The leather satchel has been around for centuries as a means of carrying stuff - it even crops up in Roman times under the name of Loculus which literally means 'little place' in Latin. Used by Roman Legionaries, these satchels would probably have been used to store rations and personal belongings, and were carried as part of a Legionary's luggage.
However, for carrying stuff is one thing, but the leather satchel only really came into the fashion limelight in the 17th century when it became a popular fashion accessory for the first time.
Since then, it has never really left the scene. In popular culture the iconic leather satchel is associated with the classic English school boy image; and with Indiana Jones too (I'm not quite sure which is cooler, perhaps neither...). In modern day Britain it marks the rise of the now popular 'man bag'.
Of course they were popular in the mid 20th century as practical smart school bags. No school boy or girl would be seen without a solid virtually indestructible leather school satchel. There's no doubt vintage school bags influenced today's satchel trend.
But one thing is for certain: wherever it may appear, whatever it may be associated with, the satchel is here to stay. Over the years the craze for the satchel as a fashion must-have has come and gone in waves, and this year has been no exception. With everyone lusting after the 'vintage look' in fashion today, the leather satchel is, understandably, at the forefront of it all.
We've seen a year packed with satchels in all shapes and sizes, from the designer Alexa Mulberry to the high street Primark version; from genuine vintage to modern remakes... the satchel truly is a style icon this season.
You can pick one up almost anywhere: eBay, second hand clothes shops and charity shops, of course, are where you will find the real original thing - if you look hard enough.
