Decade by decade, the lavishly illustrated Vintage Handbags recounts over 100 years of handbag history Accompanied by archive images, fashion photography and specially commissioned photographs of period pieces, the most collectible and beautiful handbags are showcased.
An invaluable reference as well as a visual delight of times past, 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. Each chapter begins with a historical introduction to the era, offering an overview of the designers of the time and their key influences.
Each decade ends with a “key looks” spread, showing an at-a-glance view of the important handbag designs that defined the era. The book concludes with a shopping guide, which offers pointers on sourcing and caring for original vintage pieces, along with a glossary of the century’s most collectible handbag designers.
