New York-based art collective MSCHF has made waves in the world of luxury handbags with its latest creation, the Microscopic Handbag. Measuring less than 0.03 inches wide, this minuscule bag is nearly invisible to the naked eye when placed on a fingertip, yet it recently fetched an astonishing price of over £60,000 (approximately 50 Lakh INR) at an auction.
The neon green Microscopic Handbag, designed using 2-photon polymerisation printing methods and a 3D printer, closely resembles Louis Vuitton's renowned 'OnTheGo' tote. However, it is only viewable through a microscope, where the "LV" monogram can be observed clearly on the bag's face.
The online auction house Joopiter, founded by Pharrell Williams, facilitated the sale of MSCHF's creation. The Microscopic Handbag sold for a staggering £63,750, but it is worth noting that Williams, currently serving as Louis Vuitton's creative director of menswear, was reportedly not consulted by MSCHF during the bag's production, as revealed by the New York Times.
Kevin Wiesner, the chief creative officer of MSCHF, stated that they made the incredibly tiny bag for Williams as a humorous gesture, given his fondness for oversized hats. Wiesner further commented on the bag's transition from a functional object to a piece of jewellery, saying, "It has basically become jewellery," The Guardian reported.
According to the report, the MSCHF has not responded to enquiries about the sale or whether more microscopic accessories are in the works, their auction listing describes the Microscopic Handbag as "smaller than a grain of salt" and "the final word in bag miniaturisation."
The brand explored the idea of an object losing its functionality and becoming a mere brand signifier, emphasising the shift from practicality to luxury and abstract status, the report said.
As the art world continues to push boundaries, MSCHF's Microscopic Handbag stands as a remarkable testament to the fusion of art, fashion, and innovation, capturing the attention of collectors and enthusiasts alike.