SIMONE HANDBAG MUSEUM, A HISTORICAL JOURNEY

By earthtoiris | December 4, 2014 0 Comments

SEOUL | Kenny Park had a commitment: to reveal the history behind Eastern and Western handbags. So inspired by his father’s teachings about perseverance and dedication he managed to put together a one of a kind collection of 350 handbags. The fine pieces are exhibited in the BagStage building, in one of Seoul's trendiest neighbourhoods. The handbag-shaped 10 storey building is fully dedicated to this timeless accessory. Besides the Simone Handbag Museum, it includes a DIY workshop, an exclusive handbag shop and a cozy coffee shop. Since its opening in 2012, Park managed to put together probably one the world’s finest collection, which includes Western handbags dating back to the years 1500s until the 21^st Century. As a second stage, Park plans to venture into the captivating handbags of Eastern cultures as he expands the Simone handbag collection. You may start your journey from the upper floor, where the most iconic designs from the 20^th and the 21^st Century are displayed. More recent items from big houses such Moschino, Dolce & Gabanna, Gucci, Prada or Michael Kors share the racks with the creations of niche designers from Italy, Britain, France and the United States. The Manikins marvelously adorning the gallery are handmade, and created with the purpose to emphasize the singular relationship between the human body and the handbag. The lower floor takes the visitor into a historical journey, when different lifestyles and less hectic lives influenced the creation of authentic pieces of art. Back to the 1500s and until before modernity, handbags where the result of careful workmanship. And fine and precious materials and fabrics where used to create smaller purses. There’s no better way to understand the historical value and individuality of handbags than by actually getting hands on and creating a piece of your own at the handbag making workshop. Dedicated artisans bring visitors the opportunity to understand first hand the techniques, dedication and perfection behind each and every purse. PHOTOS BY EARTH TO IRIS. Simone Handbag Museum Address: 17 Dosan-Daero 13 Gil (Sinsa-Dong). Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 135-889