Clutches    Trends

Forget a Clutch – What You Want is a Pouch

It’s not especially often that clutches get a trend of their own. Normally, the small, hand-carried bags are beholden to the whims of the handbag game at large and take on whatever texture, embellishment or print trends are dominant at any given moment. Right now, though, clutches are having a moment unto themselves, and it’s all about the pared-down (structurally, at least) pouch. Got an extra iPad sleeve sitting around your apartment? Put your stuff in it, because it’s the new hotness.

In all seriousness, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly where a shape trend like this one comes from. If I had to wager, it’s probably partly from the minimalist bent of many of Celine’s leather clutches and partly from the proliferation of clutch-like iPad cases that designers unleashed in the wake of the gadget’s arrival. From the beginning, I’ve heard people comment that those cases are too cute to be relegated to gadgetry, and now plenty of things that look like they’re intended to hold Apple products are skipping that niche market and going straight to the handbag department. There’s something pleasantly modern about a simple rectangle pouch bordered by just a zipper, and because of the clean shape, a pouch can support a ton of embellishment, even at a fairly large size. Below, some of our favorites.

Proenza Schouler Bike-Print Pouch
$391 via Neiman Marcus

Proenza Schouler Bike-Print Zip Pouch


Christopher Kane Jaguar Print Clutch
$433 via Matches

Christopher Kane Jaguar Print Clutch


Lizzie Fortunato Floral Embroidered Clutch
$411 via Matches

Lizzie Fortunato Floral Embroidered Clutch


Givenchy Checkered Clutch
$422 via Matches

Givenchy Checkered Clutch


Mario Testino for Mate Uru Printed Clutch
$150 via Net-a-Porter

Mario Testino for Mate Uru Printed Clutch


Victoria Beckham Matte Leather and Calf Hair Clutch
$725 via Net-a-Porter

Victoria Beckham Matte Leather and Calf Hair Clutch


Matthew Williamson Embellished Metallic Clutch
$1,650 via Net-a-Porter

Matthew Williamson Embellished Metallic Clutch


Miu Miu Grained Leather Clutch
$595 via Net-a-Porter

Miu Miu Grained Leather Clutch


Valentino Rockstud Clutch
$1,695 via Net-a-Porter

Valentino Rockstud Leather Clutch


Christian Louboutin Loubiposh Clutch
$995 via Neiman Marcus

Christian Louboutin Loubiposh Clutch


Prada Degrade Sequin Pouch Clutch
$995 via Neiman Marcus

Prada Degrade Sequin Pouch Clutch


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