The Handbag Book

Luxury handbags alone account for almost a third of global luxury goods sales and are both an aspiration and an addiction for many. From Hermés' Birkin bag to Chanel's flap bags, which have been around since the 1950s, to Fendi's instantly recognisable Baguette bag, it's no surprise that these incredible handbags are often seen as symbols of luxury and status, due to their high-quality craftsmanship.

This book takes a look back at 400 of the most famous handbags designed by the biggest names in fashion. Highly illustrated, it includes information about the designers, stories of how certain styles entered the fashion lexicon, tips on how to identify a counterfeit, an insight into the growing popularity of second-hand bags and behind-the-scenes glimpses of how these handbags are made.