Handbag Museum: Level 6

American Casual

Dooney and Bourke has long been a more casual handbag staple for the discerning American woman. Well-made, practical, able to withstand the rigors of both country and city life, its classic designs live on while the company also branches out into more trendy lines, such as a multicolored logo pattern. Shown here is a classic camera bag with brass fob in one of their greatest inventions, All-Weather Leather. This bag can be brought out into the rain or snow and not be the least bit damaged.

Transforming the Strap

While Fendi was always a revered fashion house, they did not make a revolutionary statement until 2001, when their Baguette Bag was born. Suddenly, and for years to come, no woman worth her VOGUE MAGAZINE would be seen with a purse that didn't neatly tuck underneath her arm. Shown here are a vintage doctor's bag in early 90s logo, a post-baguette logo hobo bag, and 2 versions of the Baguette.

Ferragamo: Shoes and Beyond

Ferragamo has long been an Italian designer known for luxurious shoes and bags. Pictured here are two bags with their most-imitated signature closures: the bow and the shoe-buckle clasp.