UPDATE: MSCHF's Tiny Yet Mighty Microscopic Handbag Sells for $63,750 USD
A smaller-than-a-grain-of-sea-salt replica of Louis Vuitton’s OnTheGo tote.
UPDATE (June 29, 2023): MSCHF’s Microscopic Handbag, measuring 657 by 222 by 700 micrometers, was sold for a staggering $63,750 USD at an online auction hosted by Joopiter, an auction house founded by American musician, record producer and now designer Pharrell Williams.
Interestingly, Kevin Wiesner, MSCHF’s chief creative officer, revealed to the New York Times that the collective did not seek permission from Pharrell Williams, who currently serves as Louis Vuitton’s creative director of menswear, to use the French label’s logo or design.
ORIGINAL STORY (June 14, 2023): MSCHF, known for their viral parody footwear like the Big Red Boots, is now disrupting the luxury handbag scene with the Microscopic Handbag. This miniature version of Louis Vuitton’s OnTheGo tote is mind-blowingly tiny, measuring just 657 by 222 by 700 micrometers.
Chief Creative Officer Kevin Wiesner conceptualized the micro bag as a satirical commentary on the trend of shrinking luxury handbags. Once practical, these bags have become flashy accessories, prioritizing style over usefulness.
The chosen OnTheGo silhouette features a simple rectangular shape and a translucent design, making it more visible under a microscope’s backlight. As expected, MSCHF did not seek permission from Louis Vuitton for this audacious project. Wiesner amusingly justified their move, mentioning Pharrell’s penchant for oversized hats.
MSCHF collaborated with specialized biotechnology manufacturers to create the Microscopic Handbag using a microscopic 3D printing technique called two-photon polymerization and resin as the primary material.
The final product will be displayed in a sealed gel case under a microscope with a digital display. The Microscopic Handbag will debut exclusively at the JOOPITER’s Just Phriends auction curated by Sarah Andelman on June 19.
In breaking news, Daniel Fletcher to step down from Fiorucci.
