V&A museum’s handbag exhibition to feature designs from Hermès and Louis Vuitton

‘It’s the idea of the double nature of the bag as function and symbol’

Autumn/winter fashion show 2014 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Getty Images)

If you’re someone who knows the difference between a tote, satchel, and an envelope clutch, then there’s an exhibition on its way that’s sure to satisfy you and your fellow handbag aficionados.

On Wednesday, the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) announced that it will soon launch a new exhibition exploring the style, function, design and craftsmanship of handbags from around the world dating back to the 16^th Century.

Titled “Bags!”, the exhibition will showcase over 300 objects used by both men and women, varying in scale from tiny purses designed to be carried on a finger (yes, even smaller than Jacquemus’ micro bags) to sizable trunks made to protect the contents of travellers’ voluminous wardrobes.

The exhibition will include designs from the likes of luxury brands such as Hermès and Louis Vuitton.

The London museum states that the exhibition will take a look about how bags have been used throughout history and “inhabited a very special space, both private and public”.

The museum’s curators hope to “highlight the nature of the bag as an object for both display and concealment, adornment and utility”.

Anya Hindmarch's 'Walker Crisps' sequin and bead embroidered bag, London 2000 (Anya Hindmarch)

Curators from the museum are currently in talks to display one of the handbag’s from former prime minister Margaret Thatcher’s collection which she often described as her “secret weapon”.

Lucia Savi, curator at the V&A, said of Thatcher’s bags: "They're so iconic.

“The Margaret Thatcher bag ... would really highlight the symbolic meanings of bags.

British politician Margaret Thatcher leaving her Chelsea home to attend the first ballot in the election for the leadership of the Conservative party. (Getty Images)

"They're not only functional; they were, for sure for her, functional objects, but the focus becomes symbolic.

The former politician, who died in 2013, previously said of the accessory: "Of course, I am obstinate in defending our liberties and our law. That is why I carry a big handbag."

The museum previously acquired six outfits worn by Baroness Thatcher from the former prime minister's children. However, no handbags from Thatcher’s collection were put on display.

The “Bags!” exhibition will from 25 April 2020 until 3 January 2021 and tickets will go on sale this winter here.