Bags - Inside And Out
Horse Chestnut Bag, Emily Jo Gibbs. Photo by Lol Johnson
While the early Europeans wore 'purses' for the sole use of carrying coins; today they hold our modern-day treasures from mobiles and money to makeup and even mutts! But this is not an accessory reserved for women only; Winston Churchill himself had his very own, in the form of a despatch box, one of the many items to be included in a new exhibition at the V&A opening on the 25th of April 2020.
From the designs of Karl Lagerfeld and Anya Hindmarch to the statement handbags of Sarah Jessica Parker and the streetwear of Offwhite, the V&A explores this most coveted accessory in all shapes and forms. From historic purses, vanity cases and military rucksacks; the show encapsulates all aspects of bag design, exploring our fascination with bags through history. On display, will be 300 items of varying sizes and shapes dating from the 16th century to today.
Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel -
Lait de Coco evening bag, autumn winter 2014 Paris - copyright V&A
Grace Kelly’s departure from Hollywood -
Allan Grant for Time Life Getty Images
The show will explore many aspects of this beloved accessory, through functionality, status and the craftsmanship behind it. Displayed in four specific sections, it takes a look at bags as practical items that hold our belongings, featuring rare items such as the embroidered burse used to protect the silver matrix of Elizabeth I's Great Seal of England.
The second section explores the role of the bag as a status symbol and the 'IT' bag phenomenon fuelled by celebrity culture and endorsements. From the Hermès 'Kelly' named in honour of Grace Kelly and a 'Lady Dior' handbag named after Princess Diana, the exhibition features some of the bags that have reached the status of icon, coveted by many but owned by few. We will also see how handbags are the blank canvas to convey political messages and personal statements.
“Bags Inside and Out will also showcase the craftsmanship and detail employed from the 17th-century embroiderers through to today’s designers.”
Images above from left to right: Portfolio 1715-18 Istanbul copyright V&A, Chatelain 1863-85 England, cut steel copyright V&A, John Peck and Son, London, Winston Churchill as Secretary of State for the Colonies, Despatch Box no7 - Image courtesy of Southeby’s.
Bags Inside and Out will also showcase the craftsmanship and detail employed from the 17th-century embroiderers through to today's designers who transform the bag into playful objects such as milk cartons and canines. And finally, a look into the future will address issues such as the environment and sustainability in bag design. Sponsored by Mulberry, his beautiful collection of accessories is sure to fascinate, educate and amuse anyone who loves these hand-held treasures.
Anya Hindmarch ‘I am not a plastic bag’
copyright V&A
Tracey Emin for Longchamp -
Image copyright V&A - London DACS
Thierry Andretta, Mulberry CEO said: 'As the largest luxury leather goods designer and maker in the UK, bags have always been our passion. We are pleased to support this wonderful V&A exhibition that explores the unique status of these objects in our lives. Bags can be functional and beautiful, public and private; they carry cultural and personal meaning as well as our belongings, and they are iconic pieces of design, worth celebrating in their own right.'
The exhibition Bags: Inside Out, Sponsored by Mulberry, runs from the 25th of April 2020– the 31st of January 2021. Tickets from £12 (Available early 2020).
The exhibition has been curated for the V&A by Lucia Savi. A richly illustrated new V&A publication will accompany it.
Founded in 1971, Mulberry creates luxury fashion goods that are made to last, to be loved and passed onto the next generation. Originally a family-run business, it has grown into the largest designer and manufacturer of luxury leather bags in the UK with two Somerset factories and a design studio in London led by Creative Director Johnny Coca. Today Mulberry is a truly global lifestyle brand with collections comprising women's and men's bags, accessories, jewellery, women's ready-to-wear, shoes and luggage, available in over 120 stores worldwide and the digital flagship www.mulberry.com.
Fendi Baguette bag worn by Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex and the City, 2000, Italy. Image courtesy of Fendi