It's in the Bag, Handbags, that is!

Diane Baird shared her fabulous collection of handbags at our recent tea party. Her program featured a wonderful presentation of how purses were used for style, social status and wealth and also how the style and design of hand bags have changed over the years as the fashion styles have changed. 

This intricately beaded floral bag from the 1840's belonged to her Great Great Grandmother and it is the one that started her collection.  Her handbag collection has now grown to over 600 purses.

If a scene on a purse depicts a place or time, versus just general floral motif, it has more value.  And if it has a press down knob clasp, that increases the value as well.

A lovely collection of petite metal bags, Art Deco style. The beaded dog purse on the right is one that would have belonged to a child.
                                                 

This fabulous princess coach is a prize piece in her collection.  It is a Swarovski Crystal Bag, designed by Kathrine Baumann of Beverly Hills. "If it makes you smile, it's my bag." Diane also collects coaches so this fit into two of her collections.

 

As Diane lead us through the decades in purses, she would pass around some of her collection. Everyone had a chance to admire and to feel these bags. So generous she was to let us touch. It made the event extra special.

Thank you to Diane Baird for sharing your interest with such a marvelous and informative program!