I have added the pictures of Lady Gaga wearing the exact copy of this bag while out and about in October of 2011. Two icons meet! Yes this is a real and I assume will work, portable telephone handbag. This is indeed a fully functional phone that you plug into a wall jack and then dial away. The receiver is handily integrated into the bag's handle - you just undo the Velcro and voila - chat away! You dial using those front buttons and the cord to plug it in tucks into the bag. Shiny red vinyl gives it a nice mod touch and it still has its original long detachable strap. In a season where the 60s & 70s are back and in full swing - this is a fab and kitshy one of a kind piece!