In Words You Never Thought You’d Read, The Clutch Bag Is Having A Fashion Moment (Yes, Really)

Hands up if you spent your student days dancing around sticky nightclubs with a clutch bag wedged under your armpit? On the other hand, maybe don’t. Not because their naff credentials are through the roof, but because therein lies the problem. You can’t put your hands up without your clutch bag promptly hitting the dancefloor.

So considering the only move left in your arsenal is the robot, why are so many fashion editors and street stylers parking their buckets, cross-bodies and shoulder bags for, you guessed it, the clutch of all things?

As with most accessories trends right now, the credit’s due to Daniel Lee, creative director at Bottega Veneta and the king of cult accessories. His Pouch, in an array of shades like taupe, olive green and petrol blue, is the definition of the clutch bag 2.0. Firstly, it’s called a pouch, not a clutch, which might just be window dressing but has done wonders for its PR. Secondly, it doesn’t resemble a rather uninviting A5 envelope, but is squidgy-around-the-edges like a pillowy marshmallow. Delicious, no?

‘I love my Bottega Veneta pouch,’ says Tiffany Hsu, fashion buying director at My Theresa, ‘because the shape is perfect, the leather is soft and it’s the right size to wear from day-to-eve.’ Her Instagram feed, @handinfire, certainly proves the latter claim of versatility. In one post, she’s matched her turquoise pouch to a sharp-shouldered blazer dress in an equally bright blue. In another, she’s carrying it with a fluid frock of almond and cream-coloured satin.

The good news, if you can’t afford Bottega Veneta’s pouch, is that the clutch 2.0 is officially A Thing. DeMellier’s version, the Florence, sold out before the bags had even arrived on site. The handbag label’s founder, Mireia Llusia-Lindh, says the style has been due for a comeback. ‘They are not the most practical [shape],’ she admits, ‘but they do elevate any outfit. With The Florence, we wanted to develop the perfect ‘day to night’ clutch, one that would be roomy enough to carry your daily essentials but still look good at night.’

The even better news? The Florence comes with a lifeline, otherwise known as a strap.

SHOP: The Non-Naff Clutch Bag Edit