bag of the 1960s and 1970s. This oversized bag features a muted floral palette (the exterior feels like a wool carpet) with a top handle, and a twist lock closure. There is an interior pocket and a tag identifying it as an original Jerry Terrence carpet bag. Measures 14.5" at widest point (bottom) by 11" tall and a maximum depth about 4." The handle drop is 6." The Vintage 1970s Gunne Sax Dress pictured is also available.

Great vintage condition, with some minor wear to hardware and fabric commensurate with age, contributing to the overall vintage look. With any questions about the specific condition or size, please email shop@verybreezy.com for additional photos or measurements.

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This item is sold from an excellent, highly rated vintage seller in New York, NY.