Not the Usual Suspects : Top 4 Luxury Handbags that won’t break the bank

 

When you read luxury handbag, we all know which brands come to mind. Social status is what drives most of us to “invest” in the well-known, uber-marketed luxury brands. Luxury brands target a buyer’s emotions through a whole bunch of strategic scripts to get you to buy an incredibly pricey bag. They will guarantee quality, client services, the works but at a cost already added to the bag you’re purchasing. The truth is you are only paying for the guarantee that they will send out the item in the future with one of their stores shipping it for “free” - but there is an extra charge for the refresh and repair. So really, you’re “investing” in an item for which you have to pay for more in the future. You are really paying for the name. Why would you have to pay for the name? As a consumer, we really don’t have that personal connection with the brand. It’s a marketing tactic that’s developed by the brands so they can keep you hooked. 

I remember what somebody reminded me and it really sunk in. He said, “I love the look but I’m not going to pay for an expensive branded bag so I can walk around and advertise them. They have to pay me to do that. Not the other way around.” Heck, yes. 

Below are some alternatives but won’t cost you an entire month’s paycheck.

These luxury brands are what I call Quiet Luxury. They don’t scream “brand” on their designs, but the structure, the materials and the unique designs say luxury in all angles. 





1. WANDLER  The Lin Bag

I love this bag from the first click. WANDLER is an underrated luxury brand that promises high-end items without the hefty price tag. I guess fortune favours the brave and stylish. This style has a fortune cookie shape and you can spread the wings for a roomier bag to fit your essentials. 

WANDLER’s luxury leather goods are made in Italy. The brand is committed to impressive quality and craftsmanship. They are proud of their sculptural yet unconventional aesthetic. Although this is a family business with a lot of heritage, they don’t make you pay for that unlike others who yank up the price on their products because they have, let’s say, a travel heritage or because royalty used them for travel in the ancient times. 












2. POLENE Numero Uno

This brand has been a favourite of style bloggers for quite sometime now. And I still yet have to get mine because it’s always sold out in the colour I want. 

Polene is a Parisian leather goods brand founded in 2016 by 3 siblings. 2 brothers and a sister. Their collections embody confidence and classic designs with fluid and graceful curves. My choice is the Numero Uno in black. 










3. DEMELLIER LONDON The Amsterdam 

DEMELLIER is founded by Mireia Llusia-Lindh, a Barcelonian who has worked for Burberry and LVMH. The brand’s mission is to create luxury handbags without compromises. Most likely in the pricing. 

DeMellier symbolises the mix of old and new, of heritage and modernity. DeMellier was named a Brand of Tomorrow by British Luxury Association WALPOLE in 2016 alongside other iconic British brands, recognising its commitment to innovation, craftsmanship and the highest standards of quality. Most recently in 2018 DeMellier won the WALPOLE Emerging Talent award.

I own one of their pieces but it’s already sold out. I love that you can customize the bag you choose with your initials. I also think it’s a great gift idea. My piece is customized with my hubby’s name. I love it and it’s very functional. 







The Amsterdam









 
4. STRATHBERRY

Strathberry is an Edinburgh-based and internationally known brand specialising in luxury leather goods, founded in 2013 by husband-and-wife team Guy and Leeanne Hundleby. 
Each luxury piece is made of the finest quality Spanish leather and finishes and takes no less than 20 hours for each hand-crafted piece. 
Celebrity sighting : Katie Holmes


The Lana Osette Midi 






Katie’s bag: The East/West Mini


These brands are my favourite 4. They will last for years and years without compromise. If you’re looking to experience true luxury for yourself, or to give a loved one, check out the websites by tapping on the photos. It’s hard to find a good luxury brand without the company having you pay an arm and a leg for the name. Most importantly, these 4 brands are committed to their sustainable, good-for-the-environment and good-for-people goals. Check out their programs. 


❤️

Maria