Bags have not always been cult objects for women only. In earlier times, both men and women carried pouches and bags. During the course of fashion history, the unisex bag gradually transformed into the handbag exclusively for female use. It was not until 1875 that a handbag with a handle was introduced. Women quickly got used to always carrying a bag with a handle. It was in the 20th century that handbags experienced their great boom. Bags such as the so-called Kelly bag became absolute cult objects and icons. Some of the greatest and most influential bag designers, including Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Gucci and Prada, started in the saddler business and originally produced luxury travel luggage. The fact that the handbag became known as a symbol of femininity and an object of female desire had a lot to do with fashion staging. Throughout history, one thing has remained the same: the handbag is a very personal object. The exhibition with around 400 items provides insight into the history of handbags beginning from 1550.