The “Bags: Inside Out” exhibition from the V&A Museum in the UK has arrived in Hong Kong, with curator Dr. Lucia Savi unraveling the mysteries of handbags spanning centuries.

With the passage of time, handbags have also been evolving. They are not only used for carrying things, but also represent a kind of fashion aesthetic, the user’s taste and emotions, and even record experiences and memories.

The final stop of the V&A Museum’s “Bags: Inside Out” first Asian tour has landed at Pacific Place, Admiralty, from now until July 16th! Curated by Dr. Lucia Savi, the exhibition showcases over 240 iconic pieces from around the world, allowing visitors to delve into the history and evolution of handbags from the 16th century to the present day. Explore the various aspects of handbags, including their form, function, design, production process, use of different materials, as well as a retrospective of classic collections, to gain a deeper understanding of the significance of handbags in different eras and how they shape contemporary fashion, identity, and social symbols.

The exhibition is divided into “Function and Utility,” “Status and Identity,” and “Design and Making.” It showcases designer brand handbags, compact makeup boxes, and functional backpacks, including the iconic Fendi Baguette handbag used by Sarah Jessica Parker in “Sex and The City,” as well as the beloved Lady Dior handbag favored by Princess Diana. One of the highlights of the Hong Kong station is the display of 13 personally collected handbags by Kelly Chen, which provides insights into her public and private life, as well as important memories and experiences from different eras.

We have invited Dr. Lucia Savi to share more about the highlights of this exhibition and her views on the trend of handbags.

ZTYLEZ: How did you come up with the name “Bags: Inside Out” for the exhibition, and what does it represent in terms of the themes or ideas explored in the exhibition?

Dr. Lucia Savi: I started planning the exhibition in 2018, and when selecting items from the bag collection at the V&A Museum, I discovered that some bags may appear ordinary on the outside, but reveal a world of surprises when opened. For example, a seemingly plain brown or black leather bag may have a red or purple lining and various compartments for storing items such as letters or tickets. This made me contemplate the uniqueness of bags and their importance to contemporary designers. I also began to reflect on their essence, which led to the name “Inside Out.” It signifies the functionality, design, materials, and intended users of bags, as if it reveals the “behind the scenes” of bags. Bags can be admired on display shelves like sculptures, while also being highly practical. These seemingly contrasting aspects can be seen simultaneously in the exhibition.

ZTYLEZ: What do you think are the top three highlights of the “Bags: Inside Out” exhibition, and why do you think these works are particularly important?

Dr. Lucia Savi: First, I would choose the red briefcase from British actress Vivien Leigh. It has a genuine functionality, with a notebook inside to record addresses in London, Paris, and other places. Back then, unlike today’s generation, people couldn’t contact each other through phone calls, messages, or emails. This briefcase was carried around to reply to letters, reflecting the era at that time.

In the second place, I would choose the Fendi Baguette handbag used by Sarah Jessica Parker in “Sex and The City”. I am very grateful to Fendi for lending the handbag from their collection. It is the originator of the “IT Bag”. In fact, there was no anticipation that the handbag would cause such a craze at that time. However, after the show aired, everyone wanted to get their hands on this handbag, causing a global buying frenzy at the time. This also led to the emergence of “Waiting List” and “Limited Edition”. Fendi later brought more different designs to the Baguette handbag. Nowadays, we promote the handbag through social media and key opinion leaders (KOLs), but back then it was through the drama or red carpet looks that created the “star effect”.

Finally, I would choose to exhibit a travel bag made from discarded fire hoses in the “Design and Production” section. People constantly buy new handbags, and in order to meet the demand, they need to find more materials. To avoid wasting and causing more pollution to the environment, it is necessary to look for existing materials. Elvis & Kresse from the UK uses discarded fire hoses to create beautiful handbags, and I think this idea is fantastic as it allows everyone to see the potential of new materials.

ZTYLEZ: What do you think of Kelly Chen’s handbag collection and style showcased at the “Bags: Inside Out” exhibition in Hong Kong?

Dr. Lucia Savi: The 13 handbags she has chosen can truly showcase her everyday life and the version of herself on screen, from sports backpacks to designer handbags. Handbags are not just used for carrying things, they also hold different memories. I also love how she tells the stories behind these handbags and her experiences with them.

ZTYLEZ: What do you think the future of handbag design will be like? What trends or innovations do you think are emerging in this field?

Dr. Lucia Savi: There are two aspects to consider. On one hand, there is an increasing use of fabrics that do not come from animals. However, on the other hand, because we still consume meat, we continue to see leather products. In terms of handbag trends, leather handbags are still mainstream, but more people are opting to reuse the same handbag instead of frequently changing them. Vintage handbags are also popular, along with the constant comeback of trends. Developing new materials is also a new trend, but it’s important to pay attention to whether they are vegan or plant-based, as some may be greenwashing while others may contribute to waste. The trend of large and small bags continuously repeats itself. When large bags are in fashion, practicality is sought after. When small bags are in demand, style and design take precedence, which is quite interesting. I have also noticed the success of a budget-friendly Uniqlo handbag, which became popular through social media. It is indeed practical as it allows you to have your hands free for other tasks when carrying it. I have heard some people say “handbag is dead,” but on the other hand, major brands continue to increase their prices. During the pandemic, people may have reduced their handbag purchases, but after the pandemic, everyone wants to show off their beautiful handbags. Therefore, handbags have many interesting aspects. They can symbolize special moments and reflect different eras.

_{“Bags: Inside Out” Exhibition
Date: June 16, 2023 to July 16, 2023
Time: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Fee: Free
Location: Garden Court and L1 Level, LG1 Level, Pacific Place}