One of the earliest handbag memories I have as a kid was finding a little gold clutch in the back of my mom’s closet. It was made of the same type of metal mesh as the Felix Rey Love Clutch, and I remember thinking that it was so incredibly cool. It was bright gold and seemed sort of 70s disco-glam, even to a kid that wasn’t really aware of those kinds of references at that point. But the best part was how it felt to the touch – kind of slippery and weird, like nothing I had ever felt before. For something that moved around so much, I was amazed that it didn’t fall off.
Well obviously I understand the material better now, but I still absolutely love it. It’s glam in such an obvious, fun way that I can’t help but smile every time I see a clutch made of this material, and even more so with this clutch. Sure, it’s a little kitschy and looks like a novelty bag, but it’s got a heart on the front and a big smiley face on the front, and it’s just irreverent enough to be a hipster favorite. I kind of love it, despite myself. Buyt through ShopBop for $120.
In high school I was in “A Thurber Carnival.” One of my roles was a shop girl, and I was selling an evening bag made of this material. It was everyone’s favourite prop, no one could keep their hands off of it. This clutch just makes me smile.