2015 was the year of It-bag overload– hello, Loewe’s Puzzle bag, Chloé’s saddlebag, and all Gucci everything. Now, we’re not dissing these much-loved labels (in fact, they’ll always have a place in our hearts) but if Mansur Gavriel’s astronomic rise to popularity is any indication, people are looking for something more. Options that aren’t attached to a major fashion houses, but also deserve some major attention. And that’s where we come in. We’re less than six months into 2016 and have already found a new flock of accessory designers to love. From a cult-favorite fragrance line’s new leather goods to the designer behind the Mulberry Bayswater starting anew, here are eight new handbag brands keep on your radar.
MALLET & CO.
Nicholas Knightly, director of Louis Vuitton’s leather goods and creator of Mulberry’s iconic Bayswater, has more than his share of knowledge of what makes a great bag. In his new collection, Mallet & Co., there is something comforting in the slouchy elegance, pebbled leather, and classic hardware. It is simultaneously familiar and exciting. The brand has been pretty hush-hush following their soft release last month of cool shades like mushroom and Carolina blue, but we are sure Mallet & Co. will be 2016’s breakout star.
TRADEMARK
Trademark has quickly become the contemporary brand to wear on the daily. Launched in 2014 by sisters Pookie and Louisa Burch (daughters of J. Christopher Burch and former college roommates of Elizabeth Olsen’s), the American sportswear label is inspired by minimalist artists and offers a modern take on 1970’s pastiche. With their relaxed trousers, playful detailing, and a genuine quirkiness that lacks in irony, their line has become synonymous with real personal style. Their handbags follow suit in leather so stiff they stand on their own and a fresh take on the bucket bag that resembles none of the imitations we’ve in the past. And like their clothing line, Trademark’s handbags are well within your budgeted reach.
BYREDO
The “modern Renaissance man” might be a clichéd epithet, but Ben Gorham of Byredo deserves the moniker. Former basketball player, artist, perfumer, and now handbag designer, Gorham expanded his much-loved fragrance line to a handbag collection last year, calledNécessaire de Voyage. With its minimalist design and effortless luxury from their unisex perfumes and candles, we’re sure you’ll be collecting Byredo’s handbags in the same way you hoard Gypsy Water.
PAULA CADEMARTORI
Who says a bag needs to be neutral to be taken seriously? Ardent in keeping her line solely made in Italy, Brazilian-born designer Paula Cademartori launched her vibrant namesake in 2010 after studying industrial design and a stint at Versace’s atelier. Following a few seasons of minimalism, Cademartori’s handbags are a breath of fresh, Technicolor air. Spotted on style stars Anna Dello Russo and Olivia Palermo, the whimsical colorways and playful patterns instantly upgrade up a pair of jeans a tee, but are so expertly made they could also be future heirlooms.
HUNTING SEASON
Hunting Season launched over a decade ago in 2006, but it is just beginning to become popular having recently been picked up by the well-curated online shopping site,ModaOperandi.com. Founded by Danielle Corona, who worked as an accessories designer at Valentino and VBH, Hunting Season updates classic shapes in buttery leather and exotic skins. Her laid-back luxe is captured perfectly in her black and white lizard striped drawstring bag. We are sure to see Corona’s ridiculously covetable handbags joining the ranks of exotic designers like Nancy Gonzalez in no time.
BOYY
Designers Jesse Dorsey and Wannasiri Kongman joined forces in 2004 to create BOYY, a line of luxury goods that you will soon be seeingeverywhere. Their distinctive style and signature accents (a chic oversized belt) takes a refreshing spin on carryalls and cross-bodies. Supple leather and sleek design captures a downtown cool and sophistication, but also completely approachable. We can see this bag in any neighborhood of New York— on the crook of an UES elbow, toted down the Bowery, or worn in Park Slope, Brooklyn.
PB 0110
If anyone is going to dethrone Mansur Gavriel asthe minimalist handbag line, it is Philipp Bree and his collection of leather goods, PB 0110. With the intention of his bags becoming loved objects that bear the signs of daily life (worn out creases, patinated brass, etc.), PB 0110’s linear designs in richly tanned leathers are meant to grow old with you. I’m personally guilty of closeting designer bags in fear of minor scratches, so Bree’s philosophy of eventual wear and tear is immensely appealing. It also helps that every one of his schoolboy-inspired designs goes with everything.
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