The Mattie patent clutch by Brian Atwood crosses clean lines with a mixed vintage message from both the 50s (the letter envelope design) and the 80s (the thick border on the flap and the gold corners). Ignoring the patent material, it almost looks like paper with creases, doesn’t it? I’d actually love to see this bag in matte leather to accentuate the perceived look of paper; I think it would be more unusual!

I love the subtlety of the white on white, though I feel that the bag would be even more powerfully chic without the gold. A pal metallic color would have been preferable to me. The gold nixes the option of wearing this with a cool-toned outfit and silver. I prefer that hardware match the color of the bag — it makes the piece much more versatile. Even though a bag may match the shoes, the different colors in the hardware have ripped the look apart. Say, light gold hardware with burnished nickel? No go. Sigh, how sad.
Anyway, while a pretty bag, I’m still not sure about the whole oversized clutch trend. Isn’t the point of a clutch to be able to hold it inconspicuously in one hand? This bag clocks in at 15″ wide, 8.75″ high, and 1.5″ deep. Maybe this one can be tucked under the arm, but any larger or thicker and they can get unnecessarily unwieldy and distracting from your chosen task at hand!

I like the nappa kidskin lining, and I think that the design and the white color makes good use of the patent leather material. The magnetic snap is an ideal closure as well. Preorder for $1,660 at Saks Fifth Avenue.

This post is tagged Brian Atwood, clutch