The Allure of Micro and Mini Handbags: Designing the Perfect Visual Experience

The idea of purses has been around for thousands of years, growing and changing with the eras and their needs. Commonly carried by men and women alike it’s a place to store your needed travel items like money, tissues, makeup and food. While variances in size are nothing new in the purse category the newest idea, the Micro bag, is a small step towards insane. Built for women and men that have nothing more to carry than a few credit cards, ID and a piece of chewing gum these micro bags have left reasonably small to the mini’s. Seemingly the only thing that hasn’t gone Micro is the price; some costing the price of an entire collection of purses.

So I did some research.

While the reasoning as to the need and functionality varies wildly on micro bags- From mobility and liberation to trendiness- there is a consensus that French designer Jacquemus created the bag to make a statement. The Jacquemus’ micro bag measures a teenie tiny 2 inches and can fit exactly nothing at all. Statement indeed.

Now, while the purses on this list are bigger than 2 inches (some not by much) they are ridiculously expensive given the real estate value. Here are a few more Micro and mini bags that will stop you in your tracks. Maybe for the looks but definitely for the price tag.

Keep reading to the end and experience the visuals that cement the iconic-ness of Micros and Minis!

Jimmy Choo

Micro Bon Bon

L11.5cm x W7cm x H12cm

$750.00

OPINION: It's cute with its tiny bucket design and gold hoop handle but for the cost of a car note I am sure I can find something else to go with my neutral wardrobe pieces And keep the change in it.

Fendi

Flat Baguette Micro

W2cm x H7cm

$650.00

OP: Not only is it in the “forgettable basics” category for me it’s the same price as some of Fendi’s other mini and medium sized finds. I guess you have to be looking for this bag particularly in order to see the value. I’m like, where??

Versace

La Medusa Studded Micro Bag

9.5cm x .5cm x 9.5cm

$1,125.00

OP: Come tf on! I can't be the only one over the bedazzled/studded fad(or is it coming back?? Sweet lord). Looking at this purse makes me want to buy it for my daughter then slap myself for buying her something so childish. I’m done.

Valentino

One Stud Nappa Micro Bag with chain

W11cm x H8cm x D5cm

$1,320.00

OP: So they take my advice and depart from the studdedness but decide to use the largest one they could find. WHY? Valentino you should have just made the stud the purse smh. This one got me wondering what the ROI is on it. Not to mention it reminds me of a bird lol

Balenciaga

Hourglass Super Nano Top Handle Bg

W4.75in x H4in x D1.75in

$1,250.00

OP: It's something about the mix of the small size, shiny calf leather and price tag that makes me say “there's something off about this bag”. I just said it in the first line.

Dior

Micro Dior Caro Bag

13cm x 8cm x 4cm

$2,700.00

OP: Here we go with the calf skin again but this time they turned the heat up. If adjectives like “supple” and “timeless” are your selling points, they got you. Oh and it comes in mustard and denim blue!

Valentino

Nappa Micro Rockstud Spike Shoulder Bag

5.25in x 2.5in x 4in

$1,145.00

OP: For all the reasons listed above plus fuck no. This bag missed marks I didn't even know I was grading for. Maybe it was the fashion site it was on. Bad vibes.

Stud Sign Shoulder Bag With Floral Embroidery

W20cm x H15cm x D7cm

$4,590.00

OP: Another Valentino delight. They are really bussin people over the head with these prices. The list is long for other equally detailed and elegant purses but I'll let you be the judge on which ones. This purse is not for the faint of heart.

Dior

Mini Lady Dior Bag

17cm x 15cm x 7cm

$4,900.00

OP: This little quilted lambskin square bag makes you pay for it alright. At 5 bands + with tax you better be serious about keeping it off the floor, away from water, kids with markers, dogs, pets in general, men and pretty much anything that can be considered careless. I think it might need a nanny.

Cartier

Panthere De Cartier, Mini Model Tophandle

H150mm x W185mm x D80mm

$2,770.00

OP: At this point I feel like the only thing that separates these bags for the most part is designer. Same materials but this time with a briefcase handle. Maybe i'm not old enough yet. Idk

Gucci

Gucci Bamboo 1947 Jumbo GG

W6.7in x H4.7in D3in

$3,400.00

OP: Full transparency moment- I hate monogram purses. Hate is a strong word I know but I do not get their appeal en mass. Some are worse than others tho so if you see me with a monogram purse don't call me out! This- won't be the purse though. The shape is cute but that's not enough.

Dolce & Gabbana

Dolce Box Bag with Rhinestones and Mirror detailing

19cm x 14.5cm x 7cm

$7,045.00

OP: This is an expensive lunch box. Leather, Rhinestones, mirroring, top handle, metal feet and magnets. Blah, blah, blah.

Still with me? You’ve reached the end of this blog of incredibly expensive accessories. What a journey hu? Good luck avoiding buying reasonably priced purses now that I've put these little guys in your head.

As promised Check out the video here: