A bag says more than ten novels in your bookshelf. Both form and content reveal the woman who walks with it on her arm. Today, Petra van Bremen, the woman who went from model to personnel manager and then picked up modeling again at the age of 46, joins us on the bag-psychologists' sofa.

How many bags do you have?

*I have an incredible number of clutches and bags. I've never counted them, but I have every color in my collection. My bags are spread across various cabinets, so that says enough. I'm not really an It-bag type. A bag has to do something for me and has to fit me. Buying a bag just because it's “in” doesn't appeal to me. Classic brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are my preference because you can always keep wearing them regardless of your age. I do have clutches from different designers. I pay a bit more attention to the color.

How did you get this beauty?

*I received this Hermès Birkin bag as a gift from my husband for my birthday. He ordered the bag without me knowing anything about it. So that was a wonderful surprise and this is indeed a very special bag for me.

What does a bag do for a woman?

*I can really enjoy beautiful bags. A good bag can complete an outfit. I personally find this Birkin Hermès a bag for daytime. I wear it, as in the photo, casually sporty or also very chic with a nice dress. In the evening, depending on the occasion, I like to take a striking clutch with me. Nowadays, the bag doesn't have to match the shoes anymore, so you can mix and match nicely.

Honestly, are you a bit careful with it or do you throw it in a corner or do they all sit on a shelf with dust bags?

*I am very careful with my bags. The bags I don't use are neatly stored in the cabinet. The Hermès bags are not in a dustbag, but I do fill them with plastic so they don't collapse too much. And no, I don't wear a rain bag around them. I use all my bags because that's what I bought them for.

What about the contents? Are you a chaotic person or neatly organized?

*A bit of both. I start organized with the items neatly in separate inner bags, but by the end of the day, my lipstick is on the bottom or I'm searching like crazy for my keys. Then I'm happy with something colorful in my bag like my Hermès keychain that I find just a bit easier.

What do you always carry in your bag?

*My business cards, Blackberry and iPhone, a rose quartz heart that I received from my husband, peppermint, hand cream, various lipsticks, face powder, and my house keys.

Do you notice that more doors open with a designer bag?

*I find ”doors opening” a bit too heavy-handed, but the Hermès bag remains a striking bag with a special appearance that people sometimes react to.

If a woman could only have one bag, which would it be?

*Then it stays this one. The color adapts to everything, the style never goes out of fashion because it's a classic bag, the leather is not too sensitive and can take a hit, so I can use it for any occasion, and last but not least, the Hermès Birkin always retains its value.

Is anyone already eyeing this gem to borrow?

*That's a funny question. Yes, there are a number of family members who would love to borrow this bag.

Do you prefer trendy or classic? And does a bag also need to be practical?

*More classic. It's practical if the bag isn't too heavy at purchase. It gets heavy enough when everything is in it. That's the only downside of large bags for me. If not everything fits or it becomes too heavy, for example when we go on vacation, I still like to take my dark brown Bottega Veneta Cabat with me. Also a lovely bag.

And lastly, is there another one on your wishlist? Which one?

*Absolutely! A red Chanel 2.55 jumbo.