Who started it? Frenchman Stephane Verdino is something of a veteran, having started his career creating leather bags in 1984, at the tender age of 17. Verdino's apprenticeship was served with the renowned Renaud Pellegrino, making bags for the likes of Yves Saint Laurent, Dior and Ungaro. Verdino has worked with designers such as Paloma Picasso and French brands Camille Fournet and Lanc?me. After years of collaborations, Verdino started his eponymous brand in 2006 to rave reviews.

Why we love it: Verdino is known for his minimalist and unisex designs but he is not without a sense of fun. Using the finest materials, Verdino's deceptively simple creations are given that extra oomph with coloured leather and striking metallic finishes.

What we'd pick: the metallic gold Laminato Line 24hrs tote bag (left; HK$1,680) isn't for the faint-hearted, but if all that shininess is too much then the minimalist, black unisex Core Calf Line Gym Bag (far left; HK$3,580) might be more to your liking.