Titan and I returned to the Handbag Museum the other day, and in a fortuitous turn of events, they do allow photography! Just not flash photography. So get ready for the grand (abbreviated) tour!
Of course the first “handbags” for carrying all your personal items were pockets, and these were hidden in your grand, voluminous, all-encompassing skirts!
But when styles altered and silhouettes decreased in size, pockets became an external accessory!
There are many examples of each style of bag as they come and go through the pages of history.
Along with exquisite examples of the detail and finesse of the artistry that goes into each piece.
Of course there are also examples of alternatives to handbags as well. Behold the ever popular (and practical) chatelaine! Most recently in my television viewing spotted being worn by the incomparable Mrs Hughes of Downton Abbey
There are also many more recent pieces in the museum, and as we slipped seamlessly into the 20th Century we came across one of my favourite sections; the bags that look like things!
This one is made to resemble a ship as it was created for the first class passengers on the maiden voyage of the Normandie! (1935)
There are a number of just beautiful pieces which perfectly exemplify both their time and their designers, like the Lucite collection …
… this Prada collection …
… this beautiful Alexander McQueen contribution …
… and Coco Chanel’s bag.
But for me the trip is happy and complete when I spot the Judith Leiber Cupcake.
Couldn’t you just die?!?
One day my pretty, one day …
ghoti industries 
So many interesting bags — I think my favourite of this batch is the one designed to resemble an oceanliner. Very classy! The others are a bit more than I think I could successfully manage — too flamboyant and grand to suit me. But that cupcake one, I think you definitely need one like that.
There is an awesome wicker basket with mice on the top playing cards! I think I need that one too! 😉
I think I could definitely use a wicker basket with mice on top playing cards. I’d have to find a place to put it that would protect it from the cats, though…
Yeah, me too! Both for the wanting, and the keeping safe from cats!
So many pretties 🙂
I could get lost in there for days!