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In the last 15 years, handbag prices have risen faster than those of jewellery. Today designer bags from fashion’s biggest names (Prada, Louis Vuitton, Loewe, Gucci) start in the thousands. At Hermès, its famous Birkins don’t go for less than £10,000.
On the other end of the scale, high-street iterations may be trend-driven and cheap, but often they’re made from synthetic materials, most commonly polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), rather than real leather. Unsurprisingly, they don’t wear well or last under the weight of laptops, phones, your lunchbox and the rest.
So let me introduce you to midi-bags: luxury designs, with quality that rivals designer craftsmanship – without the stratospheric price tags.
They’re not as cheap as the sort you’d find in M&S, but they won’t totally blow the budget, sitting between £200 and £585. And best of all? They’re made to last a lifetime.
Edinburgh’s answer to quiet luxury at affordable prices comes from Strathberry, a bag brand fronted by the husband-and-wife duo Guy and Leeanne Hundleby, worn by the Princess of Wales, Meghan Markle, Margot Robbie and Katie Holmes.
Their winning formula for creating sought-after midi-bags? ‘Making products at the accessible end of the luxury space, but with the quality you’d expect from much higher up,’ says Leeanne.
This seems to be a common theme for the brands that occupy this space in the market, and it’s a compelling reason to get involved. These are the midi-bag designers to get to know now.
Elleme
Founded in 2015 in Paris by self-taught designer Jingjing Fan, Elleme (derived from the French ‘elle aime’, meaning ‘she likes’) has garnered star-studded support for its simple, yet unique leather pieces, all made in Italy. Fans include Gigi and Bella Hadid and Beyoncé. If it’s good enough for Queen B, then it’s good enough for you and me. From £325, elleme.com.
Chylak
This Warsaw-based brand, founded by former art historian Zofia Chylak in 2014, draws on Polish heritage for inspiration. The stripes in its latest collection (see the hobo bag, left) are inspired by folk costumes of Urzecze, a region near the capital. Expect whimsical details: romantic bows, pearl embellishments and shell-shaped silhouettes. Bags are made in Poland, all from leather. From £125, chylak.com.
Patchwork tote, £350
Liffner
Sweden is a hotbed of new designers and Liffner, founded in 2012 by Paulina Liffner von Sydow, heads the trend. The brand combines creative minimalism with Italian artisanship – its bags are made in small batches at an atelier near Florence. I like the elevated Scandi takes on classics, such as the belted bucket and mini woven basket. From £233, liffner.co.
Strathberry
One of Edinburgh’s finest exports, the brand was founded by husband and wife Guy and Leeanne Hundleby in 2013. Its signature? Elegant, clean lines and metal hardware, with bags designed in Scotland and handcrafted in Spain. Its Mosaic bag has achieved cult status; I count dozens on the front row each fashion week. From £195, strathberry.com.
Polène
Founded in 2016 by three siblings, Polène is noted for its sculptural, organic-shaped bags. These are designed in Paris and produced by luxury leather specialists in Ubrique, Andalucia. Bestsellers include the Cyme and the Nodde in delicious neutrals. From £160, polene-paris.com.
Mokki bag, £480
