Mini bags, mega appeal

Chloe, Saint Laurent and every other designer brand have been producing mini versions of their iconic bags to adorable, awww-inducing effect since the mid-2000s.

Whether it is the Celine Luggage Nano or the Louis Vuitton Alma BB, the smaller counterparts are equally, if not more, ubiquitous than their larger siblings.

These mini bags range from ridiculously tiny to reasonably minimal and offer options to suit every style and occasion.

A number of mini carryalls are cross-body bags, or have a long-strap option, which make them great for hands-free movement. It also makes them a good choice for evening events, when one's hand is holding a champagne glass.

When it comes to price, these smaller bags are also slightly more accessible.

While it depends on the brand, the material and the finishing, the smaller version of the same bag can cost about 20 to 30 per cent less.

However, a mini bag could also be more expensive than a larger version if it has luxe finishings such as crocodile skin or embellished hardware.

Although brands do not typically disclose which of their models are more popular, it is easy to imagine these mini bags being coveted in Asia, where petite figures can sometimes be overwhelmed by larger bags.

While they may not fit much more than your wallet, keys and lipstick, the wee bags carry much in the way of style cred.

Here are a few little bags which punch above their weight.

Tod's D-Cube Mini Bowler Bag

[[{"fid":"295315","view_mode":"original_image","type":"media","attributes":{"height":333,"width":500,"border":"0","class":"media-element file-original-image"},"link_text":null}]]

(20cm x 14 cm x 12.5cm)

$3,720 from Tod's at 01-48 Paragon, tel: 6738-3323

The little D-Cube bag is all about luxe texture, with two-toned mink fur covering both sides.

The pale pink and orange colours give the bag some whimsy and levity, and help offset the serious lady-who-lunches feel of the furry bowler bag.

Fendi Mini Peekaboo Bag

[[{"fid":"295316","view_mode":"original_image","type":"media","attributes":{"height":297,"width":500,"border":"0","class":"media-element file-original-image"},"link_text":null}]]

(23cm x 18cm x 11.5cm)

$6,500 from Fendi at 01-30 Takashimaya Shopping Centre, tel: 6887-5981

Pops of yellow - both in the outer leather and inside the bag - keep this python Mini Peekaboo bag from appearing too stuffy. The shrunken size further emphasises the feminine, ladylike vibe of the carryall.

3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Mini Satchel

[[{"fid":"295317","view_mode":"original_image","type":"media","attributes":{"height":537,"width":300,"border":"0","class":"media-element file-original-image"},"link_text":null}]]

(20cm x 16cm x 7cm)

$1,190 from 3.1 Phillip Lim at 02-05 Hilton Hotel, tel: 6304-1350

Oozing all kinds of cool, the Pashli Mini Satchel has zippers on both ends that allow its tiny body to expand. The silver leather and hardware, in addition to being easy to match, add to its space-age, futuristic image.

Louis Vuitton Alma BB Malletage bag

[[{"fid":"295318","view_mode":"original_image","type":"media","attributes":{"height":333,"width":500,"border":"0","class":"media-element file-original-image"},"link_text":null}]]

(23.5cm x 17.5cm x 11.5cm)

$5,200 from Louis Vuitton at 01-20 Takashimaya Shopping Centre, tel: 6734-1189

The compact Alma BB bag gets a retro modern update, thanks to the quilting details inspired by the brand's travel trunks of years past.

The bright blue colour pops in contrast to the black criss-crossing lines.

Prada Mini Pyramide bag

[[{"fid":"295319","view_mode":"original_image","type":"media","attributes":{"height":333,"width":500,"border":"0","class":"media-element file-original-image"},"link_text":null}]]

(17cm x 12cm x 5cm)

$4,230 from Prada at 01-45 Paragon, tel: 6735-5715

Almost clutch-like in hardness and dimensions, the Mini Pyramide bag is reminiscent of a jewel box. The classic black highlights the glittery embellishment along its curved border.

This article was first published on January 30, 2015.
Get a copy of Urban, The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.