The Art of the Purse

Graphic by Ben DeAcetis

The purse, the handbag, the satchel or the tote, any kind contains a usefulness that is both a fashion statement in and of itself, and not just a mechanical part of daily living. When I see a purse I love, my eyes light up, my imagination flutters and even my keys, lip gloss and credit cards seem to grin. Each strap, each stitch, carries a story—somewhere between practicality and elegance, a dance of form and function.

A purse is a treasure chest, a secret keeper, a quiet little, or perhaps not so little, universe in your hands. The contents inside are often hidden beneath the dark depths of pens, gum, keychains and jewelry. Tucked away in hidden corners, the receipts from last week’s coffee run mingle with forgotten mints, while a crumpled makeup wipe holds the remnants of last night's makeup. The clutter is a map of daily life, the gentle chaos that keeps everything together.

The purse becomes not just an accessory, but a statement—a quiet declaration of who we are in this moment, and who we want to be when we step out into the world.

Our purses give others a glimpse of who we are, and a well-loved bag can speak volumes about its owner. My friends and I are purse fanatics, so what better way to showcase what makes an individual's bag a personal treasure chest than to show our own. 

Chloe Wright, 20, treasures her Coach circa early 2000s black leather purse, reflecting on the sentimental value it holds.

“Growing up, early 2000s, my mom always had this little leather purse, and I remember I’d always admire it,” Wright said.

Wright said that the black leather design, suitable for everyday wear and versatile enough to complement any outfit, fits all of her essentials.

According to Wright, the purse offers others a peek into her individuality.

“I think there's a lot of character in this purse if you look hard enough. Maybe that's a reflection of who I am,” Wright said with a smile.

Emma Bryant, 20, shares the story behind her thrifted brown leather Pelle Studio purse, one she feels deeply connected to.

“I got this purse in the fall from the Salvation Army. I saw her for the first time, and I was like, I don't need her, and then I went back, and she was still there,” Bryant said, grinning as she looked at her bag.

Bryant considers it her go-to accessory, perfectly sized to hold everything she needs.

“This is my everyday bag, my catch-all bag, my Mary Poppins bag,” Bryant said.

Liliana Rohlf, 19, values her red velvet bag for its emotional ties to an old friend and their shared pastime.

“This was my first time reconnecting with one of my best friends from high school, and throughout high school, we would always go to our favorite thrift store right by our school, which is where I found this purse,” Rohlf said.

Initially picked out by her friend, the purse was eventually gifted to Rohlf, who said it perfectly matches her personality.

The striking red velvet exterior paired with the quirky interior design mirrors her vibrant character, Rohlf said.

“I'm very outgoing on the outside, but when you get to know me, I'm even brighter and more outgoing on the inside. Just like this purse,” Rohlf said.