Minaudiere
May 15, 2008 in Fashion
Minaudiere handbags are all the rage at the moment thanks to the inspiration of Judith Leiber.
One such bag or minadiere comes in the shape of the Indian God Ganesh by Frank Zambrelli. Another is pillow shaped encrusted with Austrian Diamond Crystal by Rachel Zoe (who is a stylist to stars like Nicole Richie and Lindsay Lohan).
As always, it is the stars who are leading this trend with minadieres being a big hit amongst the Hollywood A-list.
It is also a result of Luxury Institute’s Luxury brand Status Index naming Judith Leiber’s the most prestigious handbag brand. Lesser designers have been quick to pick up on her designs and adapt them to their own style.
The new trend is a reaction against the previous vogue for large, unwieldy bags. These bags are much more compact and much more intricately designed. It can take anything up to ten days to make a single bag. Hence the very high price tag. The intricate design of the minaudiere handbags are the ultimate status symbol.
With this trend quickly growing in pace, the real fashion leaders are quickly jumping on this trend and making minaudiere bags the must have item at the moment. Pretty soon, if you’re carrying an oversize bag, you’ll be laughed off the streets as fashion changes once more. Personally, I’m all for this trend. I much prefer the intricate and classly look to that bohemian, devil may care stuff. But…
What does minaudiere mean?
Minaudier refers to an ornamental case for jewelry, cosmetics etc. which is often carried as a handbag. It is derived from a French word for smirking.
Now that I know exactly what it is I’m looking for, I’m off to buy a Judith Leiber minaudiere.