The bandwagon of super mini purses began in 2019 with French brand Jacquemus’s Le Petit Chiquito being introduced. Back then, the internet had never seen something so tiny yet and it was a rage on the red carpet.
Mschf has gone a step further, if not a leap, and introduced a microscopic crumb-sized bag. The neon green speck of dust measures 657 by 222 by 700 micrometres. The photopolymer resin is engraved with a neat Louis Vuittion monogram, seen under a microscope, which the brand will provide. It is modelled after French house's monogram 'OnTheGo' bag but it is not an official collaboration.
Who Is Mschf?
MSCHF stands for miscellaneous mischief. The newly founded brand is an art and advertising collective based in Brooklyn from 2020. Thus, it is no stranger to controversial drops with polarising reactions. MSCHF is synonymous with bizarre fashion. Previously, they went viral for creating big, blood-coloured rubber shoes that set the internet ablaze in February 2023. They called it the MSCHF's 'Big Red Boot'.
MSCHF is a conceptual collective developing elaborate interventions that expose the absurdity of our cultural, political, and monetary systems.
The brand has touted the itty-bitty miniature as an art collective, just like all its other pieces. Justifying why it's not wearable, the company said the smaller the bag is, the more status it gives to the customer. “It steadily becomes more abstracted until it is purely a brand signifier,” it has said.
What’s The Hype?
Dubbed the "lil' Louis", this micro handbag has been specifically created for the "Just Phriends" sale, a forthcoming auction curated by Colette co-founder Sarah Andelman for Pharrell's Joopiter auction house. Alongside exclusive one-of-a-kind pieces from renowned brands like Chanel, KAWS, Richard Mille, and Louis Vuitton itself, the minuscule handbag will be up for grabs. MSCHF CCO Kevin Wiesner explained in an interview that they designed the bag as a nod to Pharrell's fondness for big hats, resulting in an incredibly tiny accessory.
To ensure its intricate details are appreciated, MSCHF will mount the handbag beneath a digital microscope, allowing the new owner to examine it closely. Initially, it will be displayed in a sealed gel case and pre-mounted beneath a microscope at the 8 Avenue Matignon gallery in Paris from June 20 to June 24. Subsequently, it will be featured in the 'Just Phriends' sale, taking place from June 19 to June 27 at Pharrell Williams's auction house, Joopiter. While the starting bid is currently unknown, the bag's gimmicky nature and potential as a collector's item could contribute to its value.
Notably, this isn't the first attention-grabbing handbag released by MSCHF.
Last year, they introduced a black Mschf logo handbag, produced in Italy, Texas, which playfully poked fun at the "made-in-Italy" label often associated with designer handbags. However, unlike the micro bag, that particular release was of regular size and not as petite as something suitable for Barbie. Regardless of the brand's divisive releases, they undeniably succeed in generating discussion and capturing public attention.
On Instagram, the official page of MSCHF described the handbag as smaller than a grain of sea salt and slender enough to pass through the eye of a needle, this handbag requires a microscope to be fully appreciated.
MSCHF highlights that while there are big, normal, and small handbags, this micro bag represents the ultimate achievement in bag miniaturisation. As the size diminishes, the functional aspect of the handbag transforms into a pure symbol of the brand, emphasising its abstracted object status.
What Are Netizens Saying?
For twitterati, it was a sort of deja vu. A similar response was sparked with mini Jacquemus bags due to its incredibly small size. "It's so compact that it can't even accommodate a piece of chewing gum,” said one user.
The fashion accessory from the renowned French brand Jacquemus made waves at the Paris Fashion Week, leaving everyone astonished by its minuscule dimensions. People couldn't help but share their amusement on social media platforms.
One tweet humorously questioned its purpose, asking, "What are they used for? Two tablets of Panadol?" Another tweet playfully remarked, "I need one of those Jacquemus mini Le Chiquito bags to put my three working brain cells in." The bag's petite nature has undoubtedly become a conversation starter, prompting lighthearted speculation and witty comments online.
The reactions on Instagram regarding the MSCHF bag have been quite diverse. One Instagram user noted, "MSCHF bringing the internet people together," recognising the bag's ability to captivate attention and generate conversation.
Netizens, on the other hand, had mixed responses. Somecused irony to mock, stating, "I think it's pretty average sized tbh," while others couldn't help but find it hilarious, with Gen-Z lingo “Stop”. There were also skeptics who voiced their concerns, saying things like, "Imagine you drop it" and "Y'all just be making anything."
However, amidst the skepticism, some users genuinely appreciated the bag's craftsmanship. One person commented, "Has a nice personality," adding a touch of humour. Others were impressed with the intricate details and expressed their admiration, stating, "Actually incredible. I'd love to see how the absolute tiniest details were done."
Influencers joined in on the conversation, using terms like "obsessed" and "so good," emphasizing their desire to acquire the bag.
Overall, the Instagram community showcased a wide range of reactions, from sarcastic remarks to genuine admiration and enthusiasm.