Make Duchess an object of reticule

In these times of tightened purse strings, it is entirely possible for handbags to shrink like economies, given that there are precedents for sartorial straws presaging economic winds, such as the hemline index. So, it seems unfair for accessories designer Lulu Guinness to blame the increasing “miniscularity” of handbags on the Duchess of Cambridge’s preference for small accessories. Considering royals famously carry no cash or cards and have aides to handle any other bits and bobs, why would she need more than a small receptacle anyway? In any case, the dimensions of whatever the trendsetting young royal favours has no bearing on its price. Thus, if she popularises any style — even a tiny clutch —its price would inevitably rise even if material costs remained comparatively small. That surely should make designers and their accountants smile?

The best strategy, of course, would be for a brand to name (or create) a bag after the duchess. After all, Hermes cleverly renamed its 1935 classic Sac a Depeches “Kelly” in 1956 after the new Princess of Monaco (formerly Grace Kelly) took her homeland America by storm, arriving with baby bump and that bag on her arm. And “Lady Dior” was named after the Duchess of Cambridge’s equally fashionable late mother-inlaw. So, who will be first off the blocks with a Kate clutch?