Gladstone’s It bag

The It bag has always been a fashion must. From the infamous Mulberry Alexa to the much sought-after Alexander Wang Rocco, every girl wants an iconic piece of arm candy. But this year there is a new It bag, a bag steeped in history. We introduce you to the Gladstone bag.

Originally developed in the mid-19^th century, the bag took the appearance of a rigid frame, representing the look of a suitcase, which could be split into two separate parts that were usually made of very strong leather and often bound with lanyards. Designed by leather shop owner J. G. William Beard, who traded in Westminster and was a fan and keen supported of Prime Minister William Gladstone, who was in turn renowned for his love of travelling, Beard bestowed the name Gladstone on his bag.

Despite the Gladstone being around for more than 100 years, it is still as popular as ever, with few or no changes made to the original design. This icon design is popping up all over the pages of the glossies this season and high street stores have been quick to take inspiration. From simple distressed leather at Topshop to flashes of bright colours and leopard print at Oasis, this It bag has definitely been reinvented to sit with the fashion friendly, and is truly here to stay. Perfect for women on the go, this design is deceptively large, and big enough to fit all the everyday necessities.

So next time you’re yearning for a new bag, think to yourself: how long do I want this to last? The answer will always be Gladstone.

To read more about the history of the Gladstone bag visit here.

Becca Carey