Handbags Museums and Exhibitions Not To Be Missed

by Min Leung Saller

In this article, we will list the world's handbags enthusiasts for those exhibitions that should not be missed, including the museum's permanent collections, roving exhibitions and events.

1 Handbags and Wallets Museum

Amsterdam

The Museum of handbags and Purses (Tassenmuseum Hendrikje) is housed in a majestic 17th-century building next to the Herengracht in the heart of Amsterdam. It houses more than 5,000 handbags and wallets from the 16th century to the present.

Iron frame goatskin bag, made in France from 1500 to 1599. The former owner of the bag is probably a 16th-century merchant with two iron straps on the bag to make it easy for the owner to tie it to his waist for safety. There are 18 separate small pockets in the purse, which may be used to facilitate the classification of different currencies. Some small pockets have a very hidden design, probably to prevent thieves.

Bamboo and wooden handbags, made in 1970-1979. In 2016, the new brand Cult Gaia launched a bamboo handbag, which immediately became the “must have handbag” in summer. Although the production of bamboo handbags is a tradition that has been inherited for hundreds of years in Japan, it is currently impossible to determine whether the design originated in Japan. Most of the antique replica Designer Handbags similar in design to Cult Gaia were born in the 1960s and 1970s, when Japanese style was once again popular in the West.

This fascinating collection of handbags began with a handbag owned by an antique dealer, which was later expanded into a collection of private collections, and now it is a museum that often hosts famous exhibitions.

2 Simon's Handbag Museum

Seoul

The Simone Handbag Museum was founded in 2012 and is located in a handbag-shaped building called Bagstage in Gangnam-gu, Seoul.

The letter bag, made in the UK in about 1780. Courtesy Simone Handbag Museum

The permanent collection in the pavilion consists of 300 boutiques, the earliest of which dates back to 1550. The upper level of the museum is used to showcase the long history of handbag design, while the lower level is dominated by twentieth-century and contemporary handbags, with a focus on Western design.

Modern Gallery of Seoul Simon Bag Museum

3 Leibo Collection

new York

The Leiber Collection was established to commemorate the life and work of Judith Leiber (1921-2018), both a designer and a businessman. Born in Budapest, she was the first woman to join the Hungarian Handbag Guild. Later, Judith Rebe moved to New York and founded his own company in 1963.

Judith? Rebe designed a colorful rhinestone peacock style clutch, 11.43 x 15.24 x 4.45 cm., 2004. Courtesy The Leiber Collection

Judith? Rebe designed a penguin-shaped clutch with crystal rhinestone and semi-precious stones, 17.1 x 7.9 x 8.6 cm., 2011. Courtesy The Leiber Collection

Judith? Rebe is one of the first designers to be sought after by a large number of collectors. Her designs are best known for their gorgeous crystal clutches with vivid shapes and geometric shapes. Her work has been included in the permanent collections of The Victoria & Albert Museum (The V&A), The Met and The Smithsonian.

4 “Christine Dior: Designer of Dreams” Exhibition

London, on display until September 1

To celebrate the 70th anniversary of the brand, Dior held a sensational exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in 2017. Today, this must-see exhibition "replica Christion Dior bags: Designer of Dreams" has moved to the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

The three-dimensional model exhibition area of the "Christine Dior: Designer of Dreams" exhibition will be exhibited at the Victoria and Albert Museum until September 1, 2019. Vam.ac.uk. Photography? Adrien Dirand

The exhibition brings together a large collection of museums, including fashion, handbags, shoes, hats and accessories, reflecting the wide-ranging influence of Dior as one of the most important brands in the history of women's fashion.

5 Chanel – “Mademoiselle Privé” exhibition

Tokyo, October 19 to December 1

The "Mademoiselle Privé" exhibition was held in London, Seoul, Hong Kong and Shanghai. It featured three extraordinary treasures from the legendary Chanel brand: Haute Couture, Haute Couture and Chanel No. 5.

Chanel, glossy black crocodile skin large single cover with silver accessories, 2009-2010 system. In June 2019, it was sold at Christie's London for £11,875.

By presenting a series of representative Chanel's unique works, the exhibition shows the origin, inspiration and creative process of the brand's wonderful creativity, and feels its outstanding craftsmanship in different luxury fields, bringing a refreshing sensory experience. Following the exhibition at the West Coast Art Center in Shanghai from April to June this year, “Mademoiselle Privé” will travel to Tokyo, the next stop in October.