Pouch, clutch, clutch bag? Among all the variations of evening bags there is one created to always shine, not only during the holidays: the minaudière. The bijou handbag that looks more like a sculpture, an art object or a real jewel. An ornament like a treasure chest which, rather than containing valuables, is a treasure in itself.
It’s about as far from practical as it gets, but It has the advantage of adding a fabulous (and fairytale-like) touch to the outfit. The accessory that makes you dream: and during the magical period of Christmas and New Year, what more could you ask for?
Minaudière bag, the trendy models for 2024/2025
Perhaps, a year-round reverie. The advice for those preparing to purchase is to be captured by an everlasting light: the risk that it could fade is just around the corner, considering that large and roomy clutch bags and maxi bags even for the evening continue to rack up miles in terms of style. Password: personality. Designed to make you dream: and during the magical period of Christmas and New Year, what more could you ask for? Not just the rather obvious choice between gold and silver: the new minaudière evening handbag models often mix or reject both, in favor of colors or mixes more originals.
What is especially captivating this season is the silhouette: while on the one hand the classic rectangular metal box, which often resembles a vintage cigarette case, continues to hold sway, it is equipped with snap closures and 3D floral decorations (Victoria Beckham) or bow-shapedtransforming into a micro gift package (Mach&Mach). The iconic model, the minaudière bag created by Van Cleef & Arpels since 1933, a jewel by definition, which is still produced on request today to mimic a classic vanity case from the 1920s, in precious materials such as gold and Stryptor.
The minaudière bag created by Van Cleef & Arpels since 1933.
The 1920s accessory making a comeback
The return of the minaudière bag trend in autumn winter 2024/2025 is closely linked to the Roaring Twenties. The craze of the brilliant years that were reintroduces the elegant accessory into today’s evening look. Just think of the circular micro bags decorated with crystal fringes (Olga Berg) or beads (Oscar de la Renta). The trend within the trend, the form pebble that resembles a stoneequipped with a metal or pearl-shaped closure: tortoiseshell effect for Benedetta Bruzzichesliquid gold for Cult Gaiasatin for Jimmy Choo, leather for Michael Kors, but also Zara.
Finally, the less seen shapes and decorations: there really is something for all tastes (and eras). Starting from the minaudière Popcorn in resin, enamel, fantasy pearls and golden-effect metal, which recalls a portion of the most popular snack in the cinemas, signed Chanel. The effect is cinematic: and the same can be said of the shell-shaped metal bag (Simkhai) and the Gingko-shaped one (Bulgari).
Popcorn minaudière in metal and resin, Chanel.
Brilliant and timeless classics
The option with a long history, the precious micro clutch bag that has focused, for some time, on an iconic and recognizable shape. There Knot by Bottega Venetacentral to the Maison’s evening bag offering despite the changes to the creative direction; but also the legendary bag The Knuckle with the precious handle inspired by McQueen’s “brass knuckles” ring.
For those looking for an evening bag to really use, at least as a lipstick holder, the elongated Art Deco style options covered with rhinestones, proposed by Marina Raphael, FerragamoValentino, and mostly equipped with a retractable micro chain. Small as a hand, but also to be carried on the shoulder: because even when it comes to minaudières, functionality is everything…
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