A purse illumination assembly including a power source, a light emitting portion, a touch-sensitive switch, and a circuit assembly connecting the light emitting portion to the power source through the touch-sensitive switch. The touch-sensitive switch is located in an indentation to protect against accidental switching on. The light emitting portion includes a light emitting fabric or may include EL wire alone or in combination with LED lights to provide both lighting and a decorative effect. A driver circuit may be included for driving both the EL wire and the LED lights.