Cartier Must de Cartier Burgundy Leather Clutch — 1980s

A classic Must de Cartier envelope clutch in deep burgundy calf leather with tonal embossed double C logo at the front and gold-tone corner hardware. The structured silhouette and rich oxblood tone are signature elements of the Must line, introduced in the 1970s to reinterpret Cartier’s heritage in a more accessible leather goods collection.

The geometric envelope flap, precise topstitching and minimalist branding reflect the quiet luxury language Cartier became known for in the late 70s and 80s. The colour is that unmistakable Cartier bordeaux that feels rich without being loud.

This piece comes with its original Cartier guarantee card.

Styling tip:
Carry it under the arm with an oversized wool coat and flat boots for that effortless 80s Paris energy. It also works beautifully against very minimal outfits. Black tailoring, crisp white shirting, even denim and a simple knit.

Era: 1980s (Must de Cartier line)
Material: Leather
Color: Burgundy / Oxblood
Hardware: Gold-tone
Closure: Snap button and zip
Size: 27cm x 20 cm x 4cm
Includes: Original Cartier guarantee card

Condition:
Exterior leather is in excellent vintage condition. The structure is strong, corners are clean, stitching intact and the embossed logo is crisp.

Interior shows visible wear. There are surface scratches and areas of coating loss inside the compartments. The guarantee card was stored inside and appears to have adhered slightly to the interior over time, resulting in partial lifting of the interior coating. This is visible in the photos. The wear is cosmetic and does not affect the structural integrity or usability of the bag.

Why it made the cut:
Because this is exactly what quiet vintage luxury should look like. The colour is iconic Cartier. The shape is timeless. And the Must line represents such an important moment when heritage maisons began expanding into leather goods in a serious way. It feels intelligent, not trendy and that’s always my favourite kind of chic.