Fifty Bags That Changed the World

£16.99

Publication date: 7 October 2025

Fifty Bags That Changed the World explores fifty iconic designs—from the Gladstone bag to the Hermès Birkin—revealing how handbags, cases, and backpacks have shaped fashion, function, and culture through timeless craftsmanship and innovation.

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About Fifty Bags That Changed the World

Everything around us is designed, and few objects capture design’s influence on culture quite like the humble bag. From practicality to prestige, handbags, cases, and backpacks tell stories of craftsmanship, innovation, and style. Fifty Bags That Changed the World charts the evolution of these indispensable accessories, spotlighting fifty designs that have left an indelible mark on fashion history.

From the Gladstone’s original 1860 red budget box to the timeless elegance of the Hermès Birkin bag, each entry offers an engaging snapshot of design ingenuity and cultural significance. Alongside iconic luxury pieces, the book also celebrates the everyday bags that transformed how we live, travel, and express ourselves. With concise appraisals and fascinating design insights, this beautifully compiled volume reveals what makes each bag a classic – and why they continue to inspire designers and collectors alike.

The perfect gift for fashion aficionados, this little book from the world-renowned Design Museum shows readers the top 50 handbags, cases and backpacks that have made a substantial impact in the world of fashion and design today.