Future Bags opens at Tassenmuseum Hendrikje

By

Shomara Roosblad

Published
Apr 16, 2018

The exhibition Future Bags opens today at the Tassenmuseum Hendrikje (Museum of Bags and Purses) in Amsterdam. The exposition focuses on the work of young designers of the Koninklijke Academie van Beeldende Kunsten (The Royal Academy of Art, known as KABK) in The Hague, who have been commissioned to design 'the bag of the future'.

Over a period of six months, the students have worked together in small groups to design prototypes, services or installations. The groups were then asked to think about new forms of functionality, interactivity and social identity. The exhibition results in drawings, videos, material research and prototypes following their findings.

The research of the students, and the following exhibition, focus on three themes that explore possible issues of the future: Technology will look at questions such as; ‘Which new materials and techniques will be available in 2050?’ ‘What does this mean for the design and production of the future bag?’

Hyper-connectivity researches topics such as; ‘Do we still need physical bags in 2050 or have they become superfluous in a world of artificial intelligence and hyper-connectivity?’ ‘Will our body become the 'bag' itself?’

The Fashion chapter will look into questions, including; ‘Which (fashion) statements will we make in 2050?’ ‘How will your bag show your status in the future?’

The Tassenmuseum Hendrikje originated from the private collection of Hendrikje and Heinz Ivo that was first operated from their home in Amstelveen. Since 2007, the museum has been located at the Herengracht, at Amsterdam’s canal belt, part of the Unesco World Heritage List. The museum collection currently consists of more than 5,000 bags, ranging from historical objects from the 15th century, to timeless classics of modern day designs by famous fashion houses, such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermès.

The students who will exhibit their work at the Future Bags exposition are enrolled in the Bachelor Interactive/Media/Design program at the KABK. The project is part of the museum’s aim to stimulate young creators and provide a platform for new talent. Future Bags will be on view until 29 July 2018.