With over 500 colour photos, Bags & Purses offers a unique survey of the bag in all its forms: handbags, travel bags, makeup and evening bags, pouches, purses and chatelaines, tie pockets, wallets and letter cases, reticules and more, covering virtually all styles and materials. The book includes a historical section, which explores the history of the bag from the late Middle Ages until today, and a section in which current designs are spotlighted. Space has been devoted to both exceptional and rare bags, and to the modern classics and bags from major fashion houses and leading designers.