An illustrated reference, the book explores the key designers, technical developments and cultural influences that shaped handbag design, revealing exquisite and groundbreaking work from key designers.

Foreword by Anya Hindmarch

Decade by decade, the lavishly illustrated Vintage Handbags recounts over 100 years of handbag history, from Elsa Schiaparelli's mesh bags for Whiting & Davis in the 1920s through the Hermès Kelly bag in the 1950s to the Fendi Baguette of the 1990s.

Accompanied by archive images, fashion photography and specially commissioned photographs of period pieces, the most collectible and beautiful handbags are showcased. An invaluable and visually stunning reference, the book explores the key designers, technical developments and cultural influences that shaped handbag design, revealing exquisite and groundbreaking work from such luminaries as Salvatore Ferragamo, Coco Chanel, Hermès, Fendi, Bonnie Cashin and Judith Leiber.