Valentino Leather Clutch: Unadorned and Enchanted

This clutch marks a whole new direction for Valentino. While Maria Grazia’s and Pierpaolo’s love affair with the color red continues on (just look to their Shanghai collection), they are taking a pared-down approach, hardware-wise. It’s refreshing (and comforting) to see they have a follow-up to their beloved rockstuds.

Now they’re swinging their pendulum far in the other direction, and the results are great. Think clean, concise, and minimal. This is an envelope in the most classic and quintessential sense of the word. However, it’s not exactly a clutch, even though it’s called one. Sure, it can be used when you want to carry a clutch, but that top-handle turns the concept on its head. It’s brilliant: the evening-appropriate (and apropos for a classy luncheon, for that matter) delicacy is still there. It’s just so much easier to carry a slim bag when you’re not stuck wrapping your hand around it. Or tucking it under your arm when you want to hold your champagne flute. Valentino knows a lady likes to have her clutch and hands free, too. Valentino leather clutch on MATCHESFASHION.COM for $2,051.

Pair with: Contrast it with Matthew Williamson’s stretch-jersey mini-dress. A cobalt and black botanical print feels surprising and daring juxtaposed against warm shades. On NET-A-PORTER for $795.