Fashion is a big business all over the world, with a very large and active industry operating in every developed nation on the planet. Fashion is a general term that can be used to define all sorts of clothing and clothing accessories, including shoes, bags, sunglasses, accessories, and the purse (Geldbeutel Damen) . During recent times, a lot of emphasis has been put on fashion accessories, with items such as the purse and handbag being designed by a large number of fashion houses. The modern fashion industry consists of four distinct levels, the production of new materials, the production of fashion goods, retail sales, and various forms of marketing and advertising. In order to transform the purse from a practical item into a designer fashion accessory, each of these levels has been important.

The word purse has a couple of distinct but related meanings. In American English, the term purse is usually used to describe a handbag style bag, which is normally big enough to carry a number of personal items. However, in British English, the term purse is used more to describe a coin purse that is only used to store small items such as money, credit cards, and identification. In both cases however, fashion houses have been designing and making a number of attractive products that have both a practical and aesthetic appeal. Because a purse is always carried with you, it is very important to have one that is both practical and loved.

Some of the designer fashion labels that manufacture purses and handbag products include Belen Echandia, Birkin Bag, Coach Inc, English Retreads, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Ruehl No 925, Hansengross, Vera Bradley, Hester van Eegen, and Kooba. However, this is only a selected list, as a large number of fashion houses and accessory manufacturers produce their own purses and handbag products. Designer purses are widely available on the Internet, through large department stores, small boutique fashion retailers, and a variety of other fashion related shops.