A Crones View - In Defence of the Handbag [1]
Why Can’t A Woman Be More Like A Man? Like the lost arts of conversation, manners, etiquette, and reverence for the-feminine, the place of the handbag appears to be an unwelcome intrusion in current day life. Yet despite Henry Higgins (My Fair Lady) statement, what has not changed is that women do not want to be more like a man. For women and handbags are synonymous; the handbag reigns supreme in her world. They are an expensive accessory, lovingly selected with the range of bags oh so beautiful. Decisions as to design, colour, size, compartments inside, zips on the outside, and the length of the straps, are all carefully considered. The discerning women also looks for quality and practicality, the result of which is the purchase of a new handbag, no matter how many she has by her side.
The key item in any handbag is the purse and how one actually takes it out of the bag. Herein is the heart of my cry. As my handbag has grown to accommodate a plethora of items that are my life, the ‘space to place’ my handbag has become minuscule, extinct even, hence the need to rise to the defence of the handbag. Counter space has become a luxury. And whom are you defending yourself from mademoiselle, what forces do you perceived to be at work? That creeping insidious domination of commercialism. THE all-mighty dollar has degenerated not just the handbag, but also the simple charm of everyday exchanges.
Cafes, pharmacy’s, bookshop, all have little space. Their counters like most we encounter during the exchanges in our days are cluttered. The ‘space to place’ ones handbag does not feature in the architectural design decision at all - unlike the love and care we woman take in choosing the design of our handbags. The expectation is for one to stand still like a wooden toy soldier, least one knocks over the multitude of items deemed necessary in this precious space; the interface of person and the exchange. For the woman with her handbag every purchase is a challenge. How to retrieve her purse AND with impatience reigning for the next customer please, return it to her handbag. It’s a mission, a balancing act that requires – well it requires balance and a keen sense of timing in order to place ones purse back in the handbag. Pallor has been cast on every purchase with joy quickly dissipating as one notes the ‘space to place’.
Library book-return slots takes the bag-less space award for there is absolutely no ‘space to place’. Not a smidgen. A stainless wall greets one. One struggles, balancing the heavy bag in ones arms whilst delving into its deeper recesses or when carrying two bags, stretching ones arms into the library carry bag whilst been restrained by the weight of the handbag on the opposite shoulder. This feat is a triumph; a celebration for this has for moi become a practiced art form. The delicate delving and dispensing of my books into the faceless chute.
The alternative? Place your bag upon the floor - so says the man. Horrors upon horrors as I learnt to my expense. On one occasion I unwittingly resorted to placing my lovely handbag on the floor, and later onto my lap. Only to find that my beautiful cream satin skirt had acquired an accessory, not to my liking. A piece of gum! Off to the dry cleaners where sorrow turns to joy and delight of delights - there was ‘space to place’ my handbag.
Café’s an integral part of my life have become the community de jour. Large tables have become de rigour and provide a welcome space for the handbag. Not the intention of course. My choice of cafés is likened to the search for art with its inimitable qualities. For I am seeking a blend of ambience, style, personable personnel, excellent coffee combined with that definable feeling of being ‘a customer’ together with the ‘space to place’ my handbag. Increasingly tables are placed close together. Is this in the subtle expectation that one drinks and leaves rather than sips, savours and stays in the precious space? Not at La Cloche or Le Marche Francais cafes in Wellington New Zealand. The French of course have perfected the inimitable qualities of excellence.
Yet a solution for those oh so charming tiny cafes that are ‘close’. One other shares my desire for a ‘space to place’ their treasured handbag. A beautifully designed handbag accessory. With one flick of the wrist, a hook provides the means to hang my handbag on the table by my side. Perfect for light handbags. One could use this wonderful accessory in those important private tiny spaces – the bathroom cubicles. Alas, the back of the bathroom door is often hook-less. Reverence for the feminine has truly declined. Further-more the sloth of commercialism has invaded our private spaces. Digital advertising messages are now a component of hand dryers if you please. Is there absolutely no place for stillness at all?
I discovered a notable other that has beliefs similar to mine - that there is a moral responsibility to create physical spaces. Admittedly referring to public spaces and in no way shape or form am I proposing more government interference in our business or personal lives. Yet the conclusion that one should “observe the way people moved through, use and re-used space and that this should be the basis of planning” is worthy of note. I wonder if the author William Whyte the “American urbanite and people watcher” has noticed the lack of ‘space to place’ the handbag.
A revolution is required to be led in the defence of the handbag. Women we need to unite. We must stake our claim for a return to what matters most - the full enjoyment of the handbag, with spaces to place our handbags during the daily exchanges that are our lives. For our will is much stronger than any advertising. Word of mouth can win the day. Monumental change comes from the ground up - when we collectively care enough. I invite you to be the change you want to see and ask for a ‘space to place’ your handbag.
Date: Wednesday, 11 May 2020
Authoress: Carol Lorraine
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Postscript
This article was written some time ago. I pondered how relevant it was to post during this time of mandatory separation and resolved that we must have faith in the beauty and essence of women-hood whatever is occurring in the outside world. Our essence is internal and its up to each of us to hold on to our preciousness as human beings and the simple joys of life - in this case a handbag but equally anything that brings you joy.
Text amended 1.1.2021