Alexander McQueen Punk Skull Box Clutch, $2720 via Net-a-Porter
We’re readying a much more extensive guide to sparkly little bags for the holiday season, but while that’s in the pipeline, I couldn’t help but post about the Alexander McQueen Punk Skull Box Clutch – after all, it really deserves to stand on its own. Feathers and rhinestones and beads, oh my!
With the bag, McQueen manages again to do what it always does so well – successfully combine multiple heavy design elements in a way that doesn’t feel overwrought or silly. The company makes that kind of light touch look easy, but it’s not – just as whoever’s behind Christian Louboutin’s handbags. A clutch like this one is to be celebrated as something of an accomplishment.
As best as I can tell, that success comes out of the brand, even after the loss of its founder, having a very clear and unified vision instead of just a lot of ideas. When everyone involved in the design process has bought in to a single aesthetic ideal, it becomes easier to work toward fulfilling it everywhere, not just on the runway. The embellishment on this clutch would look right at home trimming the edges of a McQueen collection dress, and although the feathers might make this bag a little awkward to hold at times, I think that the attention to detail is worth it. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $2720.
