Written by The Strategy
Everyone has different ways of putting outfits together. Whether you’re an in-advance planner, or a last minute kinda gal, by the looks of many day-to-day garb that we see, both ends of the spectrum leave the matter of a handbag as a passing thought. We’re guilty of this too. I mean, why buy a different bag for each day of the week? It makes no sense. You have one or two bags that fit everything you need to survive life in the wild and a wallet big enough to double as a clutch. But if we have more in common than daily purse needs and our mutual love of overpriced coffee, we can also agree that we like to change things up and be a little interesting. Sometimes our old beloved bucket bags just aren’t up to par for daily sartorial demands. And besides, it is good to have fun with your outfits! Whether it’s in a dress or a minaudière.
First garnering attention with the tongue-in-cheek canvas bags sporting slogans such as “My Other Bag Is Chanel” or a displaying a grocery list of weaponry along the lines of a gun and a very large knife, unique bags have long been on the waiting list for recognition. In the past couple years the idea of not-entirely-practical-but-still-really-cool handbags morphed into the ever loved clear lucite clutch. Offering a way to show off our phone cases and lipstick while maintaining their security was a new way to prove that you were on top of the fashion game.
These days, anything goes. From the literary to the scandalous (handcuff clutch, anyone?) there is a whimsical little delight to add some real personality to anyone’s everyday getup.
Which is where designers like Charlotte Olympia and Anya Hindmarch come in to play, with their crazy cool clutches that are popping up more and more. Not only are these little works of art the perfect way to jazz up a look, but they are inspiring a movement away from the idea that fashion and style has to be serious. Major design houses are learning to jump on the whimsical bag bandwagon too. Lagerfeld’s Chanel block clutches, hula hoop bags, and No.5 minaudières, Prada’s face-art painted handbags, Stella McCartney’s embroidered clutches, and more are being brought out one by one.
If you’re weary of the bold, we suggest taking the chance anyway. Be brave! Bring out your inner Anna Dello Russo and make a statement. And bonus: they double as cool little art pieces.
