Who started it? Handbag brand Meli Melo was founded in 2005 by Anglo-Italian designer Melissa Del Bono. Having earned a bachelor's degree in business from Britain's Oxford Brookes University in 2001, she started her fashion career at Harper's Bazaar, followed by three years in marketing for labels such as Asprey. Del Bono's designs have been seen on celebrities including Sienna Miller and Kimberly Stewart.

Why we love it: the bags have a fun boho-chic element but are still luxe and versatile. Del Bono draws from her roots both stylistically and technically, while giving each bag character through quirky design details. The bags are made from Italian leather and edgy colour schemes give them a 'cool Britannia' flavour.

What we'd pick: the black Bon Bon bag decorated with a gold chain (below right; HK$4,200) and the medium leopard-print Guia with chains (above right; HK$5,000), which goes easily from day to night.