Handbags

Structured bags carried in the hand or the crook of the arm — the shape that holds its form whether it is full or empty.

A structured bag is judged by its base. A wide, flat base stands up on a table and keeps its shape; a soft one will slump however good the leather is. Both are here, and the photographs show which is which. Pieces here are from Michael Kors, Moschino, Armani Exchange, Balenciaga and Gucci.