Handbag brands get on your radar before your friends discover them
Just like your favorite dress or your favorite flat shoes, your handbag (opens in new tab) needs to be replaced often. One surefire way to earn your fashion forward credential is to start wearing an up-and-coming new brand of bag before any of your friends discover it. Whether you're looking for a new handbag (open in new tab) or just want to know what's trending this season, we've got you covered. We're tracking the latest bag launches and up-and-coming designers that will elevate your accessories game.
First, check out the nine brands below. Your new favorite bag awaits you.
Created by design duo Um Soon-geun and Soon-young Kim, the brand is based on Anthony Minghella's film "The Talented Mr. Minghella." The two draw inspiration from contemporary art, especially dance. Both dance and their designs are known for their graceful, elegant, and stunning lines.
Launched in 2016 by creative director Ji He Koo, the brand quickly gained a cult following. Known for its minimalist shapes and versatile pieces, gu_de (pronounced "good") is influenced by "retro-inspired" pieces. Take a look at their recent spring collection: influenced by all things 80s, including Walkmans, CD players, and video game nostalgia.
Before launching his own label in 2014, Yas Michino worked for maisons such as Saint Laurent, Givenchy, and Nina Ricci. His love of accessories came to fruition with a brand of bags inspired by travel, meeting new people, and the experiences that come with it. Michino has stated that he strives to "bring happiness and humor into everyday life" through his work, and with his reputation as one of the nicest people in the industry (which I can personally attest to), he does just that.
A line of minimalist bags designed by an LA-based husband and wife duo. Not only are they made from vegan leather and recycled plastic, but they are also affordable.
Based in Barcelona, these bags are made from the highest quality leather, hardware, and finishes. These minimalist bags are inspired by geometry: precise shapes and clean lines are essential to this contemporary brand.
Founded in 2014, the brand makes high-quality leather bags at contemporary prices. Founder Zofia Chylak is a graduate of Proenza Schouler, and atelier Nicolas Caito is known as one of New York's best pattern makers. Fun fact: The bag was produced in limited quantities, which is why each piece is engraved with your own personal serial number in gold.
After working for fashion houses like Louis Vuitton and Prada, Jennifer Liu debuted her own handbag line, Dellarock (open in new tab)." In a very crowded market that loves maximalism, I wanted to stand out with a minimalist aesthetic focused on leather savoir-faire and enough functionality to up our game," she said.
Her current style is based on the concept of "upcycling," with most of the raw materials used for her bags being surplus or stock. Her designs are smart and perfect for everyday wear, whether it's jeans and a T-shirt or a little black dress.
If you haven't heard of Cafune yet, now is the time: founded in 2015 by Queenie Fan and Day Lau, the brand has been spotted on the streets, including at New York Fashion Week The brand has been spotted on the streets of New York Fashion Week and beyond. The constructed designs are fun and unconventional (check out the acrylic beaded handles), yet timeless and easy to wear. Cafene's Spring 2019 collection is particularly inspired by the Impressionist art movement, incorporating the colors and emotions of Claude Monet's iconic "Waterlilies" series. I am in love with that purple purse.
Founded by Mireia Llusia-Lindh, all DeMellier handbags are handmade in southern Spain by local artisans using the finest Italian and Spanish materials. Their sophisticated and chic bags are a nod to their royal warrant (opens in new tab). Princess Beatrice was one of the first to carry the brand, followed by Pippa Middleton and everyone's favorite duchess, Meghan Markle. (She owns a mini Venice bag in forest green (opens in new tab)). Other celebrity fans include Emily Blunt, Beyonce, and Lily Collins. Feel like a star with one of the following options.
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