Tupperware became woven into America's cultural fabric after World War II by forgoing retail stores in favor of a direct-to-consumer sales model.

Tupperware containers were invented by Earl Tupper in 1946 © SSPL/ A combination of factors dragged the company down: a backlash against plastic, a patchy global distribution network and the increasing anachronism of house party sales in the age of online shopping.

As Tupperware files for bankruptcy, here's a look back at how the iconic US company became woven into the world's cultural fabric.

Tupperware has officially filed for bankruptcy. On Tuesday, the food container giant, which brought financial independence to women across the U.S. in the mid-20th century thanks to their at-home sales parties,