Roughly 150 years ago, a brilliant scientist named Charles Darwin wrote a book. This book was the Origin of Species, and it was destined to become one of the foundations of modern thought. In this book, he laid out in great detail his revolutionary theory of natural selection, and explained a general outline of how every species came to be.

What you may not have considered, however, is that this system of spelling out also applies to other areas. For example, handbags. If you consider the history of each of the major fashion designers, it can be difficult to see any common ground. However, it is not that hard to find a sequence common to all of them. And so, without further ado, I present The Origin Of Handbags!

Begin with a dream. Most of the major labels, such as Chloe, Fendi, or Krizia began with a single woman opening a shop. Of course, not every major label begins this way. Gucci, for example, began with a man opening a shop. Sometimes they sell clothing, sometimes not, but inevitably the founder discovers a sense of fashion.

Soon after this, the designer begins displaying their creations to the world. They open a small shop in a big city, and occasionally get married. In any case, this is just the start of their journey to the top. At this point, the designer shows excellent business sense and a great deal of persistence.

Although they may struggle in the beginning, as Guess did to get their jeans in stock, or are as instantly successful as Ralph Laurens ties, as soon as the public discovers their unique and stunning fashion they very quickly become famous. The founder of the company lives to see their brand recognized internationally, and very soon decides to expand.

This is where the handbag arises. The label, having now reached some degree of renown, begins to expand... perfumes are created, new fashions conceived, and they begin to sell handbags. Each label develops a distinctive look, to match their previous clothing design, and their handbags enter shops.

Whatever style you particularly favour, be it the elegance of Prada or the class of Diego Rocha, you can hardly argue that they are very different, and convey a unique impression. Everyone needs to wear clothes, but handbags are optional, and so are open for whatever incredible inventiveness the artist can devise.

In time, the founder of the company will die, and their children inherit control. In some cases, such as the daughters of Adele Fendi, they cooperate and work together. In others, such as with Aldo and Rudolfo Gucci, they battle each other for the rights to the company. But no matter the internal conflicts, the public still loves them, and sales continue to rise.

Gradually the rapid rose to prominence slows, as they gradually reach a point where they can rise no higher. With uncountable international awards to proclaim their fame, the brand has become a household name. Generally, at this point the name of the creator also achieves a similar level of recognition- for example, consider Roberto Cavalli. Can you think of anyone else, who compares to him?

This brings me to the end of my article, and my general description of the evolution of the labels behind the handbags. I hope I've entertained you, and possible even educated you slightly, but in any case I leave you with a question to ponder- is there anything else, that follows a similarly general pattern?