The Big Trends on Small Bags
Diminutive in size but not in impact, the world’s tiniest accessory is proof that when it comes to handbags, bigger doesn’t always mean better. From today’s most sought-after silhouettes to tomorrow’s vintage, shopping preloved nano bags at Vestiaire Collective offers an affordable, smart and sustainable entry into the world of designer bags.
And, with a collection of the finest second hand nano bags from the world’s best fashion brands, we will talk you through the investment bags to buy now, and the trendsetters that are turning the tiny bag trend into one of the biggest fashion moments of 2020. Scroll down to browse our top used designer bags in the mini-trend edit.
Jacquemus Chiquito
When it comes to luxury bag brands, no one does it quite like Simon Porte Jacquemus. Turning the everyday holdall into one of fashion’s most talked-about trends, the Jacquemus Chiquito handbag questions the form and function of our favourite accessory. Top of every collectors’ wish list, celebrities like Rihanna, Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner continue to champion Le Chiquito handbag, reinforcing Jacquemus’ position as one of the most zeitgeisty fashion brands today. Ranging in size from miniature to microscopic, the internet sensation that was first showcased at Jacquemus Autumn/Winter ‘19 is available in a spectrum of shades – all decorated with gold logo lettering and furnished with a detachable, adjustable shoulder strap for added functionality.
Balenciaga Hourglass Mini
Bold, daring and just a little kitsch, the Hourglass mini handbag highlights Demna Gvasalia’s impact as creative director for Balenciaga – challenging the status quo to create a compact accessory that fits neatly in the palm of your hand. Disrupting fashion on a global level since 2015, Demna’s signature accessory for the heritage fashion house shares the sculptural design features of its larger cousin, with smooth curves and exotic leather making it the accessory of choice for those looking to own a piece of fresh Parisian design. Look for the Balenciaga Hourglass Mini Top Handle handbag with a mock crocodile-effect finish, smooth leather and bright shades.
Saint Laurent Baby Lou
With just enough room for lipstick and cab fare home, the Saint Laurent Baby Lou micro bag is the kind of silhouette YSL muse Loulou de la Falaise would have probably endorsed. Crafted from the brand’s signature matelassé grain de poudre embossed leather, it’s hard not to be charmed by Anthony Vaccarello’s interpretation of the brand’s signature handbag. Designed in Paris and handmade in Italy, this classic brings a sophisticated touch to the mini bag trend – offering a modern interpretation of a beloved vintage classic.
Fendi Nano Baguette
The rule of three’s a crowd doesn’t apply to Fendi’s best-selling ‘90s design – the Nano Baguette. Designed by Silvia Venturini, the Nano is so covetable, you’ll want more than one. Worn on its own, as a pair - or even a trio, the philosophy behind Fendi designer handbags is the more the merrier. Available in a multitude of colours from limoncello yellow to classic cognac brown, these elegant compact bags have become a firm favourite with trendsetters like Lucy Hale and Winnie Harlow, who have been spotted wearing them as belt bags, clutches and strung around the neck like lanyards.
Chloé Mini Tess Bag
Shrunk down to the essentials, the Chloé Mini Tess bag is a masterclass in the French art of bon chic bon genre. An accessory that reflects the brand’s design DNA via a soft leather shape, ‘O’ signature hardware, and strong ‘70s aesthetics, the Mini Tess handbag reflects a youthful Parisian spirit through and through. One of the most sophisticated mini bags on the market, this sized-down silhouette has curves in all the right places, a feature not overlooked by long-serving Chloé girls like Lucy Williams, Marion Cotillard and Camilla Deterre.
Gucci Dionysus Super Mini
Following Alessandro Michele’s appointment as creative director of Gucci in 2015, the Dionysus handbag line has become the accessory of choice for reality stars and royalty alike.
Most famously worn by Meghan Markle, the Gucci Dionysus Super Mini quickly became one of the most sought-after Gucci handbags in the brand’s history, turning the tiger head clasp and GG Supreme canvas motif into symbols for success. One of the most popular resale bags on community-led fashion sites such as Vestiaire Collective, whether it’s worn in the hand or styled on the shoulder, the Gucci Dionysus Super Mini is the royal standard in second-hand style.
Valentino Garavani VSLING mini bag
Just big enough to carry on Lizzo’s little finger, the Valentino Garavani VSLING mini bag is the accessory that made the American Music Awards. A tiny handbag with large impact, Valentino’s signature VLOGO design translates all the essential characteristics typical of haute couture with the handmade details of high craftsmanship. Cut from calfskin leather and adorned with the brand’s signature logo plaque, this micro design might be small, but as one of the most searched items on the internet, the Valentino Garavani VSLING mini bag is impossible to miss.
Mini Louis Vuitton Bags
Louis Vuitton is the master of mini bags. Designed in Paris and handmade in France, Louis Vuitton bags are some of the most popular pre-loved items on Vestiaire Collective. Holding their value thanks to a range of timeless models and quality craftsmanship, signature silhouettes like the Nano, Dauphine and Pochette have become some of the best Louis Vuitton bag styles in the brand’s history. In fact, authentic pre-loved Louis Vuitton handbags often get better with age, allowing the leather time to tan, soften and take on a vintage look and feel. An accessory to buy now and love forever, the mini Louis Vuitton bag collection offers smaller versions of the world’s most famous styles, providing the same iconic arm candy, for less. Whether it’s your first piece of pre-loved or a chance to add to your collection, a Louis Vuitton mini bag is the perfect place to begin.
Nano Speedy
First launched in the ‘30s, today, the Speedy by Louis Vuitton remains an icon for the French fashion house. Sized down to create the Nano Speedy, its unmistakable silhouette features the brand’s famous monogram coated canvas, rounded handles, and a padlock charm. A design fit for every discerning pre-loved shopper, the Nano Speedy mini bag is a compact classic, offering the perfect miniature of the famous Speedy model. Crafted with an adjustable shoulder strap, it’s still big enough to carry your phone, cards and keys, too. Keep an eye out for limited edition models with artists like Takashi Murakami and Stephen Sprouse for creative interpretations on the signature LV print.
Nano Noé
A toy version of the original NoéNoe, the Nano Noé mini bag from Louis Vuitton draws from Gaston-Louis Vuitton's vision for a bag that could hold five bottles of champagne – creating the celebrated bucket bag silhouette that has become the brand’s calling card. Whilst the nano Noé might only be big enough to hold a miniature instead of a magnum, what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in style, offering a travel-sized shape in options including the brand’s damier ebène coated canvas, monogram empreinte leather, epi leather, monogram canvas, or the limited edition 'Since 1854' textile designed by Nicolas Ghesquière.
Palm Springs Mini
Worn in the hand, on the shoulder, or across the body, the Louis Vuitton Palm Springs Mini is a playful twist on the traditional backpack. Crafted with adjustable and detachable straps, this little accessory can be styled in a lot of different ways. A luxury alternative for those looking for something hands-free, this charming model is crafted from monogram canvas with a soft leather trim and gold-tone hardware. Alternatively, you can find the Palm Springs Mini backpack in exclusive patchwork damier denim or soft calfskin as part of the LV World Tour collection.
Pochette Accessoire Mini
When we think about the top designer handbags for investment, one model comes to mind - the Pochette Accessoire Mini from Louis Vuitton. A slim silhouette with a detachable shoulder strap, it can be styled as a small shoulder bag, a clutch or even, a compact organiser for travel documents. Available in damier coated canvas or monogram canvas, the Louis Vuitton Pochette Accessoire Mini handbag is the ultimate designer starter bag – it even accommodates the brand’s Zippy Wallet, which makes it a great everyday pairing. For those looking for something different, look out for limited edition designs from Stephen Sprouse that includes the Graffiti collection and the rare Roses collection.
Capucines Mini
An accessory steeped in history and heritage, the Capucines Mini handbag from Louis Vuitton celebrates the brand’s Parisian roots – named after the street where Gaston-Louis Vuitton opened his first shop in 1854. For those who already own the larger BB, PM and MM versions of the Capucines model, the mini is still rich in house signatures – from the leather-wrapped LV Initials, handle mounts inspired by historic trunks, and a distinctive flap with a monogram flower motif. What’s more, the Capucines Mini handbag is available in a selection of striking shades and exotic leathers – an ideal second-hand investment for Louis Vuitton lovers.
Dauphine Mini
Inspired by a model from the Louis Vuitton archives, the Dauphine Mini marries Nicolas Ghesquière’s contemporary aesthetic with heritage ‘70s styling. Blending the house’s rich design history with current fashion themes, this modern mini bag showcases the Louis Vuitton monogram canvas and the monogram reverse canvas, complemented by new elements such as metallic closures, hexagonal chain straps, and adjustable leather lanyards. Refined, elegant styling and convenient carry options make this mini bag from Louis Vuitton a must-have for fans of the Dauphine model.
Turning travelling light into an art form, the nano bag trend is inspiring us to streamline life’s essentials. With designs that challenge our senses and make us rethink accessorising,
their compact, playful and eye-catching silhouettes prove that small bags are here to stay. So, whether you’re looking to invest in your first designer handbag or tempted to sell your own designer mini bag – join our international community of over 10 million fashion activists in over 50 countries and sign up, sign in and start your Vestiaire Collective journey, today.