NEW FASHION TRENDS: TINY HANDBAGS Prepared by Theresa Kellington
INTRODUCTION
Over the past century, we have seen fashion evolve in color and material, but most importantly in size. In the 1920s, we saw hemlines go above the knee and v-neck dresses. We also saw accessories change, especially for women. We saw headbands, hair clips and drop earrings. As the decades wore on, we saw daring designs and fabrics as well as the amount of material shrinking.
Skirts, shirts and shorts began to get smaller and form-fitting. Accessories became smaller, such as belt buckles and earrings (e.g. additional piercings). Handbags have also changed in shape and size.
HANDBAGS GET A NEW SIZE Over the past two decades, we have seen them become larger, almost the size of a small carryon. Yet, the newest trend is for handbags to go smaller. As in, tiny.
TINY HANDBAGS
These tiny handbags first appeared on runways of Paris during Fashion Week. The bags were easy to miss due to their size. They are part of the Jacquemus Spring 2019 collection. Fashion Label Jacquemus debuted the line of tiny handbags, called Mini Le Chiquito, with models holding on them with one finger. Each bag has a rich color and the label’s name or a simple “J” on it. The bag is a smaller version of Le Chiquito, which is four inches long. With this bag, you can fit a lipstick in it and maybe a credit card.
That’s not the case with the Mini Le Chiquito. You might be able to fit one breath mint (unwrapped) in it. Yet, the Mini Le Chiquito is a fun accessory that makes people take a second look. And the line has been well-received. Elle Magazine has called the Mini Le Chiquito the new “It” bag. As for the price, some say it will cost just as much as (if not more than) the Le Chiquito, which retails for around $500.
Fashion evokes feelings; it makes us feel happy, sexy, dark or mysterious. It encompasses not just clothing, but accessories as well. It is the complete look (clothing and accessories) that makes a statement. The Mini Le Chiquito handbags have done their job; they have declared their own statement and have brought fun to an accessory that is often used for its function rather than form.
A NOD TO THE 1920S Perhaps they are a nod to the handbags of the 1920s, since those bags were small and intricate. I cannot wait to see what other accessories will become even smaller!
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