The antique beaded bag is a most exquisite and sought-after vintage collectible. Over 600 detailed color photographs display hundreds of mostly European (French, Italian, Austrian, and Czechoslovakian) handbags, many never before published, including Miser, American Indian, embroidered, drawstring, framed, scenic, Bohemian, and cut steel, with information on care, history, and design techniques, and close-up photographs of the intricate beadwork. Detailed captions, a current value guide, a comprehensive bibliography, and an index guarantee this to be the ultimate collector's guide to vintage handbag fashion design.

Beads have been a fascinating method for embellishing fashion since ancient cultures sought personal adornment. The twentieth century has seen some of the most innovative, colorful, and wonderful uses for beading as an enhancement in apparel, and, recently, beads have come into fashion as never before. Both vintage and recent costume are desirable as much, if not more, for their beading as for the overall design. This lavishly illustrated book includes chapters on the history, techniques, preservation, and collecting of beads in the world of fashion. With 534 beautiful color photos, a detailed text, captions, value guide, index, and bibliography, it is the first to cover both vintage and recent costume and accessories in one volume. With clothing by designers, ranging from Fortuny and Mackie to unknowns, this volume will delight anyone in the field of fashion.