With Oscars fever in the air I’m thinking about purses that make a dramatic statement. Sure, most fashion critics will be gazing at the gowns, but we all know the right purse can make or break an outfit. I’m not sure I’ll see anyone clutching it at this year’s Academy Awards, but if I were nominated for a gong I’d carry the Venus Minaudiere from Clara Kasavina.
There’s so much that I like about this purse, but most of it stems from one central idea: it dares to be different. When its peers have traditional box designs, the Venus is imperfectly round. When most evening bags are dripping in jewels the Venus prefers to gleam with polished metal. It doesn’t need to blind us with bling; its unusual design is all it needs to stand out.
The Venus is hand-sculpted to resemble gnarled, twisted branches. Its nature inspired design is beautifully rustic, lacking in polish but not poise. Leather lies underneath the metal, and the interior is lined in silk, so we needn’t worry about our precious cargo slipping through the cracks.
Not that you’ll be able to fit a lot into this minaudiere. A round design isn’t made to be practical, so I hope you know how to travel light. Honestly I was surprised by the drop-in chain, an unexpected piece of functionality in a purse that seems mostly concerned with its appearance.
And what an appearance it is. That alone justifies the $550 price tag, one which is significantly cheaper than those attached to the bags we usually see on the red carpet.
More Features of This Clara Kasavina Metal Minaudiere
- Magnetic top clasp
- A drop-in chain with a 6 inch drop
- Measures 5 x 6 x 1 inches
- Comes with a protective silk dust bag
