A luxe and definitive guide to 400 luxury handbags by the world's leading fashion designers and couture houses

Luxury handbags account for almost a third of global luxury sales alone, and are both an aspiration and addiction for many. From Hermes's priceless Birkin bag to Chanel's coveted flap bags that have been prevalent since the 1950s, to Fendi's instantly recognizable Baguette bag, it is no surprise why these incredible purses are often considered symbols of luxury and status due to their high-quality craftsmanship.

The Handbag Book: 400 Essential Designer Bags is a look back at 400 of the most famous handbags designed by the greatest names in fashion. With stunning spreads, photographs of the handbags, and introductory text for each style, it is the authority on high-end fashion. In addition, this tome also includes backgrounds on the designers, stories of how certain styles became cemented into the fashion lexicon, tips on how to identify a counterfeit, a look at the increasing popularity of second-hand bags, and even behind-the-scenes looks into how these handbags are made.

Featured designers: Acne Studios - Alaia - Alexander Mcqueen - Ami -Anya Hindmarch - A.P.C. Balenciaga - Balmain - Bottega Veneta - Bulgari - Carel -- Celine - Chanel - Chloe - Christian Louboutin - Coach - Coperni - Delvaux - Destree - Dior - Dolce & Gabbana - Fendi - Ferragamo - Fleuron Paris Francois-Joseph Graf Paris - Gerard Darel - Giorgio Armani - Givenchy - Gucci - Hermes - Herve Chapelier - Ines De La Fressange Paris - Isabel Marant - Issey Miyake - Jacquemus - Jerome Dreyfuss - Jimmy Choo - Judith Leiber - JW Anderson - Lancel - Loewe - Longchamp - Loro Piana --Louis Vuitton - L/Uniform - Maison Michel - Marc Jacobs - Michael Kors - Miu Miu - Moynat - Off-White - Olympia Le-Tan - Patou - Pierre Hardy - Prada - Rabanne - Roger Vivier - Rsvp Paris - Saint Laurent - Schiaparelli - Soeur - Stella Mccartney - Tod's - Valextra - Vanessa Bruno - Zadig & Voltaire