We can’t get enough of these Hermès minodiers from the spring 2025 collection.
By the way, do you know what a minodiere is? This is a miniature handbag case with a rigid frame that keeps only the most necessary things. The name comes from the French word “minaudière”, which means “to flirt”, “to simper”. There are two versions of the origin of the minodiere.
The first and most popular. It is believed that the minodiere appeared in the 1920s thanks to Charles Arpels, the manager of the Paris boutique of the Van Cleef jewelry house & Arpels. One day, during a meeting with his friend Florence Jay Gould, Charles Arpels saw that she was putting her lipstick, powder and other small things in a tin cigarette box.
When it comes to accessories that embody luxury, elegance, and a bit of history, the Hermès minodier from the Spring 2025 collection stands out as a true showstopper. These miniature handbag cases are a perfect blend of design, practicality, and undeniable style, leaving fashion lovers unable to get enough of them. But do you know what a minodier actually is? These chic little accessories are more than just a trendy bag—they’re a piece of fashion history that continues to captivate and inspire.
The term minodier comes from the French word “minaudière,” which roughly translates to “to flirt” or “to simper.” This perfectly captures the essence of the minodier—a dainty, elegant accessory designed to hold only the essentials, with just enough space to carry your lipstick, powder, and the like. The rigid frame of the minodier ensures that these precious items stay neatly in place, while its small, compact form makes it a perfect companion for those moments when you don’t want to carry more than what’s absolutely necessary.
There are two versions of the origin of the minodier, both intriguing and tied to iconic moments in fashion history. The first—and most popular—version takes us back to the 1920s. It’s believed that the minodier was invented by Charles Arpels, the manager of the Paris boutique of the renowned jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels. The story goes that Arpels was meeting his friend, Florence Jay Gould, when he noticed she was using a tin cigarette box to store her lipstick, powder, and other small essentials. Inspired by this, Arpels went on to create a more stylish and functional version—thus, the minodier was born.
The second version of the minodier’s origin is slightly older, dating back to the 1840s in France. The creator of this early iteration was the famed milliner Rosa Bertin. Bertin, known for her exquisite designs, crafted the first minodier as a small clutch with a long strap, allowing it to be worn around the wrist or neck. Originally, these minodiers were designed to carry coins, keys, and mirrors, adding practicality and elegance to the fashion of the time.
Regardless of which version of the story you believe, the minodier has always been a symbol of refinement and sophistication. Over the years, it has evolved from a functional accessory into a coveted item among fashion enthusiasts. Today, Hermès has brought the minodier back into the spotlight with their Spring 2025 collection, reimagining the classic design with a modern twist. With the unmistakable craftsmanship of Hermès and the timeless elegance of the minodier, these new pieces have captured the hearts of those who value both history and high fashion.
The second version is slightly older. The first minodiere was created in the 1840s in France. Its creator was the famous milliner Rosa Bertin. She came up with a small clutch with a long strap that could be worn on the wrist or around the neck. Initially, minodiers were used exclusively for storing coins, keys and mirrors.
