Looking for an expensive however within-your-reach upgrade to your handbag collection? We’ve rounded up 10 affordable under-the-radar designers and handbag brands that are little-known however well-loved…
Listen, handbag branding gets us too! Sometimes you’re overwhelmed by flashy luxury brands and their hefty value tags, and it’s straightforward to feel misled into buying an funding piece that you just don’t actually adore. But however, we’re attempting to do our part for the earth and keep away from quick fashion picks that might be budget-friendly however supply no longevity(and pollute the planet!).So what are you to do? We’ve rounded up our favorite unbiased and affordable designers and handbag brands that provide up beautiful well-crafted items really worth a (little!) splurge.
Read more: Local Sustainable Fashion Brands We Love
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Featured Handbags
Under-The-Radar Designer Handbag Brands
Featured Handbags
Mirta
Flying out to a fashion capital for a purchasing spree could also be off the playing cards, but Milan-based Mirta’s number of luxury handcrafted items stands as the next smartest thing for us in Hong Kong. Mirta goes the extra mile to attach you with luxury Italian artisans through its online platform, highlighting the craftsmanship behind each piece — made by people, not brands. Browse by way of the specially curated assortment and revel in free transport to Hong Kong for orders above €150 (around $1,280).
How Much: From around $1,400.
What To Buy: Bestsellers include the Opera Crossbody Bag (pictured above) by Boldrini Selleria, which includes a unique accordion opening. Made with Vachetta leather, the handbag has a shiny look that takes on a classic finish over time; the right piece to elevate an on an everyday basis look or deliver along for a particular occasion.
Use promo code MIRTAxSASSY10 to enjoy 10% off sitewide or get an exclusive 20% off with code MIRTAxSASSY20 (valid for orders above $3,130). Offer valid until Saturday, 28 May.
Shop Mirta
online on its website
BY FAR
We’re beginning off sturdy with celebrity-approved handbag brand BY FAR, feeding proper into our Y2K dreams and nostalgia about the late 90s and early 2000s. Yes, we’re talking about “tuck-and-go” underneath the arm shoulder bags. Despite being carried by the likes of Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber, this Australian-designed Bulgaria-made brand is surprisingly accessible — happy to help give us one other which means for arm sweet.
How Much: From as little as $2,500.
What To Buy: We can’t cease thinking about the brand new MINI SOHO in disco bronze hologram leather ($4,550), with a distinctive early 2000s form in 100% Italian calfskin leather — full with oversized double-progued buckles and a number of eyelets.
Shop BY FAR online on its website, NET-A-PORTER, and at its physical stockists — in Hong Kong, that’s I.T!
Read more: Y2K Fashion Is Cool Again, Here’s How To Wear The Trends Now
Cafuné
Cafuné, (Portuguese for “the act of enjoying with a lover’s hair”) is the brand to know if you’re available within the market for a timeless and minimalist bag. Sourced straight from Italy, each piece is crafted from exceptional high quality leather and comes full with custom-designed hardware accents for added stylish. This under-the-radar handbag brand was based in Hong Kong by lifelong pals Queenie Fan and Day Lau in 2015, who strived to re-imagine luxury, wanting their customers to make sustainable choices while forming an attachment to their chosen piece.
How Much: From as little as $513 for pouches and clutches, and starting around $1,500 for bags.
What To Buy: You can’t go mistaken with a classic! The Stance Bag in Black ($5,019) is a bestseller — a mid-size satchel inspired by classic briefcases. It’s timeless and modern, and a firm favorite. The bag is fronted by Cafuné’s signature C-Lock hardware and is manufactured from a brand new sustainable leather. And we can’t get sufficient of the teeny-tiny Stance Pod Case ($753), so precious!
Shop Cafuné online on its website and at its physical stockists — in Hong Kong, that’s kapok!
Read more: eight Hong Kong Female Entrepreneurs On Career Success, “Breaking The Bias” & More
ESEMBLĒ
Launched in 2016, ESEMBLĒ has a modern take on classic handbags: classic designs in premium leather, with eclectic particulars that take their cue from all issues retro. The brand’s best-selling Bell Shoulder Bag is influenced by visits to open-air flea markets, that includes gold embossed “Chase Rainbows” inside the flap — ESEMBLĒ’s take on a motivational poster.
How Much: From as little as $250, with bags currently starting at around $450.
What To Buy:We’re keen on the Bell Shoulder Bag in Canvas and Brown ($1,830), a brown cow leather micro-suede bag with a gorgeous gold oyster-shaped charm accessory.
Shop ESEMBLĒ online on its website and at its bodily stockists
Read extra: Bridgerton-Inspired Style Hits To Shop Now
Linjer
With a mission to offer conventional luxury bags at a far more affordable value level, Jennifer Chong and Roman Khan’s beautifully minimalist brand is a classic fashion girl’s dream. A start-up that launched in 2014, Linjer soon exploded into a social media staple, with the brand’s pieces regularly showing on influencers’ feeds. The under-the-radar brand is called after the Norwegian word for ‘lines’ — with designs that emphasise simplicity. All bags are made with top-grade sustainable leatherand designed with longevity in mind.
How Much: From as little as $1,750.
What To Buy:One of Linjer’s top-sellers, The Tulip Bag ($4,270/$6,700) is made with buttery Italian vacchetta leather and Italian linen, and can match every thing from a Kindle to your make-up, sunglasses and even a light-weight sweater. We love its handy compartment and super long strap.
Shop Linjer online on its website
Read more: Sustainable Style – Eco and Ethical Leather Alternatives
MISCHA
What started out as a ardour project in 2008 has turn into a formidable fashion go-to thanks to the brand’s timeless designs for on a daily basis put on. Founder Michelle Lai (her nickname being Mischa)wanted her bags to capture the spirit of ladies right now, with accessories that are stylish and essential. Inspired by classic obis and kimonos, the locally-founded brand’s signature hexagonal prints are a logo of longevity and Eastern flair.
How Much: $1,726 for totes, $2,393 for duffles.
What To Buy: The canvas Jet Set Tote ($1,726) is a much-loved classic that holds all of it — and you need to hold an eye fixed out because it’s perpetually out of inventory. The leather handles are snug and durable, and the extensive high makes it simple to achieve in for whatever you want. Best of all, you’ll have the ability to safeguard your valuables in the detachable canvas pouch.
Shop MISCHA online on its website and at itsphysical stockists
Read more: That Girl – Michelle Lai of MISCHA
Mlouye
Created by industrial designer Meb Rure in 2015 in Istanbul, this Turkish brand was directly inspired by the artists and architects of the Bauhaus movement. Meb’s designs ensure the luggage are each practical and exquisite. Innovation tied to aesthetics, Mlouye’s masterpieces function unexpected shapes that resemble sculptural landmarks, with sensible details — providing a luxury really feel at a much more affordable worth.
How Much: From wherever between $1,500 to $4,700
What To Buy: It’s genuinely exhausting to choose, but we do love the bestselling Sera Tote ($4,659) — that includes a mixture of clear lines and complicated 3D detailing, out there in so many fun colourways. We also have our eye on the gorgeous Wave ($3,305) and the too-fun Helix ($3,863).
Shop Mlouye online on its website
Read more: Spring Colour Trends We Love & How To Wear Them
SENREVE
Handbag brand SENREVE believes women should have it all with out compromise. Founded in 2016 by powerhouses Coral Chung and Wendy Wen, the brand is all a couple of skilled luxurious bag that doesn’t simply adjust to and work within your busy modern life-style but really empowers you. It makes use of a spread of conventional leathers imported from Tuscany, together with the sturdy, everything-resistant “pebbled” and soft and supple “dolce” amongst others, but has additionally branched out into beautiful sustainable vegan leathers (that’s proper, more than one!).
How Much:From as low as $760 for chains and cases, and starting at $3,200 for bags.
What To Buy: It really does rely in your leather and form preference but we’re curious about the Vegan Terra collection, crafted from plant-based proteins and 100 percent traceable.
Shop SENREVE online on its website and its physical shops in Hong Kong
Read extra: Female-Founded Brands To Support Now
STAUD
Sarah Staudinger and George Augusto co-founded this LA-based company on the basis that fashion shouldn’t simply empower women — it ought to be broadly accessible too. When it involves handbags, STAUD has it all the means down to a science, with cool designs, enjoyable prints and dreamy colors. The collection draws inspiration from vintage clothing and downtown road art, with items that walk the road between high-end and homegrown.
How Much: From as low as $745.
What To Buy:We can’t get sufficient of the beaded Tommy Bag ($1,960 to $3,100), in so many fun variations that function the likes of embroidered poppies, pink patchwork, brilliant oranges and extra.
Shop STAUD online onits website and at NET-A-PORTER
Strathberry
Looking for a handbag match for a princess? Strathberry became the speak of the town when Meghan Markle accessorised her outfit with one of its iconic totes. Founded by Guy and Leeanne Hundleby in 2013, this Scottish brand is best known for its classic shapes and luxe aesthetic, together with that signature bar closure.
How Much: Handbags begin from $2,800
What To Buy: If you’re after something subtle and powerful, then the classic Midi-Tote ($5,800) is hands down the best choice (although we are able to see plenty of causes to choose up the nano or even the full-size!). With two interior pockets, it’s ideal to take alongside to the workplace, yet stylish enough to accompany you to your after-work dinner. We’re in love.
Shop Strathberry online on its website and at Lane Crawford
WEAT
Founded by That Girl Nina Sieber, We Eat Avocado Toast — or WEAT — is a cool girl-approved handbag line. Even its name is punchy! A homegrown brand, it embodies all things feminine, practical and fashion-forward with pieces curated for a era of go-getting, game-changing modern women.
How Much: From as low as $761, with bags beginning at around $1,000 and Toast Bags beginning at $2,042.
What To Buy: AnyToast Bag, the brand’s signature and best-loved fashion — with an attention grabbing triangle carabiner that enables you to wear it as a practical crossbody, an announcement clutch and more. Go for a classic, just like the Big Toast in Coconut and Gold ($2,522), or try one thing new just like the tremendous cool Reflective ($1,844) that actually modifications colour!
Shop WEAT online on its website
Read more: 10 Questions With Nina Sieber, Founder Of We Eat Avocado Toast
Editor’s Note: “Under-The-Radar Handbag Brands” was initially written by Ashleigh Butterworth in April 2021 and was most recently updated in April 2022 by Sakina Abidi.
Our “Featured” sticker signifies a paid partnership.
Hero image courtesy of STAUD through Instagram, picture 1 courtesy of Mirta, image 2 courtesy of BY FAR through Instagram, image 3 courtesy of Cafuné by way of Instagram, picture four courtesy of ESEMBLĒ, image 5 courtesy of Linjer, picture 6 courtesy of MISCHA via Instagram, image 7 courtesy of Mlouye through Instagram, picture 8 courtesy of SENREVE, image 9 courtesy of STAUD through Instagram, image 10 courtesy of Strathberry, picture eleven courtesy of WEAT.
