A minaudiere (pronounced mee-noh-dyer) is the French word for a small handbag that houses one's evening essentials. Think of it as a work of art that can accompany you on a night out, carrying your lipstick, credit card, and other little must-haves. Want to shop for one? Ahead, we offer a few suggestions.
What Is a Minaudiere?
Luxury house Van Cleef & Arpels is popularly credited for birthing the minaudiere. In 1933, Alfred Van Cleef designed a vanity case that was meant to fit a lady's indispensable needs. One could throw a compact mirror, lipstick, cigarette holder, lighter, and even a watch in the case without compromising its sleek and stylish exterior. The cases were often crafted out of gold and were adorned with precious stones and appliques.
As women evolved, so did the minaudiere. Nowadays, they come in abstract shapes and designs, often referencing elements present in the natural world. Traditionally, a minaudiere would not have any handles or straps, as it was designed to be grasped in one's fingers. Although, in accordance with the needs of today's fashionistas, brands have come out with versions that offer a hands-free experience.
Aside from its modest capacity, a minaudiere is more rigid and firm to the touch as compared to a regular clutch. Far from being an everyday workhorse bag, it's an accessory one would reach for on special occasions. It serves its purpose to carry one's belongings, but, more importantly, also imparts an extra dose of glam to one's looks.
The Best Designer Brands to Shop for a Minaudiere
1. Neil Felipp Oceania Minaudiere
Cebuano designer Neil Felipp is best known for fantastical designs that tell stories of their own. One of his most popular iterations of the minaudiere is the Oceania, which has schools of fish "swimming" around a rectangular case,
Oceania Minaudiere in Black Parchment, P49,895, NEIL FELIPP, neilfelipp.com
2. Calli Bags Catriona Clutch
In collaboration with Catriona Gray, local brand Calli Bags came out with a clutch named after the Miss Universe. Crafted out of lacquered acacia wood, the piece resembles leaves forming a half-moon pattern.
Catriona Clutch in Black, P15,500, CALLI BAGS, callibags.com
3. Emm Kou Le Sirenuse
New York-based designer Emm Kou referenced her seaside travels when designing the Le Sirenuse. Buntal straw is tightly-woven to create a shell before its painted an ombre shade of blue.
Le Sirenuse in Ocean Blue, $425 (approximately P24,509.54), EMM KOU, ekrdesigns.com
4. Cult Gaia Pearl Bag
Be honest: You've seen this minaudiere before. Cult Gaia's Pearl bag is beloved for its surrealist design and classy appeal. The gold rod attached to the pearl can be held by hand, or rested on one's arm like a bracelet.
Pearl Bag, P24,900, CULT GAIA, cultgaia.com
5. Simone Rocha Micro Pearl Egg Bag
Another cult-favorite in the fashion world is the Egg bag from Simone Rocha. The Irish designer displays her affinity to dainty motifs with this clutch, which can also be worn as a crossbody with its pearl strap.
Micro Pearl Egg Bag, £495 (approximately P35,859.99), SIMONE ROCHA, simonerocha.com
6. Benedetta Bruzziches Ariel
Fashioned after exquisite stones one can find at the bottom of the sea, the Ariel is Benedetta Bruzziches' crown jewel. The piece is intensively made through 3D-printing technology and intricate hand-painting.
Ariel in White Dune, $2605.66 (approximately P150,267.11), BENEDETTA BRUZZICHES, benedettabruzziches.com
7. Alexis Bittar Molten Gold Bullet Minaudiere
14 karats worth of gold is plated over full-grain leather to create Alexis Bittar's Molten Gold Bullet minaudiere. The handle is shaped like the Brooklyn-based brand's best-selling bangles.
Molten Gold Bullet Minaudiere, P40,657.52, ALEXIS BITTAR, alexisbittar.com
8. L'Alingi London Eternity Clutch
A chic contrast between black satin and crystal stones is the key element of the Eternity Clutch. Intended to be clutched for red carpet affairs, the jewels mimic a diamond ring band.
Eternity Clutch in Black, P58,800, L'ALINGI LONDON, lalingi.com
9. Alexander McQueen Knuckle Clutch
The Knuckle Clutch packs a punch. Each opening on the handle ergonomically slides onto one's fingers, making for an edgy statement that also ensures your belongings' safety.
Knuckle Clutch in Red, $4290 (approximately P247,402.16), ALEXANDER MCQUEEN, alexandermcqueen.com
10. Judith Leiber Hot Lips Clutch
Judith Leiber has taken full liberties in crafting her iterations of the minaudiere. One of her most recognizable originals is the rhinestone-encrusted Hot Lips clutch, which really requires no further explanation. Pucker up!
Hot Lips Clutch, $4495 (approximately P259,224.40), JUDITH LEIBER, judithleiber.com
How to Style a Minaudiere, As Seen on Local Celebrities
1. Nadine Lustre
Popping by the Bulgari Studio in South Korea, Nadine Lustre proudly donned a Filipino-made outfit composed of a sculptural Rajo Laurel dress and a Neil Felipp minaudiere.
2. Liza Soberano
A vision at the 2022 Gold Gala, Liza Soberano clutched Neil's Oceania minaudiere to complement her black Filipiniana gown by Anthony Ramirez.
3. Catriona Gray
Of course, Catriona Gray would be the perfect muse to model the Catriona clutch. Garbed in Vania Romoff, she attended the 2022 Preview Ball carrying the Calli Bags original.
4. Marian Rivera
Every bit a living Barbie doll, Marian Rivera turned up to the same event in a pink fringe dress, accented by a black Pearl minaudiere from Cult Gaia.
5. Pia Wurtzbach
What's glamorous, chic, and red all over? Pia Wurtzbach in this gala OOTD punctuated by Judith Leiber's Hot Lips!
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