It would be simplistic to say the minaudiere is basically a box clutch or evening bag. It is so much more. Experts say the Minaudiere is a substitute for an evening bag which also doubles as a jewellery piece. Each style of jewellery (earrings, necklace, rings, bracelets) has its own constraints in size and weight. By its nature, the Minaudiere offers designers more freedom to realize magnificently elaborate designs.

The amazing history of the Minaudiere shows it was intended to be highly functional as well as ornamental. By all accounts, the Minaudiere was invented in 1934 by Van Cleef & Arpels after Charles Arpels observed a lady friend’s preference for a small metal box to hold her makeup items. The first minaudieres ever made had clearly defined compartments each made to hold a specific item of a lady’s on-the-go personal effects.

Going by this, one would expect a thoroughly modern minaudiere should have compartments for a smart phone, a credit card, lipgloss, and pepper spray. That is assuming the Minaudiere had continued to evolve along the lines of its original.

As with all things in fashion however, this statement accessory has been re-imagined in many remarkable ways. It’s impossible to read about the Minaudiere without learning about Judith Leiber whose legendary designs have led many to consider the Minaudiere a work of art.

She has designed a Minaudiere for Hilary Clinton and some of her work are part of the permanent collections of museums in New York and London. Judith Leiber’s figural and feminine minaudieres may also have inspired the bridal clutch; that enchanting and encrusted clutch every bride dreams of having for her wedding.

There’s also the work of Olympia Le Tan who designs Minaudieres that look like books. She has designed book minaudieres for Disney stories and recently did a limited edition for Ian Fleming books. It featured James Bond classics like ‘Diamonds are Forever’ and ‘Casino Royale’. Many of her book clutches are already sold out.

There’s just no limit to how this originally boxy statement piece can be re-imagined. For 2 years, the collections of major fashion houses have featured one re-imagination of the minaudiere or the other.

All in all, I would say that the minaudiere continues to be an art piece. For me, the most stunning Minaudieres made in recent times are strongly influenced by contemporary art trends. Some stay true to the original box shape while others are delightfully avant-garde. Take a look at my favourite Minaudieres.

Box-Shaped

Many would argue that box-shaped minaudieres are quintessential. By using unique materials, Balenciaga and Rauwolf have created very modern incarnations of the classic minaudiere as imagined by Van cleef & Arpels.

Geometric Patterns

Don’t they look like works of contemporary art? The designers of these minaudieres draw heavily from contemporary art trends. With regular and fragmented geometric patterns created in luxurious materials, these clutches by Rafe and Emm Kuo are simply gorgeous. They’re both made primarily of Mother-of-pearl and shell inlays.

Faceted

In this group, the New York Based designer, Rafe, dominates. Are they not stunning? First is Maryanne. She is half Mother-of-Pearl and half brass. Exquisite! Next is the dark & iridescent Azure Shell Minaudiere which is simply alluring. These statement accessories exude sophisticated luxury.

Beaded & Bedazzled

These minaudieres owe their million sparkles to beads and rhinestones. The first 2 are by Judith Leiber. Respectively classic and figural, they show why her designs are coveted by many. Next is ‘Melanie’ by Badgley Mischka which has a lovely beaded pattern. Last but not least is the Samira clutch by Clara Kasavina which is covered in Swarovski crystals. These minaudieres are fit for a princess.

One of a Kind

Olympia Le Tan‘s book minaudieres are undoubtedly one-of-a-kind. While this gray Ballet clutch is already sold out, there are other adorable ballet inspired minaudieres to choose from … that is if you’re not prepared to splurge on a limited edition Ian Fleming one. For its part, the famous Chanel pearl clutch is a bona fide collector’s item. Rare, highly sought-after and incredibly expensive, it goes to show there’s no limit to what the minaudiere can be.