Words by Suzie Bakos
Teeny-tiny, totally adorable and arguably very impractical, the mini bag has found itself trending once again. Just in time for party season, these bite-sized styles offer a more playful approach to accessorizing than the traditional clutch.
But who started the micro bag trend? And when did mini bags become so popular? Our biggest shoutout goes to Simon Porte Jacquemus, who led the charge towards miniscule bags when he debuted the three-inch Le Chiquito tote at his spring/summer 2018 show. Soon afterwards, a whole host of designers downsized their iconic silhouettes into more compact versions, such as Balmain with its B-Buzz 23 bag and Coperni’s Swipe bag.
Here, FARFETCH’s fashion marketing editor, Iman Alem, offers her highlights on this season’s mini bag trend — from Balenciaga’s Hourglass mini bag to Versace’s metallic La Medusa — and what these small but perfectly formed pieces really fit inside.
Jacquemus Le Chiquito mini bag
‘It’s not possible to do a round-up of trending mini bags and not talk about Jacquemus’ Le Chiquito. The oversized grab handle, boxy shape and branded hardware have become synonymous with the French fashion house, and the bag’s range of tempting colorways makes you feel like you want to collect them all — like this pastel lilac iteration. Keys and bank cards fit perfectly in this compact cult favorite, making it more of an accessory to a look than a practical addition — you’ll still need your tote for longer days out.’
Sizing:
Depth 6cm
Handle 10cm
Height 10cm
Strap 50cm
Width 12cm
Care:
This mini bag is crafted from leather and is best stored in a dust bag when not in use.
Miu Miu Matelassé mini tote bag
‘Reimagining the brand’s signature matelassé leather through a new lens, Miu Miu’s tote bag goes tiny for the house’s fall/winter 2023 collection. It’s playful yet sophisticated, with the option of white and black nappa leather proposing a new staple for every kind of closet. Measuring 10cm high and 15cm wide, it finds itself more on the roomy side compared to your average mini bag, especially when it comes to what you can carry: a phone, purse and lip gloss fit comfortably. We recommend this one to amp up a normally relaxed look, such as the brand’s trending-everywhere cropped shirts and pleated skirts.’
Sizing:
Height 10.3cm
Width 15.3cm
Length 4.5cm
Care:
Crafted with soft, nappa leather, this handbag is best stored in a dust bag and cleaned using a damp cloth when necessary.
Coperni Swipe mini bag
‘Arnaud Vaillant and Sébastien Meyer relaunched Coperni in 2019, releasing the original Swipe bag for fall/winter 2019. The pair unveiled their design through a campaign shot by Julien Martinez Leclerc, whose visuals spotlighted how the handbag is inspired by iPhone’s swipe-to-unlock function. ‘Their shapes are inspired by the symbols of technology, such as Bluetooth, swipe or Wi-Fi,’ Vaillant told ‘British Vogue’. The Swipe bag is now Coperni’s signature and this tiny take comes in an all-over monochromatic logo print. Smartphones, sunglasses and a pair of gloves fit nicely inside.’
Sizing:
Depth 6.5cm
Handle 17cm
Height 28cm
Width 15cm
Care:
Store yours in a dust bag when not using and clean with a damp cloth.
Balenciaga Hourglass mini bag
‘First debuted in 2019, Balenciaga’s Hourglass has been a favorite amongst fashion’s most influential names, from Kim Kardashian and Hayley Bieber to Bella Hadid, and many more. Downsized to miniature levels, this new-season design is offered in a silver-tone croc-embossed effect with the classic B-shaped logo plaque to the front and detachable chain shoulder strap — the perfect finishing touch to party-ready looks. Its soft outer means you won’t be super restricted when it comes to carrying your party makeup essentials.’
Sizing:
Depth 5cm
Handle 5cm
Height 8cm
Strap 45cm
Width 12cm
Care:
We recommend being as delicate as possible with this style due to its metallic design. Keep it in a dust bag when not in use and keep the strap away from liquids.
Versace La Medusa metallic leather bag
‘Versace fans are well versed with the Italian powerhouse’s affinity with overt glamour — Donatella Versace’s famous quote, ‘more is more,’ is central to the brand’s aesthetic. The miniature La Medusa bag mimics the shape of the iconic La Medusa top handle bag, and its namesake motif replicates the door handles of Versace’s first headquarters in Milan. It measures less than 10cm by 10cm, so has just enough space for after-dark essentials, while the gold-tone metallic finish is a beautiful match for an LBD this party season.’
Sizing:
Depth 7cm
Handle 9.5cm
Height 13cm
Strap 57cm
Width 16cm
Care:
We recommend being as delicate with this style as possible due to its metallic design. Keep it in a dust bag when not using it and keep away from liquids.
How to extend the life of your mini bags
Feeling inspired to make room for a new-season mini bag? Our FARFETCH Second Life service allows you to sell your pre-loved designer bags to clear space in your closet. Plus, you’ll earn FARFETCH credit which you can put towards that Jacquemus Chiquito.
If your mini bag is needing a little TLC by the end of party season, our FARFETCH Fix service is here to help. Powered by the Restory — a leading aftercare company — it offers bespoke repairs by specialist artisans, restoring designer shoes, handbags and small leather goods to their former glory.
These two services are part of what we call Positively FARFETCH — helping luxury fashion lovers think, act and choose more positively.