ATLANTA, GA.- The Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) will open its newest exhibition, “In the Bag,” on February 5. The exhibition will run through May 2, 2009, and will explore the origin, evolution and design of the handbag.

Curated by Atlantans Clint Zeagler and Kevin Knaus, the exhibition takes the visitor from “design to delivery” of the handbag, showcasing top bags from the Friends and Sex and the City sets and from both local and leading designers, including Hermes and Oscar de la Renta among others.

“Atlantans will have the chance to see a unique and captivating showcase of handbags,” says Zeagler, owner and creative director of Pecan Pie Couture, an Atlanta womenswear line. “It’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity to really delve into the design and appeal of the handbag.”

The exhibition will begin by emphasizing the development and construction of different handbags and will move into the works of leading designers, displaying their collections within categories that highlight the handbag’s emotional significance, iconic status and societal role.

The exhibit concludes with handbags designed by students in the Master of Accessories Design programs from the Domus Academy in Milan, Italy, and the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Georgia.

“The handbag plays such an important role in our society, and yet many people are unaware of the process that goes into its design,” says Knaus, vice president of Global Fashion and trend director for Material World, a leading global textile, trim and apparel sourcing show in the Americas. “With ‘In The Bag,’ viewers will understand that process and – hopefully – recognize these bags as the works of art that they are.”