Hadid Clutch

2007-2008

A clutch bag is a standard accessory for attending formal events, especially when paired with evening gowns to express femininity. A clutch bag is a small, handheld purse holding essentials such as a phone, lipstick, keys, and a small wallet, typically without straps or handles.

There are several ways to carry a clutch bag, but two methods are most commonly used: holding it in the hand or tucking it under the arm. The Hadid Clutch is designed to facilitate both methods by featuring a coved area for a secure hand grip while accommodating the body’s natural shape when tucked under the arm.

To achieve this ergonomic design, a mold is CNC-milled from a laminated block of MDF and waterproofed with automotive paint. The clutch is then hand-formed by shaping boiled vegetable-tanned leather around the mold. This technique draws inspiration from medieval armor-making and Venetian carnival mask-making.

The resulting formal character of the clutch shares some commonalities with the early work of the late architect Zaha Hadid; thus, the namesake celebrates her pioneering achievements in architecture.