Marchesa Makes a Rare Handbag Misstep

Under most circumstances, we are totally on board with the girly, princess-y, totally glamourous and heavily detailed evening bags that Marchesa turns out, season after season. It’s hard to imagine a brand who makes bags that would be more perfect to carry as a fairytale bride, and spotting on on the red carpet always helps liven up the sometimes-monotonous parade of sedate evening bags. All that being said, there’s something off about the Marchesa Marisol Floral and Beaded Clutch.

I’ve been trying to pinpoint where this bag’s design goes astray for several days, and I think I figured it out. The folly isn’t in the abundance of embellishments; in fact, Marchesa’s penchant for plenty is particularly beautiful on the tiny, detailed flowers that dot this small clutch. The problem is the color scheme, particularly the grey-green dishwater shade of the clutch’s most prominent bloom. I have a feeling that such a color was used to keep the overall design from becoming too saccharine-sweet, but saccharine-sweet works for Marchesa. It’s the company’s bread and butter. In an effort to find balance, the magic goes by the wayside. If you disagree, pick up this clutch for $1,895 via Neiman Marcus.