Five niche handbag labels for the Instagram generation: think structural, yet mostly affordable
- From Paris Fashion Week favourite Danse Lente’s Johnny to Métier’s Perriand tote, these bags are aimed at a youthful market
- Other hot brands to look for: LA label Staud, The Volon, and Mlouye by Turkish designer Meb Rure
Here are five of our favourites.
Danse Lente
Minimalism is at the heart of London-based handbag label Danse Lente (the name means “slow dance” in French). Korean-born founder and designer Youngwon Kim studied footwear but ended up gravitating towards handbags, which allowed her to be more creative and experimental.
The brand is known for its clean shapes inspired by modern architecture, although Kim tends to spice things up when it comes to colour. Her bestselling style is the Johnny, a mini bucket bag in the shape of a hexagon, which was a mainstay with influencers at Paris Fashion Week.
New styles include the Phoebe shoulder bag, which features asymmetrical lines accented with gold and leather handles.
Available at matchesfashion.com
Métier
London-based brand Métier prides itself on its craftsmanship, which is why its bags are a luxury item (with a price tag to match). The shapes may look traditional, but its founder Melissa Morris has obsessed over every detail, engineering long-lasting styles that are handmade by artisans in Italy.
Expect painted edges and heat-sealed seams, concealed buckles and straps, and clasps that are designed to create a certain sound when they close (apparently inspired by the doors of a vintage sports car). Bestsellers include the mini Perriand tote with its collapsible boxy interior and the Roma, a cross body/shoulder bag.
Available at lanecrawford.com
Mlouye
Turkish brand Mlouye was founded by former industrial designer Meb Rure, whose love for the Bauhaus movement’s artists and architects have inspired many of her designs. Like many of her peers, her designs have a sculptural quality, but what differentiates Mlouye bags is her focus on sustainability. All her leather is sourced from environmentally friendly tanneries in Italy, Turkey and France and the bags are handmade in Turkey.
The bags don’t just feel good, they look good. Favourites include the Helix, whose silhouette is modelled on a wind spinner. Its top handle disappears inside the bag so you can use the shoulder strap instead.
Available in Hong Kong at On Pedder.
Staud
Founded in Los Angeles in 2015 by former fashion director Sarah Staudinger and her partner George Augusto, Staud is based around the concept of wardrobe staples. Although it offers shoes and ready-to-wear, it is Staud’s handbags that have become extremely popular.
It helps that the brand embodies a cool LA vibe – expect styles that pay homage to all things vintage, as well as to street art. Highlights include transparent styles such as the Shirley, while the new spring collection features the Lincoln bag, which doubles as a jewellery box/make-up case, or travel accessory.
Available at netaporter.com
The Volon
South Korea has become the latest hotspot for fashion, and handbags are no exception. The Volon was launched in Seoul in 2013 and has become a favourite with global style icons such as independent fashion and lifestyle website Man Repeller’s Leandra Medine.
Founded by former interior designer Eujung ‘EJ’ Jang, the line is known for its architectural shapes and bold colours (inspired by, among other things, the artwork of Cecily Brown and George Condo). All the styles are made in Korea, and although the shapes are structured, playful details transform them from classic to stylish.
The latest collection includes a colourful woven clutch decorated with lashings of fringe, and a chic, bulb-shaped cocktail bag made from floral embroidered brocade and finished with a feather tassel.
Available at shopbop.com
