John Ptak explores the history of the handbag after seeing a photo of 1920 woman, who couldn’t seem to put one down: I carry diligently, and often forget, even in while carrying, the significance of the handbag… To me, questioning one about a handbag — or “bag” — is as if we’ve asked one to make your life story interesting or to give one a field guide to a life. Fair enough, but perhaps an impossible feat in a passing sidewalk moment. *** Today’s post from Bobulate reminded me of one of National Design Lifetime Achievement Award-winner Jane Thompson’s reminiscences in our book, Design Research: The Store that Brought Modern Living to American Homes (available in just one month), about the Mari-sisterhood: Dropping my Mari-labeled bag onto store counters, or on office desks, I hear amazing life stories volunteered breathlessly. These encounters have not only continued over decades but have increased as Marimekko products have been seen less often in this country. Over decades the power of connectivity has built what I perceive is a Mari-Sisterhood, joined by some special awareness common to members of the ’hood. Today’s members include seniors, 1960s veterans, and initiates enjoying the American upsurge of Marimekko shops in which all of us feel like members of a special alumnae association. (In large number, it is an alumnae association, but male fans can be fanatics too.)
