CARRIED AWAY: All About Bags

"You have to be careful of the bag, it is so familiar yet so badly understood," writes Jean-Louis Dumas-Hermès in the preface to this set of highlights from his family's collection of "bags": everything from purses to rucksacks from all eras and all corners of the globe, some made by the company that bears their name. A French 14th-century copper messenger box, an early 20th-century pakum bag from Cameroon, green plastic bags from Marks & Spencer, a 1995 Srebrenica refugee's tied bundle, Ultra Violet's Hermès black leather "Bolt" clutch dating from the 1930s—all are here, and discussed with an infectious mix of exuberance and seriousness that is uncommon for an exhibition catalogue such as this. The Paris Musée de la Mode show closes this month, but a mini-exhibit of "rare and unusual bags" will mark the opening of New York's Madison Avenue Hermès store on March 16. Even if one misses the gala, the plethora of short, variously authored chapters ("My Grandmother's Furoshikis, " "A Few Wineskins and Bags on Olympus") framing 300 color (and 35 b&w) illustrations, provides more than enough glamour—and everyday carriage. (Apr. 4)