Leather Handbags – Thatcher’s Legacy

Leather handbags symbolized Margaret Thatcher’s style of government, and a black leather handbag of the former British Prime Minister sold at auction for $150,000.

It’s a slightly bizarre concept – that one of the most powerful and influential British Prime Ministers is symbolized by something as frivolous as a leather handbag. But Margaret Thatcher made leather handbags famous, if a rather unlikely fashion statement.

Leather handbags – sold at auction

The fact Thatcher was so connected to her leather handbags in the public eye was reconfirmed when one of her handbags sold for an incredible $150,000 at auction. The leather handbag originally cost five-hundred dollars and the sale raised money for a breast cancer charity.

Leather handbags symbolized political style

And the leather handbags were more than just a style statement, they were said to symbolize her style of government. Baroness Thatcher was thrilled her leather handbags had such an influence and raised money for a good cause. She told the press: “My handbags did good service in Cabinet and I am pleased they are still having the right effect.”

Famous leather handbags

The leather handbags of other influential women were also auctioned off including Cherie Booth, Lorraine Kelly and Jerry Hall.

Political impact

Baroness Thatcher inspired admirers and enemies when she was dubbed the Iron Lady during her premiership. The Cold War and Miner’s Strike were just a few of the controversial historic events Mrs Thatcher divided the nation over. Thatcher’s legacy is still being felt today. She is still a figure that divides opinion sharply and will be remembered for some dark moments – the poll tax riots, the Miner’s strike, mass unemployment and the sinking of the Belgrano.

Follower of fashion

But it is her leather handbags that are iconic and powerful symbols of her reign. And since the world’s most sought after fashion designer Marc Jacobs cited Thatcher as being an inspiration, it seems her sensible style of leather handbags are now even ‘cool’. The reason the boundaries of ‘cool’ are changing experts say, is because the mass produced manufactured look is out – it’s all about individuality. And Baroness Thatcher was certainly a one off.

What’s cool?

If a politician with a sensible trademark leather handbag can inspire fashion designers, it seems anyone or anything can be cool. Fashion can be fickle and there are plenty of un-cool things that can suddenly become hip thanks to high profile politicians, fashion designers and celebrities. Scrabble and knitting are just two other unlikely subjects that suddenly became cool thanks to celebrity fans. But good quality leather handbags, whoever carries them, have always been associated with a timeless style.

Maxwell Scott produces fine quality luxury leather handbags, briefcases, luggage and accessories. The Maxwell Scott brand is synonymous with style, quality and craftsmanship. Using the finest Italian leather with over 500 years of traditional tanning methods, choose Maxwell Scott for hand crafted, original designs that exude an elegance and quality recognised throughout the world. For sales enquiries email: sales@maxwellscottbags.com or telephone: 0870 24 24 684.

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