Old-style pneumatic tube system used in business and two of the capsules in use on the Paris pneumatic tube system.
Popular Lucite handbags of the 1940s.

The History of Cargo Handbags:

The story behind Carrie Scott’s Cargo handbags is a fascinating tale of technology and fashion…

Our story begins in 100 B.C. when the Greek Hero of Alexandria first spoke of the principles pneumatics: using air to transport physical objects in tubes. Yet, it wasn't until the nineteenth century when pneumatics was put to use. When pneumatic technology was new, people envisaged cities of the future linked together by an elaborate network of tubes delivery papers and even people. Subway systems were originally conceived as working on pneumatic principles. In fact, the NYC subway system even worked this way. Today, use of pneumatic tubes has greatly diminished with the rise of electronic communication devices. The most likely place to fine pneumatic tubes still in use is at drive-up banks and hospitals.

The story behind Cargo handbags continues in the highbrow fashion world of the 1940s. During this time, hard plastic and acrylic handbags were all the rage and the hippest levels of vogue. Lucite™ handbags were created by top designers of the day such as Will Hardy and Charles S. Kahn. A trademark of Dupont, Lucite™ handbags were handmade from metal basket weave features to filigree fasteners on outrageous colors to the clear plastic model in which a girl can hide her personal things with a scarf — one to match every outfit! Eventually Lucite™ handbags fell from fashion's grace when cheaply made mass marketed knock-offs flooded the market.

As you can see, the story of Carrie Scott’s Cargo handbags is firmly rooted in the fascinating history of technology and fashion. Cargo bags play a vital role in bringing this history alive for those of us who want to look great and smart!

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