Pre-Orders available now and photos of the final product coming soon!
The Mardle Clutch (incl. Shell and one inner) $165 for set
Extra inners $70 each
Currently in stock: Flutter By x 2 / Black&Gold x 2 / Plus Shells x 4
Available for Made-to-Order: Ozange & Native
Inner fabric selection in this album >
About Project : 005...
Taking inspiration from the likes of Prada and Charlotte Olympia, I wanted to create my own version of the transparent clutch.
The first thing that came to mind when I saw these pieces, was creating my fluorescent yellow, purple and black, plastic covered pencil case, way back when I was in Sewing Tech at the age of 12.
With this in mind I also wanted to jump on the fluoro bandwagon that’s trending right now in Europe and combine the two ideas.
I built the first prototype in some scrap fabric and figured out the size and how all the components would work together.
With a nod to Charlotte O, I wanted an exterior plastic ‘shell’ and an internal zipped pouch that could be interchanged dependent on my mood.
I wanted a front flap to pull it away from the ‘makeup bag’ realm and also to provide a space for the wearer to express themselves. The flap would be an internally accessible pouch for the wearer to slide in things such as photos or fabrics or even slide a message into - similar to how we used to ‘decorate’ our school bags.
Other necessary components for a successfully functioning clutch... a wrist strap, a magnetic/dome closure and an optional long strap.
The Prototype pics:
I went up to volunteer behind the scenes at NZ Fashion Week and trotted out the Mardle clutch prototype for its first outing, complete with my accumulating backstage passes displayed in the front flap.
The Verdict:
Size: was perfect to both fit everything I needed (personal mobile, work smartphone, card holder, lipstick, lipbalm, compact mirror, keys, throat lozenges and plenty of room to spare) and not too big to pop under my arm.
Colour: the fluoro orange was a fun addition of colour to my black outfits and OM-WOW with the new S/S 11/12 Mardle dress in Grey Marle. (more about that later)
Customisability: (yes that’s a real word) I was a little intimidated by the ‘blank canvas’ but once I had my NZFW passes, I thought they were the perfect addition to the front flap. I also enjoyed leaving the front flap empty and embracing the transparent/fluoro.
Photoshoot with prototype here now.
Further changes:
After some helpful consultation with 'those in the know', it was decided that the finish should be cleaner, changing the rounded corners to a crisper, squarer finish and that the flap should meet the bottom edge of the clutch, instead of finishing a few centimetres up (as pictured above).
Two more changes!
1: My 'genius-manufacturer' has figured out a technique, often used on leatherwork, to make the corners of the new shape sit beautifully whilst also letting air escape the clutch. The finished product is slicker and flatter and I love it! The finished version is being shot as you read!
2: We have 'vetoed' the dome. We felt it detracted from the chic, simple finish and cheapened the overall look. The clutch still closes and almost adheres itself against its plasticy self!