by Teresa Gomierato

Marlilyn Monroe singing “Diamonts are the girl best friends”, but I think that nowadays that tune could better been transformed in “Bags are the girl best friends” . If you really love bags like I do, you cannot miss the Tassen Museum in Amsterdam, which is the biggest museum of bags in the world.

This museum is located in an old, beautiful building of the 17th century, in the heart of the historical center of Amsterdam. The museum shows the development of bags since the Middle Ages until today. They have more than 5000 pieces of all colours, shapes, sizes and materials, among which the most famous one, like the Versace green ones that Madonna matched with her outfit during the première of the movie ‘Evita’ in 1997.

Another example is ‘Socks’, a small clutch made by Judith Leiber, with the shape of a cat. It is named after the Clinton family’s cat.

Minaudière with crystals, Plastic, Yves Saint Laurent, France, late 20th century.

This was my favourite! The minaudière, a box-shaped bag introduced in the 30’s of the 20th century by the Parisian jeweller Van Cleef en Arpels, is known for its frequent come-backs on the fashion scene. These days, the model is usually referred to as a clutch. Look at that one! Do you find the intruder? It’s me.

And there are many more…

So … ìf you are going to spend a day in Amsterdam: do not forget to add this museum in your schedule.