- November 28, 2022
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- 11 minutes read
The Biggest Accessory During Party Season Are Mini Bags – Forbes
This party season, you are never fully dressed without a small—and a mini bag.
The shift from oversized totes to smaller, more compact bags is liberating. Apart from freeing us from unnecessary volume and weight, they also allow movement with ease. Downsizing everyday baggage is best likened to decluttering or Marie Kondo tidying. As soon as you rid your daily load of all the things that no longer spark joy, you make space for clarity, focus, and ultimately, freedom.
When Jacquemus first introduced its now iconic mini bag in 2019, it seemed that the micro sized tote would become no more than a passing trend. As more and more designers followed suit, however, it appeared that this new category for everyday bags was here to say. It wasn’t just the labels or designers who had a hand in this style shift. Consumers of fashion, after having jumped on the small bag ban wagon, also discovered that multitasking through the busiest of days is actually easier without the excess baggage.
BERLIN, GERMANY – MAY 26: Sonia Lyson wearing &other stories pants, Zara blazer, Dior ring and … [+]
HAMBURG, GERMANY – JUNE 21: Leonie Hanne wearing Bottega Veneta heels, Balenciaga bag, Frankie Shop … [+]
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 13: Caroline Daur, wearing a nude decorated shirt with matching pants, Fendi … [+]
As someone whose love affair with statement bags blossomed in 2007, I’ve always subscribed to the looks served up by the Olsen Twins at the front row. For years, I broke my back and the bank for bags that were a few kilos shy of being a weekend duffel. I’d dump everything in–from my essentials to other useless items that would eventually get buried at the bottom along with receipts and other rubbish. But here’s the honest truth. Out of the many things that I labored to carry with me from day to night, only four things were truly necessary—credit card, a few bills, keys, and my mobile phone.
Ashley Olsen during Fendi 80th Anniversary All Hallow’s Eve Party Hosted by Karl Lagerfeld at 25 … [+]
NEW YORK, NY – JULY 18: Ashley Olsen seen out and about in Manhattan on July 18, 2018 in New York … [+]
While I always found a way to acquire the season’s outsized and overpriced bag, my options for stylish, evening bags left much to be desired. To be more exact, I owned one basic black clutch bag, a slim purple purse and a gold minaudiere–all of which were either gifted or handed down. Suffice it to say that throughout most of those years, my Saturday night party frocks lacked the one key accessory that could’ve made a difference: a chic mini bag. I look at old photos and cringe at how terribly mismatched my party ensembles were with my arm candy.
Admittedly, Jacquemus microscopic bag was not something I was eager to spend hard earned money for. It did, however, make me think about the things we truly need to carry around everyday. While browsing my favorite online multi-brand platform, I began looking through the mini bags section. Added a mini laser cut dumpling bag to cart, and forever changed my relationship with baggage.
As the calendar fills up with back-to-back events, last minute errands, and get-togethers this holiday season, there is more reason to consider a bag downsize. A compact, yet functional bag will allow us to power through the city traffic and Christmas rush. As party hour strikes, mini bags easily transition with any outfit or serve its purpose as a statement accessory. Here, the season’s round up of mini bags for the holidays.
DAANA SAAKENA Thana Mini Bag in OxBlood
DAANA SAAKENA approaches bag design with the mindset of a seasoned jeweler. The brand had made it to the radar of discerning bag connoisseur because of impeccable structure, attention to details and signature gold coated hardware. Its mini Thana Bag, for instance is handcrafted using only the finest materials. It’s a small accessory that leaves makes a big fashion statement.
St Barths Petit Tote by NAGHEDI
Naghedi’s signature St. Barths tote was reimagined by a 6-year-old to fit all your essentials while traveling, out in the city, or making a grand entrance to a New Year’s Eve Party. Handwoven using neoprene, it’s an ultra lightweight accessory to give your holiday ensemble a pop of color.
HEMINCUFF Steff Bag
HEMINCUFF’s Steff Bag is a classic top handle satchel. Inspired by Mexico’s architecture and rich hues, it features vegan leather straps, gold hardware and interchangeable chains for when wearing it as a body bag. I love that the brand uses faux croc, adding opulence to any outfit in the most responsible way possible.
PAGERIE The Hiro Waist Bag
PAGERIE is hands-down the most luxurious and stylish brand for canines. Its accessories are designed as extensions of a fashion-forward pet owner. This holiday season, I’m looking to make a grand entrance to one or two fur parent Christmas parties. The one accessory I’d love to match my canine date with: The Hiro Waist Bag. It’s light, functional, compact and the Pagerie accessories of my babies.
IMAGO-A Nº65 Mini Gio
IMAGO-A N65 Mini Gio is hand crafted using Italian top-grain leather. Its structure showcases a delicate balance between drapery and structure, a style long associated with architect and designer Gio Ponti. Held by hand or draped across the body via detachable chain strap, this tiny beauty in latte is the kind of accessory to take you from coffee to happy hour.
YUZEFI Pretzel Bag
YUZEFI’s Pretzel Mini Bag makes arm candy look extra delicious. This structured piece features a knotted handle and a detachable strap for easy wear. A striking shade of scarlet makes it a statement accessory for any season.
MLOUYE Mini Sera Tote
MLOUYE’s bags are inspired by Bauhaus design. The Mine Sera Tote, for example, recalls that shapes and folds of a maze or accordion. It is a unique feature that adds depth and dimension to the design despite it being miniature. Color blocking also factors into the visual appeal of the bag. Other variations of the Mini Sera feature the season’s most love hues: olive green, latte, denim, and gradients of gray.
NOIRANCA Alice Bag
NOIRANCA bags are the latest additions to my growing collection of mini bags. I love that they are lightweight, functional and easy to pair with my entire wardrobe. Its styles easily add polish and character to any outfit even if it were just a white shirt and a pair of trousers. The Alice Bag, which I have in pink, has recently been reintroduced in a beautiful shade of Olive. Its unique shape, supple leather made of 58% recycled materials, and multi-use design easily make it the bag to wear this holiday season.