Latest news with #designerbags
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Michael Kors has so many stylish handbags on sale — you can save up to 80% right now (seriously!)
If you've been waiting for the perfect moment to score a mid-range designer bag without splurging, this is it. The Michael Kors Outlet currently has so many bags on sale, and the deals are seriously good. We spotted some epic deals of up to 80 per cent on some of the brand's most-coveted totes, crossbody bags and carryalls. There are options for wearing to work, while travelling, on a night out or just for every day — and you can score more than $400 off. And what's more, if you buy two, you get an extra 20 per cent off. If you need inspiration, we've rounded up some of the best deals from the clearance section. Whether you want to upgrade your summer accessory lineup or treat yourself to something you've had your eye on for a while, check out these 14 deals before they're gone. Looking for the perfect balance of style and function? This cross-body bag does the trick. The bag has multiple slip pockets for keeping smaller items handy, as well as a front snap fastening and detachable strap. Consider this chic tote bag an upgraded version of an everyday staple. With a spacious interior and shiny chain detail, it's the perfect bag to take from the office to a night out. This camera bag is both cute and practical, with a zip-top main compartment, a handy push lock-fastened pocket and an adjustable woven strap. Use it for work, leisure and everything in between. This polished shoulder bag is great for so many occasions. The bag has a chic fold-over design with a lock-and-key detail, and it's big enough to hold all the essentials like your wallet, keys and phone. This sleek backpack is the hands-free upgrade your summer wardrobe needs. Made from luxe pebbled leather and complete with silver-toned hardware, it's roomy enough for your daily must-haves and stylish enough to take everywhere. This mid-sized tote bag can hold all your must-have items without weighing you down. The bag features a spacious main compartment with multiple pockets and a top-zip fastening so everything stays in place. This polished everyday essential combines structure and style. The bag features Michael Kors's iconic lettering and a polished logo charm, as well as a spacious interior perfect for carrying the essentials (and then some). This messenger bag has a fold-over silhouette crafted from smooth leather that's complemented by a woven strap for an effortlessly stylish look. Its compact size and silver-tone hardware make it great for wearing day and night. This shoulder bag features a timeless design that you can wear again and again. The bucket-inspired shape ensures there's plenty of space for your essentials, while the top handle and adjustable strap give you multiple ways to wear it. Made from rich pebbled leather, this bag features gold-tone hardware and a sleek silhouette. With a long strap, the bag can be worn as a crossbody or clutch, making it perfect for both daytime outings and evening events. This leather crossbody bag is a classic piece that's sure to become an everyday staple. The bag features a sleek, structured shape and opens to a spacious interior with compartments for keeping your stuff organized. Ideal for travel, this crossbody bag features multiple pockets to keep essentials organized and within reach, as well as a canvas strap for all-day comfort. It comes in two colours featuring the Michael Kors logo. Whether you're using it for a busy workday or a long-haul flight, this spacious tote will ensure you have everything you need. Made from durable coated canvas, the tote can easily store a laptop and other essentials, and its 10.5-inch handle drop ensures comfortable carrying. Made from durable logo-print canvas and complete with silver-tone hardware, this cute bag offers a compact design that's perfect for a night out. Despite its small size, the bag can still fit essentials like your phone, cards and keys.
Daily Mail
26-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mail
Secret labels the Royals love revealed: It's time to nab an incredible bargain in the sales, says fashion editor ALICE HARE
We all have that one dream item we'd rush out to buy if we received an unexpected windfall. First on my list if I get a winning lottery ticket? A Gucci Bamboo, currently £3,120 - and that's the almost-microscopic mini version too. According to HSBC, the average price of personal luxury goods (hello, designer bags) has risen 52 per cent in Europe since 2019 alone. The result? Once aspirational, 'if I save I could treat myself' purchases are now four-figure pipe dreams. Luckily, between the two extremes of Prada and Primark, there sits an anti-fashion, pro-style bracket of brilliant brands committed to specialised production of just one thing.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The 17 Best Affordable Handbag Brands That Ooze Luxury, According to Experts
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, WWD may receive an affiliate commission. Without the residuals from a worldwide stadium tour or a TV deal, how often can you say you have the same bag as Taylor Swift or Kendall Jenner? We'll tell you: Anytime you're carrying clutches and totes from affordable bag brands like Aupen, By Far, and Mansur Gavriel. The very best ones deviate from dupe culture, which often features unoriginal designs made with lower-quality materials. Truly excellent budget-friendly brands tout styles with the same level of craftsmanship and luxe materials (like rich Italian leather and velvety suede) as designer handbags, and put forward their twist on beloved silhouettes like crossbody bags, shoulder bags, slouchy bags, and tote bags. Many times, they have the very same qualities that draw us toward labels with eye-watering prices, such as their use of sustainable materials and celebrity stamps of approval. More from WWD Pierre Cardin Aims to Raise Profile in the U.S. EXCLUSIVE: Gabriela Hearst Launches Tailored Bespoke A New Era at Fashion Island, the Newport Beach Shopping Destination Besides bragging rights, there are even more reasons to shop from one of the best affordable designer handbag brands, like the fact that our carryalls are strapped to our sides 24/7 and, as a result, face a lot of wear and tear, according to author and fashion stylist Heather Newberger. 'While I can live with the idea that someone may accidentally spill a drink on my everyday bag, I can't really get behind my designer bag being destroyed by something as nonchalant as nail polish being knocked over at the salon,' she adds. If your beach bag plans on touching sand, your bag for work has a sticky subway commute, or your overnight bag is subject to the inside of the overhead bin, a designer pick may not be the most practical choice. Then, you have to think about what affordable means to you. Is a $40 bag actually 'affordable' when it inevitably breaks in a month? As NYC-based fashion stylist Audree Kate López explains, 'If the bag is $200 and you wear it three times per week for a year, it's less than a dollar per wear,' as opposed to a cheaper bag that falls apart after one wedding reception. Contemporary designer bag brands are everywhere, if you know where to look: New labels seemingly emerge out of thin air on a daily basis, and classic heritage brands unleash iterations of cherished styles quarterly. Suffice to say, we have plenty of affordable bag brands to choose from. To narrow down the list, we created this guide with expert tips and product picks to find the best, most high-quality affordable purse brands for anyone's needs. Updated May 2025: This article on the best affordable handbag brands was updated with new editor product picks and trending brands. We are currently testing additional affordable handbags for consideration in this guide. WWD Shop's newsletter Year established: 2017 Popular bag styles: The New York Tote, The Vancouver, The Nano Montreal Price range: $345 – $795 Chances are, you've seen DeMellier's New York Tote on the arm of at least one chic woman on your Instagram feed. The London-based label has become a bag brand favorite amongst fashion insiders and editors for its streamlined, minimalist designs that embody quiet luxury. The attainably-priced bags are loved for their incredibly chic and modern shapes and versatility of day-to-night styling. Take the best-selling New York Tote, for instance: sleek and logo-free, it lends that Old Céline aesthetic for fans of the Phoebe Philo era. Available in leather, suede, or croc-embossed finishes, it's a luxe staple that's equally practical and spacious enough to fit all your daily essentials, laptop included. With prices ranging from $345 – $795, DeMellier's bags are crafted using sustainably sourced materials at family-run factories in Europe, offering luxe quality at a mid-tier price point. Along with its cache amongst the fashion set, DeMellier bags have also been spotted on celebrities like Katie Holmes and members of the British royal family, including Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle. Whether you opt for the New York tote or one of the nano top-handle bags, the brand's understated luxury is sure to stand out. $495 Buy Now at demellier $535 Buy Now at demellier $670 Buy Now at demellier Year established: 2017 Popular bag styles: Dark Cherry Shoulder Bag, Belted Leather Tote, Mini Hobo Bag Price range: $168 – $398 Founded as a slow fashion brand that prioritizes quality materials and craftsmanship paired with elevated, modern design, Verafied offers luxe bags for under $400. Don't let the affordable price points and on-trend styles fool you, though: the New York-based label designs its bags in small batches to remain zero waste and committed to its sustainability mission. Along with its mindful design values, this under-the-radar accessory brand has a modern, sculptural approach to its bags. The architectural, sleek shapes are balanced by rich textures like suede and patent leather that pack a punch when worn on the shoulder — and feel way more luxe than their price tag. And while there are trend-inspired bags, like a canvas, leather-trimmed tote and '90s-inspired zebra shoulder bag, each design is timeless enough to remain a classic in any wardrobe. $278 Buy Now AT VERAFIED $298 Buy Now at verafied $368 Buy Now at verafied Year Established: 2014 Popular Bag Styles: Mini Bon Bon Bag and Woven Totes Price Range: $230 – $689 St. Agni is quickly cementing its status as a must-know brand, thanks to a growing fan base of celebrities and fashion insiders alike. Founded in Australia, the brand offers ready-to-wear clothing and accessories with a neutral, minimalist aesthetic that's landed the seal of approval of Kendall Jenner, Meghan Markle, and Jennifer Lawrence, to name a few. And whilst St Agni's capsule wardrobe essentials have become instant favorites amongst the A-list, the brand's bags are just as worthy of attention. With most bags ranging between the $200 and $500 range, St. Agni's bags are a master class in subtle details that look luxurious. From mini lattice weave crescent bags to buttery-soft leather clutches and sharp East-West silhouettes, the bag designs are modern classics that look way more luxe than their price tags. $166 $255 35% off Buy Now at revolve $329 Buy Now at st. agni $499 Buy Now at st. agni $499 Buy Now at st. agni Year Established: 2016 Popular Bag Styles: Demi Lune Shoulder Bag and Sac Tote Price Range: $230 – $890 Refined, sleek, and sensual: Aesther Ekme's bags master the art of understated elegance. Founded in 2016 by Stephane Park, the brand name translates to 'shoulder bag' in Persian, which serves as the simple ethos behind the brand's DNA and mission: functional, high-quality bags designed to 'fit and follow the body seamlessly.' Described as a fusion of Brazilian modernism and Scandinavian minimalism, Aesther Ekme has become known for its sculptural silhouettes that prove less is more. The brand's most popular signature style, the Demi Lune Shoulder Bag, sums up what it does best: sleek, architectural design that manages to stand out in a market full of thriving minimalist brands. In addition to its popular asymmetrical style, Aesther Ekme's soft suede baguette bags and Phantom Tote are standouts in the contemporary collection. With prices ranging mostly from $300 to $700, this bag brand is ideal for those looking to make a timeless handbag investment that transcends trends. $290 Buy Now at ssense $310 Buy Now at ssense $442 Buy Now at ssense Year Established: 2020 Popular Bag Styles: Paloma Tote, Mini Chrystie Bag, Linnea Tote Price Range: $248 – $548 In just five years since launching, Freya has impressively cemented its status as a go-to bag brand for chic work totes and been spotted on the arms of Hailey Bieber, Katie Holmes, Gabrielle Union, and more celebrities. Founded by Jenny Lei, Freya launched with just one bag: its now bestselling Linnea Tote, which was inspired by the designer's search for the perfect laptop bag to carry to an interview. The brand has since expanded to sleek, on-trend shoulder bags like the Chrystie and the Mercer, which offer trending mini bags for the days when you don't have to carry around your laptop. Crafted from high-quality vegan leather and priced between $248 and $548, Freya's bags strike a thoughtful balance between style, sustainability, and function. The totes remain the brand's bestsellers for a reason — the spacious design is functional enough for all your daily essentially, but the sleek shape and vegan leather hold up in terms of quality, making them a staple in the modern working woman's wardrobe. $368 Buy Now at freya $278 Buy Now at freya $288 Buy Now at freya Year Established: 2015 Popular Bag Styles: Jordi Bag, Daphne Bag, Slim Trunk, Yuta Bag Price Range: $88 – $475 Brandon Blackwood first founded his namesake brand in 2015 with a backpack design. Fast-forward to today, and the New York-based label has evolved into a contemporary brand offering handbags, footwear, outerwear, and activewear. While Blackwood has expanded category offerings, the bags remain the heart and soul of the brand thanks to the trendy, 'It' girl-worthy designs that offer quality bags at an affordable price. Blackwood's bags have become a favorite among celebrities, with fans including Kim Kardashian, Cardi B, Doja Cat, and Tracee Ellis Ross. But it was in 2020 that the brand made a major cultural impact with the release of its 'End Systemic Racism' tote that went viral in the aftermath of the George Floyd protests and calls for civil justice in America, transforming the accessory into both a fashion statement and a call to action. That mini bag—still part of the core collection—is now a signature piece, available in a variety of textures, colors, and finishes. Beyond the bestselling mini trunks, Brandon Blackwood's range includes sleek leather shoulder bags with chain straps, sculptural mini bags, and bold statement pieces like a crystal-encrusted taxi cab clutch made with 3,000 crystals. With prices ranging from $88 to $475, the brand offers high-impact design and style at a price point that feels refreshingly attainable for designer bags. $250 Buy Now at neiman marcus $192.50 $275 30% off Buy Now at brandon blackwood $340 Buy Now at neiman marcus Year Established: 2012 Popular Bag Styles: Belted Bucket Bag, Mini Leather Basket Bag Price Range: $140 – $795 Founded in Stockholm by Paulina Liffner von Sydow, Liffner is a brand for those drawn to the effortless elegance of Scandinavian style. Since its launch in 2012, the accessories label has remained a favorite amongst fashion editors thanks to its chic designs and quality craftsmanship. From belted suede bucket bags to woven leather totes and the sculptural, editor-loved Tulip Bag, Liffner offers spacious designs that make the perfect everyday bags without sacrificing style or function. The bags are all crafted in small batches in Italy using ethically sourced leathers from the same region. With most styles priced between $400 and $700, Liffner hits the sweet spot of accessible luxury—timeless, beautifully made bags that you'll reach for season after season. $345 Buy Now at liffner $695 Buy Now at liffner $345 Buy Now at liffner Year Established: 2014 Popular Bag Styles: Calella Tote Price Range: $300 – $800 What started as a small shoe brand with just four styles has evolved into an accessories label offering a range of high-quality shoes, bags, and small leather goods. Inspired by the laidback elegance of the Mediterranean, Hereu's bags and shoes are all made in Spain by local artisans to honor traditional craft, high quality, and an emphasis on sustainability. Hereu first launched bags in 2016 and has since expanded its collection to span from mini leather top handle carryalls to raffia beach bags to the popular Calella Tote. The brand's commitment to quality and design can be seen in the details: braided lambskin top handles, buttery-soft leather pleating, and leather-trimmed raffia that looks luxe. While there are playful pops of color, a mix of textures, and a wide range of silhouettes to choose from, every Hereu design evokes a sense of that effortless Euro Summer look. But the bag collection transcends warm weather, with its leather minis and canvas totes working as year-round staples whether you're lounging along the Mediterranean or clocking into the New York office. $589 Buy Now at luisaviaroma $433 Buy Now at luisaviaroma $443 Buy Now at luisaviaroma Year established: 2022 Popular bag styles: Purpose, Fearless, and Nirvana bags Price range: $180 to $420 Can you think of a better way for a brand to get on the map than Taylor Swift sporting one of its styles? That's the case with Aupen. Beyoncé, Gabrielle Union, Jennifer Lawerence, and Selena Gomez also count themselves fans of this affordable luxury handbag brand, giving it major star power in just its first couple years of business. But even without these celebrity style sightings, we're confident the brand would continue to experience its dramatic skyrocket to fame. The handbags are unquestionably sexy, as evidenced by the Swift-worn Nirvana bag's curvaceous silhouette and how Selena Gomez offered endless appeal carrying the Purpose Ice in hand. And, to appease the eco-conscious consumer, Aupen's manufacturing practices are certified by the well-credited environmental organizations Amfori, Control Union, and Global Recycled Standard. $380 Buy Now at aupen $340 Buy Now at aupen Year established: 2011 Popular bag styles: Classic Structured Leather Tote, Classic Easy Tote, Classic Easy Zipper Tote Price range: $128 to $548 If you're on the search for an affordable leather tote you can style on the weekends or carry as a work bag, look no further than Cuyana. Our editors recommend the bestselling Classic Easy Leather Tote for haute hauling from point A to B, as it's available it buttery neutrals you can pair with nearly every ensemble in your arsenal. The brand's stylish and supple collection also ranges from satchels, backpacks, chic bucket bags, and more, offering a little bit of everything you can add to your wardrobe without straining your wallet. We're eyeing new releases like the Linea Bucket Bag, too, which is available in two size iterations and a slew of colorways. Buy Now at cuyana $328 Buy Now at cuyana $478 Buy Now at cuyana Year established: 2018 Popular bag styles: Italian Leather Quilted Crossbody Bag, Italian Leather Handwoven Pouch Crossbody Clutch, Italian Leather Quilted Convertible Crossbody Price range: $39.90 to $159.90 Quince is known for its high quality fabrics and offerings at comfortable price points, and its handbags are no exception. Its selection is modern and minimal, offering a myriad of high-style options between everyday bags, mini bags, and stylish totes in supple materials. The brand uniquely ensures affordability by reimagining the traditional supply chain formula in order to keep top-quality goods accessible, without cutting corners on sustainability and ethical manufacturing. Framed in top-grain Italian leather and lined with cotton canvas, the bestselling Quince Italian Leather Crossbody Bag plays as crossbody or clutch for day to night, while the stylish Handwoven Pouch Crossbody Clutch evokes overtones of quiet luxury in a chic and versatile silhouette. The best part? They're never priced over $160. $159.90 Buy Now at quince $129.90 Buy Now at quince $99.90 Buy Now at quince Year established: 2008 Popular bag styles: The Medium Basket Bag, The Small Top Handle Bag, The Leather Hobo Bag Price range: $350 to $1,200 Hunting Season's selection shines as a relatively wallet-friendly celebrity favorite, as we've seen the elegant handbags and raffia totes styled by effortless dressers from Taylor Swift, Katie Holmes, Nicole Kidman, Kate Bosworth, and Hailey Bieber. The brand excels in ethical and refined artisan-made designs that are worth the small investment, with handmade weaving and leather molding that'll stand the test of time. $395 Buy Now at hunting season Buy Now at hunting season $825 $825 Year established: 2013 Popular bag styles: Cloud Clutch, MFrame Bag, Mini Crossbody Price range: $395 to $895 Sure, Mansur Gavriel launched with just two bags under its belt in 2013, but like the brand's star-studded cast of admirers, its line of silhouettes has grown tenfold. It's not uncommon to see tastemakers like Taylor Swift and Sara Jessica Parker pose for paparazzi photos with the Cloud Leather Clutch in hand. Meanwhile, Katie Holmes has opted for the oversized Candy Hobo in the silhouette-du-jour and an oversized iteration of the brand's iconic Bucket Bag. Mansur Gavriel's designs aren't the only way the brand takes liberties. In addition to crafting its cute affordable handbags with criminally soft, supple Italian leather, it also experiments with different sustainable practices such as the partial apple leather bag made from recycled skins of the fall fruit (yes, really). The best part is how this affordable Italian bag brand touts a variety of styles that range from practical laptop bags to the sculptural M Frame bag and furry bucket bags accented with bows, opening the door for every type of consumer. $545 Buy Now at mansur gavriel $445 Buy Now at mansur gavriel $895 Buy Now at mansur gavriel Year established: 2015 Popular bag styles: Tommy Beaded Bag, Ollie Bag, Large Moon Bag Price range: $150 to $600 The key to elevating a basic outfit while maintaining its nonchalant spirit is with the right bag — that's one rule we've clocked from purveyors of street style like Kendall Jenner, Alexa Chung, and Gigi Hadid. For years now, the Los Angeles-based affordable purse brand Staud has been an off-duty accessory label of choice for celebs. Jenner has tucked the Tommy Beaded Bag under her T-shirt-clad shoulders on several occasions, and we've spotted Hailey Bieber carrying the Moon Bag in tow alongside her white trainers and hoodie. And, considering co-founders Sarah Staudinger and George Augusto built the brand with a mission to create high-quality bags whose styles match timeless classics for trend, it's clear why the bags are ubiquitous among cool girls everywhere. While many designs embody quintessential silhouettes such as a rectangle-shaped tote or structured crossbody, each one breaks tradition in some form, whether it's by spelling out novelty sayings in dazzling crystal beads or showcasing flashy animal print shades. $250 Buy Now at amazon $295 Buy Now at amazon $295 Buy Now at amazon Year established: 2000 Popular bag styles: Bou Bag, Tote Bag Price range: $115 to $525 Though Scandinavian brand Ganni is over two decades old, leave it to internet darlings like Emma Chamberlain and a strong social media presence, (#GanniGirls, anyone?), to keep its mainstay among the fashion community. As illustrated by the brand's use of oversized collars and playful proportions, it will not be denied from having fun, and similar to its apparel, its handbags don't take themselves too seriously, either. We suddenly feel like we're back in math class while holding Ganni's delightful collection of hexagonal and square-shaped bags — each becomes more exciting when you delve inside to reveal leopard print lining or equally thrilling design detail. And who wouldn't smile while swinging the extended knotted handle of the Raffia Bag from their hand? Make no mistake, despite their quirky appeal, these bags boast the same high-quality and eco-conscious materials as Ganni's clothing. As a bonus, most of the bags are made from recycled leather. $425 Buy Now at ganni $475 Buy Now At ganni Year established: 2016 Popular bag styles: Numéro Un Nano bag, Numéro Sept Mini handbag Price Range: $290 to $1,350 This French family-owned brand captured the hearts and wallets of your most stylish friends, fashion influencers, and the TikTok community. Polène bags even (fittingly, we might add) played a recurring role in the series 'Emily in Paris' — we're still lusting after the Yké in Epuisé that swung off Lily Collins' wrist in the series. You can add the royal seal of approval to this brand's resume, too, as we clocked Kate Middleton carrying the Numèro Sept Mini Handbag. We're not surprised that Polène is popular among princesses and celebrities alike, considering all of the brand's bags are made with rich Spanish and Italian leather crafted in Ubrique, Spain, a village famous for its leather goods. Additionally, each design touts curved edges, waves, and folds which lends them a touchable and artistic appeal fit for the boardroom or the ballet. Its designs keep functionality in mind too, as many of the shoulder bags feature adjustable straps so you can wear them under your arm or as a crossbody. Between their durability (take a look at this TikTok that literally tears one apart to show its impeccable craftsmanship), universal silhouettes, and rich neutral tones, you can count on these bags as enduring wardrobe staples. Buy Now at polene $500 $500 Buy Now at polene $360 $360 $490 Buy Now at polene Year established: 2016 Popular bag styles: The Rachel, Billy Bag Price range: $300–$700 You can feel like you're part of the family every time you sport a handbag from this twin sister-run brand. By Far manufactures all of its bags in family-owned factories in Bulgaria and Spain, where craftsmen pay sharp attention to detail, as evidenced by the fine, nearly imperceptible stitching and elevated materials featured in every design. And if you don't immediately recognize the By Far name, you'll most definitely recognize its bags. Kendall Jenner has slung the '90s-inspired Rachel affordable shoulder bag over her shoulder a time or two. And the Amber bag keeps good company with Hollywood elite like Kaia Gerber, Selena Gomez, and Bella Hadid. While many of its carryalls have minimalistic designs, anyone seeking an option with more pizzazz can still find vibrant shocks of pink and chain link hardware intermixed throughout its collection. $318 Buy Now at farfetch $300 Buy Now at ssense Material: 'Leather or faux leather is still your best friend when it comes to choosing a high-quality material for your bag,' says Newberger, who adds that nylon is another great option because it's easy to clean and durable. López agrees and suggests opting for more unconventional materials like tweed, wicker, and straw bags to add additional personality to your carryall. In addition to steering clear of cheap-looking materials such as polyester and polyurethane, López tells us to avoid plastic or overly shiny hardware. Instead, she suggests looking for minimal hardware and invisible stitching, adding that we should skip contrast and colorful stitching, because 'this can make the bag feel juvenile, cheap, and not timeless,' she says. That doesn't mean the fun is forbidden. As Newberger points out, design details like beading, unique handles, ruching, ties, and zippers can punch up the appearance of an affordable purse, regardless of material. 'Each of these things offers the consumer something additional and helps justify the cost,' she adds. Silhouette: In general, our experts agree that avoiding super trendy silhouettes and purchasing minimalist handbags is the best way to make an affordable handbag look more expensive than it is. Still, Lòpez says you can lean into the trends and have a multi-use, versatile piece by choosing a bag in a classic neutral color, and one made with high-quality materials, like Italian leather. Additionally, you can't go wrong with classic crossbody bags, or even belt bags as these are ideal for everyday wear since they allow you to go hands-free and keep the purse close by your side while you navigate through busy shopping centers and streets. Size: 'I believe that you need at least three bags in your closet,' says López. She recommends a small clutch for special occasions, a large leather or canvas tote bag to function as your catch-all bag for work and travel, and a go-to everyday purse such as a medium-sized crossbody bag. Most importantly, your bag should be large enough to fit whatever items you need that day. Purchasing structured bags with compartments and pockets can keep the bag looking sleek and polished, even if the inside is bulging with your life's essentials. Purpose: Before Newberger chooses the type of bag she'll be carrying for the day, she considers how far she's traveling, who she's seeing, and even the weather. 'If I see rain in the forecast whatsoever, I'm choosing an affordable bag over a statement one,' she says. Above all, functionality is key, says López, who adds that you wouldn't bring your work tote to a wedding or grab a micro-clutch before heading out for a long day with multiple pit stops. She asks herself, 'Can it fit my phone, cards, keys, lipstick, and whatever I'll need for the day? Does the work tote fit my laptop, chargers, water bottle, etc.? Does the bag have a zipper or snap closure for security and safety?' Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as 'the fashion bible' — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women's and men's fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD's breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD's editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections. When it came time to find the best affordable handbag brands, we set out to give our readers an in-depth point of view on the best styles and designers in the market. First, we researched hundreds of the most popular handbag brands, styles, and silhouettes to discover the best affordable handbag brands for 2024. Then, we narrowed it down even further to divulge our top favorites. To ensure all bags were thoroughly researched properly, we read thousands of online reviews and talked to industry experts, including López and Newberger. For other styles, we enlisted additional research help from the WWD Shop editorial team and sought inspiration from our own closets. While we all have personal favorites, our list includes the best handbag brands that are durable, on-trend, and don't sacrifice style or quality for price. Learn more about us here. Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as 'the fashion bible' — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women's and men's fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD's breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD's editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections. Learn more about us here. Audree Kate López is a fashion stylist, blogger, and editor who's worked on projects with brands like Marc Jacobs, Alice + Olivia, J. Crew, and Club Monaco. After styling clients and various celebrities in the past six years, she's well versed in which accessories elevate an outfit, and the right handbag is chief among them. Although Lopez is partial to her Prada Saffiano Leather bag, she's a firm believer that many affordable bag brands offer products with the same luxurious look and feel, and she often chooses ones from this very list for her everyday bags. Heather Newberger is a wardrobe stylist, writer, and author of How to Date Your Wardrobe. She's offered advice to publications such as NYLON, Marie Claire, InStyle, and the Wall Street Journal, including on the subject of handbags. Not only can she share which bag will look best with your outfit, but she also has an eye for understanding what types of handbags you'll reuse over and over again. Lauren Alexis Fisher is the Senior Style Commerce Editor at WWD and Footwear News, where she writes and edits fashion, beauty, and lifestyle stories. Previously, she served as Senior Editor at Cosmopolitan and Market Editor at Harper's BAZAAR, where she oversaw digital content from fashion features to news and product reviews. With over a decade of experience as a digital fashion editor, she's an expert in scouring the internet for the greatest emerging brands, top-rated products, and latest trends to shop. Fisher updated this guide to the best affordable bag brands for 2025 with new bag styles, new purse brands, and emerging trends in the designer fashion market. is a Brooklyn-based writer who covers fashion and beauty for brands such as InStyle, Byrdie, Brides, Travel + Leisure, and Footwear News. Her very first designer handbag was a Chloé Small Saddle Bag, which she has barely touched since moving to New York City since she finds it too fragile for long subway commutes and crowded sidewalks. She saves it for special occasions and opts for several bags from brands on this list instead. They allow her to blend in with the most fashionable residents in the city without worrying they'll get destroyed or lose their luxe looks, and she frequently consults her coworkers, roommates, and friends about what are the best types of bags that fit their city lifestyle. Richardson did the original reporting for this story when first published.
BBC News
20-05-2025
- BBC News
Maresfield burglary appeal as £50,000 of bags and watches stolen
Police are appealing for witnesses after designer bags and watches worth about £50,000 were stolen from a home in East daylight burglary happened at about midday on 1 May at a house near the Shell service station on the A26 in the village of Maresfield, near Uckfield. It was reported that one man, wearing a black balaclava, coat and gloves, entered the property through an upstairs window, while another man hid in the Con Kieran Morris said: "We are actively investigating this burglary and have made a number of inquiries, and are compiling all the evidence we can to aid in this investigation." CCTV showed the pair leaving the property carrying a large black handbag, a large tan handbag and a medium sized grey handbag. Police said these bags had more designer handbags and watches inside worth approximately £50, two suspects were thought to have left in a vehicle, police with information which could help Sussex Police with their investigation is urged to contact the force.
New York Times
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
How I Got Duped by Designer Dupes
My journey into the fun house of fakes began, as so many things do these days, on TikTok. Like many men, I had been content carrying a tote bag or backpack. Then my algorithm introduced me to Love Luxury, a designer consignment store offering previously owned Hermès bags. This wasn't about saving money, exactly. A Birkin with a retail price of around $12,000 — already an egregious amount of money — could be resold for twice or three times its original price. I found the extreme wealth both revolting and fascinating. I gobbled up clips of people playing the so-called Hermès Game — in which Birkin seekers tithe tens of thousands of dollars to Hermès boutiques in the hope that they might be offered the chance to buy one of their sought-after bags. My TikTok For You page soon became nothing but unboxings and reviews of other luxury brands, including Chanel, Dior, Bottega Veneta and Loewe. I began to lust after these designer goods, imagining which ones were right for me. Except that I am not rich, and neither are my parents or anybody I am likely to date. Besides, surely such sums would be better spent on the deposit for a house. But the overwhelming deluge of bag content made me desperate for the luxury my lackluster bank balance would never permit. Then my algorithm served me up handbag dupes and replicas, imported from China. Buying them felt like an act of rebellion against the luxury brands that help enforce class division. But I couldn't stop. Buying dupe after dupe quickly became a destabilizing obsession — on account of platforms that incentivize everything but stopping. When I came across a video about the now-viral Walmart Birkin — or Wirkin — I saw a way to participate in a world that had enthralled me. While we don't have Walmart in Britain, I found one on an online marketplace called OnBuy. I bought it for $61. It took nearly a month to arrive from China. When it did, I was delighted. I doubted it was anything close to an authentic Birkin, but it was soft and smelled like real leather, not plastic. I took it out that night to meet friends, showing it off like a child with a new toy. They passed it around, surprised by how luxe it felt and giggling over the idea that I was now cosplaying as an überwealthy fashionista. Carrying this bag allowed me to escape into the fantasy of unachievable wealth. I felt like someone who no longer struggled to pay the rent. In 2019 the sale of counterfeit goods accounted for 2.5 percent of world trade, worth a total of $464 billion. On Reddit, there is a robust subculture of dupe hunters. The counterfeits they seek not only democratized access to designer bags but also were symbols of resistance against the apparent greed of companies like Chanel and LVMH, which over the past six years have vastly increased prices and scored growing profits. My Wirkin was also a subtle way of signifying my queerness. I have always been a tad queeny, something that was derided when I was a child. As a result, I have clung to traditionally masculine fashion in the hope that it would shield me from homophobia, while my queer friends embrace women's clothes and dabble with makeup. Carrying a handbag became a way to display femininity in a way that is true to who I am. Next I bought a dupe of Bottega's intricately woven Andiamo bag, then a fake Coach bag, then a faux Acne Studios tote, another pretend Birkin (burgundy, size 35), a counterfeit Goyard Saint Louis in green and a dupe of a delightfully slouchy Songmont crossbody. If real, they would have cost me over $37,000. Instead, I was out only around $400. That may not seem like much to some (how fortunate), but for me, it was about half a month's rent. I took on debt. I told myself I could afford the bags by spreading the cost with Klarna, a buy-now-pay-later program, despite each additional purchase and the subsequent partial payments pushing me further into overdraft. I have spent hours and hours scrolling Chinese e-commerce platforms like DHGate and AliExpress, coveting fakes for sale. I've messaged sellers about the leather used on their replicas of Loewe's signature Puzzle bag (authentic: $3,500; dupe: $90). I've stayed up until 4 a.m. reading user reviews of the Row's more structured Margaux bag (authentic: $5,500; dupe: just over $100). Whenever I ordered something, I compulsively tracked my package from China to Britain. When it arrived, I'd tear open the many layers of packaging and smell the bag, caress the leather and examine the hardware. Though I had no reason to, I would leave the house with it, eager to take it on its debut outing. I've carried a Birkin to the supermarket, filling it with produce for dinner that evening, and worn my Andiamo, empty aside from some lip balm and a book, to the pub. Friends and family began to express their concern at the number of bags I was ordering. 'I think it's important that you stop,' my friend Kate texted me. I agreed, but each night social media led me back to the bags. A few weeks later, only after my friend Jonathan mentioned that he found the hyperconsumerism I was engaged in distasteful, I really took pause. I looked back on the previous months and saw someone in the grips of an obsessional spiral. By chasing the dopamine hit that came with securing the next bag or gobbling up TikToks, I wasn't able to see my addictive and destructive behaviors or the way that debt would only continue to mount. I was skimping on my food shopping, taking on extra work and avoiding social situations where I knew I would have to spend money. I put off going to the dentist. I was out of control, like someone possessed, spending far beyond my means. I felt foolish; these bags had been tarnished by my newfound shame. I deleted TikTok, as well as the apps for the Chinese marketplaces, but by then, it was too late: The rest of my social media accounts were flooded with handbag content. On YouTube, my home page was a solid wall of influencers doing bag hauls from China. Almost every Instagram story I watched was followed by a luxury brand or retailer offering designer bags for sale. I was even pushed targeted ads while reading the news. I began to see this all for what it was: a symbiotic network of influencers, social media, e-commerce platforms and digital advertising, all designed to capitalize on my inability to regulate myself. How do you endure life online when that life consists of constantly being sold things? While the obvious answer is to log off, how feasible is that, really? These social media platforms are designed to extract not only our time but also, increasingly, our money — whether we can afford it or not. I can't entirely absolve myself, though. By buying these bags, I was chasing the illusion of status or happiness. While I self-soothed, I was still complicit in voracious consumerism. There was nothing radical or rebellious about it; I was still entranced by the lure of luxury brands, eager to be a part of their club. I had been duped by the dupes.
