Who started it? Founded by Charles Delvaux in Brussels, Belgium, in 1829, Delvaux is one of the oldest family-owned leather brands in Europe. The company focused on luggage before branching out into women's handbags in the early 1900s. In 1933, the company was taken over by Franz Schwennicke and his wife, Solange, who introduced seasonal collections. Now co-managed by their eldest son, Francois Schwennicke, and Christian Salez, the brand is being relaunched this year under award-winning Belgian designer Veronique Branquinho.
Why we love it: the leathers and craftsmanship are super luxe and the clean, structured styles are in tune with the current minimal trend. There are chunky doctor satchels, totes and sleek evening clutches made from supple calf leather, goat, napa, lizard, ostrich, crocodile and even salmon.
Branquinho's style has added a modern edge to the brand and her latest collection features warm colours - deep green, soft browns and classic shiny black - on easy-to-wear shapes. Soft leather textures are used on thick boxy numbers and the brand's signature D clasp is subtle yet chic. Styles are vintage inspired and transcend seasons.
What we'd pick: the iconic Brilliant handbag (above left; small HK$33,995, large HK$49,995), which was originally launched in 1958 and has been updated in green by French style icon Maria Luisa Poumaillou. The Message Ambigu (top; HK$19,995), a small shoulder bag in brown, is simple and elegant.
Where can you get it? Delvaux is available at Maria Luisa, Lee Gardens, Causeway Bay, tel: 2907 2028.