Take a look inside our spectacular Bags: Inside Out exhibition. From being worn inside clothing to conceal valuables, to being an overt identifier of status and profession; and from serving as a vessel for making a political statement, to becoming a covetable and iconic showpiece – discover how this everyday item has evolved over time.
★★★★ – The V&A is finally giving handbags the fashion recognition they deserve.
![Gold letters that spell BAGS hanging on a blue fabric background](https://vanda-production-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/2020/12/08/17/23/24/2f4b2b5f-00dd-410d-945a-cadb930d6dea/002.jpg)
![wide-angle shot of the Bags exhibition mezzanine level with display windows and stair railings](https://vanda-production-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/2020/12/08/17/06/04/f3609cdc-b6ff-4558-83fd-7377bb07a4e2/042.jpg)
Presenting a deep dive into the fascinating history of this not-so-humble accessory
![Green coloured display case in the shape of arched windows displaying bags](https://vanda-production-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/2020/12/08/17/27/54/82aa77be-7aa2-4110-a656-8805548c08c0/041.jpg)
![Pink coloured display case with bags on plinths and 2D material on the back wall](https://vanda-production-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/2020/12/08/17/34/08/2eb0cda4-2c39-43c4-b227-1557bce27b10/046.jpg)
★★★★★ – An absolute joy of a show? Totes!
![Gold and red bag with drawstrings and crest on the left and a bag in the shape of a frog on an orange background on the right](https://vanda-production-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/2020/12/08/17/47/34/5e421512-33e8-4080-9f8d-58695a65a006/022.jpg)
![Brown trunk with the lid ajar on display behind glass with a blue brick effect surround.](https://vanda-production-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/2020/12/08/17/31/35/8188421c-ceb5-4a66-a268-8a1ef1d8b382/072.jpg)
★★★★ – This season's must have ticket... fashionistas won't be disappointed.
![Display featuring the grey facade of a building with orange 'windows' with orange backcloths and a bag in each.](https://vanda-production-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/2020/12/08/17/29/34/103c39bf-bbf9-4edd-9a78-b9868542a1dd/044.jpg)
![View of the Bags exhibition featuring a blue table in the foreground and swatches of orange and red material hanging up.](https://vanda-production-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/2020/12/08/16/50/38/0bb542d5-3b01-4bf4-b3e4-3b90db081aee/140.jpg)
...a magpie-delighting deep dive into the world's most important, bonkers and beautiful bags.