Clutch, Set, Action!

The pochette, today also known as the clutch, has a fascinating history that begins in late 18th-century France. The term pochette derives from the French word poche, which means pocket.

Initially, these small bags were made of fabric, often silk, and resembled little pouches slightly larger than a wallet. They were equipped with a small strap to be worn on the wrist and were used to carry essential small items like a handkerchief, perfume, smelling salts, needle and thread, and sometimes a few coins, although elegant ladies of the time rarely handled money.

Princess Diana with her pochette

Over time, the pochette experienced periods of great popularity and other times of decline. In the 1920s and 1930s, as women became more aware of their independence, the pochette was reinvented: it became more rectangular and spacious, allowing women to carry more items and be self-sufficient even without companions.

An important turning point for the clutch came after World War I, when material rationing necessitated the creation of elegant accessories that used fewer resources. The pochette represented the ideal solution, combining elegance and utility. After the war, women wanted to return to being elegant, and the pochette, which could be made with few materials, became available and popular in the market again.

Les Modes (Paris) October 1935. Afternoon dress by Schiaparelli

The international success of the clutch is also attributed to figures like Christian Dior, who after World War II, helped make it an accessory "for everyone". Clutches began to be produced in precious materials like gold and silver, often adorned with gemstones, transforming into true jewels capable of guarding their owners' secrets.

The leading fashion houses of the time, including Cartier, Bulgari, Gucci, Hermès, and Boucheron, created limited series and unique pieces of pochettes, often upon request for particular clients.

Vogue Cover - January 1951

Today, the clutch is an indispensable accessory for every woman, a touch of class and originality that fits all styles. Some models are also equipped with a small shoulder chain, allowing them to be worn in various ways.

The pochette has become an integral part of everyday life for all generations, maintaining its charm and elegance throughout the centuries.

Gucci Clutch from 1960's