In a surprising turn of events, a microscopic handbag, touted to be “smaller than a grain of salt,” has fetched a staggering $63,750 (£50,569) at an auction.
The minuscule bag’s design is so tiny that it requires a microscope to be viewed properly, measuring a mere 657 x 222 x 700 micrometers.
The art collective responsible for this unique creation is MSCHF, known for its controversial and unconventional designs. Their repertoire includes shoes containing human blood, trainers with holy water in the soles, a cologne that smells like WD-40, and even giant red rubber boots.
In their latest venture, MSCHF decided to push the boundaries of the small handbag trend to the extreme.
Describing the bag, MSCHF stated, “Narrow enough to pass through the eye of a needle, this is a purse so small you’ll need a microscope to see it.”
The bag bears the branding of luxury handbag designer Louis Vuitton; however, it has no affiliation with the renowned brand.
Made from photopolymer resin, the bag was created using 3D printing technology commonly employed for producing tiny mechanical models and structures.
During the bag’s production, some of the miniature samples sent for review were so tiny that they were lost by the MSCHF team, as reported by Smithsonian magazine.
While losing such a minuscule item may be a concern, the buyer need not worry, as the purchase includes a microscope with a digital display.
Microscopes with digital displays can be purchased from online retailers and range in price from $60 to several thousand dollars. The auction site did not disclose the separate cost of the microscope. Bidding for the item began at $15,000.
Regarding the use of Louis Vuitton branding on the bag, Kevin Wiesner, MSCHF’s chief creative officer, revealed to the New York Times that the collective did not seek permission from the brand. “We are big in the ‘ask forgiveness, not permission’ school,” he stated.
MSCHF has previously faced legal disputes, including a settlement with Nike in 2021 over the sale of modified trainers containing a drop of human blood. The collective is also currently appealing a trademark lawsuit filed by Vans.
The sale of the microscopic handbag represents yet another audacious and boundary-pushing move by MSCHF, solidifying its reputation as a provocative force in the world of art and design.