Celebrate all things bags with an extraordinary showcase of 240 unique objects and singer Kelly Chen’s personal collection
HONG KONG SAR 26 June 2023 – Bags: Inside Out, presented by Swire Properties in partnership with the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (V&A), is now on show at Pacific Place until 16 July 2023. This marks the finale of its inaugural international tour in celebration of Swire Properties’ 50th anniversary. Bags: Inside out is one of the most comprehensive exhibitions dedicated to the ubiquitous, yet most coveted, of accessories, from the luxurious to everyday, the humble to iconic. The exhibition is displayed in a museum grade event space with free admission to the public.
Curated by Dr Lucia Savi and comprising over 240 objects dating as far back as the 16th century, Bags: Inside Out offers an extraordinary and comprehensive look at the ultimate fashion accessory through three themed sections: Function and Utility, Status and Identity, and Design and Making. Featuring all types of bags, from designer handbags and vanity cases to utilitarian rucksacks, the exhibition explores their function, status and craftsmanship, as well as the world’s longstanding fascination with this global obsession. Often projecting bold statements on the exterior whilst concealing treasured belongings within, bags prove to be very complex and personal possessions.
Mark Celenk, General Manager of Pacific Place at Swire Properties said, “We’re excited to be collaborating with V&A once again to bring a truly iconic experience to our shoppers and the greater Hong Kong community. Bags: Inside Out is a wonderful way for us to officially wrap up our 50th Anniversary celebrations, but more importantly, this exhibition is part of our continuing efforts to always offer new and unique experiences, and make arts and culture a part of everyday life. Thank you to the many parties and our colleagues who made this unforgettable exhibition possible.”
Exclusively for the Hong Kong exhibition, celebrated singer and actress Kelly Chen showcases 13 bags from her most coveted collection in the Collecting Bags section. Kelly is a passionate bag collector and has been amassing her own impressive collection of bags for more than two decades. From her very first classic to a memorable gift upon becoming a wife, each of the collectable on display represents a cherished moment in her life and career. Of particular note is one of the very first bags of Kelly’s career, a canvas and leather backpack from Ralph Lauren. Gifted to her from renowned Hong Kong Film Awards-winning costume designer, Dora Ng, this bag was a memento from her first ever on-screen debut on Jacky Cheung’s music video.
Welcome to Bag Paradise!
To accompany the exhibition, Pacific Place has curated a series of happenings, including bespoke guided tours, makers workshop and ‘Bag the Spotlight’ 360-degree video booth, shopping rewards alongside with exclusive privileges offered by shops in Pacific Place. Get ready to this immersive showcase only at Pacific Place.
Begin this three-part exhibition in Function and Utility that looks at the practical origin of bags as holders of our personal belongings. In the sumptuously curated second section, Status and Identity, explore how bags became symbols of style and power through culturally significant items such as Sarah Jessica Parker’s iconic Fendi ‘Baguette’ used in Sex and the City, or Princess Diana’s ‘Lady Dior’ by Christian Dior. Finish with an intimate look into the crafting process behind some of today’s most luxurious bags in the final section, Design and Making.
Date: 16 June – 16 July 2023
Time: 10am – 10pm
Fee: Free of charge
Location: Garden Court, Level LG1 & Level L1
Highlights:
- Fendi Baguette bag worn by Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex and the City, 2000, Italy.
- Hermes, ‘Sac Mallette’ handbag, 1968, Paris
- Gianni Versace, Safety-pin handbag, Spring-Summer 1994, Italy
- Rhinestone encrusted metal ‘Faberge Egg’ evening bag, Judith Leiber
‘Collecting Bags’ by Kelly Chen
Say hello to Hong Kong singer, actress and fellow bag enthusiast Kelly Chen! The local superstar is bringing 13 of her own bags from her personal collection to the showcase including a backpack from Kelly’s first shooting set, a large shoulder bag from film “Lavender” and Louis Vuitton x Yayoi Kusama – Alma BB, etc.
Date: 16 June – 16 July 2023
Time: 10am – 10pm
Fee: Free of charge
Location: Level L1 (near Lane Crawford)
The Maker’s Table
Come to the Makers’ Table at Level L1. Here you can delve into the process for making bags from prototypes, cutting, stitching, gluing and finishing.
Bespoke Guided Tour
For a more intimate and bespoke experience, join our guided tours for a tailored journey through Bags: Inside Out. Receive an exclusive gift after the tour.
Date: 17 June – 16 July 2023
Time: Please refer to website for available timeslots
Language: Available in English and Cantonese
Fee: Free of charge
Registration: Bags: Inside Out Website
Bag the Spotlight
Get snapping with those pics and make your followers jealous! ‘Bag the Spotlight’ is a 360-degree video booth that allows you to capture unique moments. Take a video with your beloved bag and make the memory yours!
Date: 16 June – 16 July 2023
Time: 12nn – 8pm
Fee: Free of charge
Location: Level L1 (near ZARA)
Make Your Own Bag!
For those looking to delve deeper into the artistry and craft of bag making, embark on the chance to make your own bag under the guidance of experienced instructors.
Date: 16 June – 16 July 2023
Time: Please refer to website for available timeslots
Fee: HK$500 (Registration fee will be redeemable as HK$500 Pacific Place Gift Card upon completion of workshop.)
Location: Level L1 (near adidas)
Registration: Bags: Inside Out Website
Exclusive Shopping Rewards
Want to keep the memories with you and take home your own special V&A tote? Get a custom made, uniquely embroidered V&A Tote Bag upon designated retail spending (with at least one bag item purchase) at Pacific Place and Starstreet Precinct.
| Accumulated Same-day Electronic Retail Spending at Pacific Place and Starstreet Precinct (with at least ONE bag item purchase)# |
Shopping Rewards* |
| HK$3,000 – HK$7,999 | A V&A Tote Bag with Custom Embroidery Service |
| HK$8,000 or above | A V&A Tote Bag with Custom Embroidery Service
+ HK$300 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher |
#With at least ONE receipt (with valid stamp) for a bag purchase from designated Pacific Place / Three Pacific Place / Starstreet Precinct retail shops (exclude plastic bag).
*Shoppers are entitled to redeem shopping rewards by joining the Pacific Place Loyalty Programme – above. Same-day machine-printed sales receipts and electronic payment slips issued by
designated merchants of Pacific Place / Three Pacific Place / Starstreet Precinct must be presented on the same day of purchase to redeem the rewards. Each receipt must be for HK$100 or more. For designated merchants, please refer to https://www.pacificplace.com.hk/-/media/files/pacificplace2/pdf/va-bagsinsideout-sales-redemption-designated-merchants
Each shopper is entitled to a maximum of ONE redemption of rewards per day. Shopping rewards are limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis while stocks last.
Other terms and conditions apply.
Bags Around Every Corner
Enjoy a constellation of special offers and privileges on selected products and discover exclusive items and happenings in store during this promotion period! Participating brands include Gucci, ISABEL MARANT, Louis Vuitton, MAX&Co., MAX MARA, SAINT LAURENT, SPORTMAX and TUMI.
You can also enjoy an exclusive themed cocktail at Salisterra, The Upper House. Inspired by the opulence of designer bags, the Golden Gimlet perfectly blends elderflower, yuzu and gin. Receive an exclusive gift during the exhibition period when enjoying the elegant cocktail at Salisterra.
Please refer to Bags: Inside Out Website for the exclusive shopping and dining privileges.
