It’s the stuff a girl can only dream about. Imagine having at your fingertips 4000 handbags and purses, all so different, all so beautifully crafted,it makes you hands just want to open and close the clasps and peer inside to the mysteries within.
This is not a myth. Just ask the lady who’s living the dream. Meet Hendrikje Ivo, the founder and organizer extrordinaire of the Museum of Bags and Purses in Amsterdam.
Ms. Ivo is an antique dealer and over the course of her career gathered the aformentioned 4000 bags. But no mere designer label hording for her, no sir. These bags are gems of exquisite craftsmanship, whimsy and history.
The museum hosts bags from the 16th century, and all the way to the present with a Judith Lieber “Cupcake” bag from the Sex in the City Movie. For an accessory that has been around for nearly half a millenium, that’s pretty impressive.
Originally, Hendrikje and her husband Heinz opened the museum in their home. Four years ago, they moved into a historic house and have room enough for all the bags, a cafe and gift shop.
Visit their website http://www.tassenmuseum.nl/en. And at the same time, raise a glass to the Ms. Ivo who has made sure that we remember the purse was a part of history, and not just plain old arm candy.
Cupcake Evening Bag
