The Clochette – It’s small and cute though you often don’t actually use it. Meanwhile, this is one of the most icon items you see with bags.
What is a clochette?
Clochette is French for ‘bell’ – a reference for the shape of it. Why am I writing about bells? It is not a real bell. A clochette is that little thing hanging onto the bag handles of the most famous bags. But what is it used for? Well, that’s a great question. We have to dig a little deeper into the Google search pages to find that answer.
What is a clochette used for?
Nowadays it is more used as an eye-catcher and an expensive accessory. Though it is originally used to wear your keys with you without damaging your bag. Most expensive brands also deliver a little lock and key with it. Not that you would ever use it… but it just looks great, doesn’t it? The English translation for a clochette is ‘key bell’. A literal description of shape and use.
When was the beginning of the use of the clochette?
That, I couldn’t find. Just as in a previous post about the history of the bucket bag (It’s here if you missed it. Definitely one to read!) I love to know a little bit more. I do quite an extensive research into my ‘history’ posts though this is something I just could not find… What I did find was, it is one of the standard accessories of a Birkin bag and Kelly bag. That would say that it is a bag accessory since 1982 or even 1923.
I can imagine that it is an old-fashioned item from years and years ago. Probably everyone did have one or only the people who are used to lose their keys in their bags (like I always do…). It might even be not that special until the big brands made it special again.
Martin Margiela for Hermès SS 1999
The Clochette nowadays
Nowadays it is a fashion item. You can buy a clochette for large amounts online form the big brands. Also, new designers are remaking them in all shapes and styles. A few years back you even could see them enlarged on the runway (as showed above)! I also read with a clochette you can identify a real from a fake designer bag! Since it is such a small item why would the “fake designer” put so much effort into it…
I love to learn so much more about it but I couldn’t find more information… If you are a Clochette specialist, please let me know ;)! Would you use one of them for your actual keys or only as a small accessory on your bag?
Leave a Reply