With their decades of history, massive financial backing and seemingly limitless marketing budgets, household-name European luxury brands like Hermès, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Bottega Veneta are consistently making the most desirable handbags in the market — that most people can’t afford (especially not in this economy).
Resale has made them a touch more accessible, but as these labels continue to raise their prices with abandon and engage in scarcity tactics, their bags are increasingly maintaining their retail prices on the secondhand market. In other words, that accessibility is shrinking.
Enter the “accessible luxury” or mid-price category. Contrary to popular belief and a recent FTC lawsuit, Coach and Michael Kors (respectively owned by Tapestry Inc. and Capri Holdings, whose proposed merger was deemed anti-competitive and blocked) are not the only brands operating in the accessible-luxury handbag market, which the FTC defines as those priced between $100 and $999. They are just the most well-known; not unlike the aforementioned European labels, they’ve earned name recognition from their decades in business and the financial backing of their publicly traded parent companies.
In reality, there are dozens of other “in-between” brands creating beautiful, well-made bags that stand the test of time and that middle-class shoppers can afford without resorting to fast fashion. As most of them are independent and thus unable to fund splashy celebrity ad campaigns and staged paparazzi photos of A-listers, they just might be a little harder to find for the average consumer. But we’re here to help.
Below, discover and shop 26 cool, “IYKYK” indie brands making excellent handbags between $100-$999 (and, in most cases, under $600).
Aesther Ekme
Black Sac Bucket Bag, $540, available here.
This Copenhagen-based brand founded in 2016 makes modern-yet-discreet handbags largely devoid of logos and hardware, all priced between $400-$990. Shop more at Ssense, Saks and Bergdorf Goodman.
A.P.C.
Burgundy Ninon Small Drawstring Bag, $365, available here.
Quintessentially French brand A.P.C., founded by Jean Touitou in 1988, is a time-honored leader in elevated wardrobe staples. Its range of timeless leather handbags embody the brand’s Parisian effortlessness, and the quality is excellent, especially for the price range: about $300-$995. (Hot tip, they’re also usually pretty easy to find on sale at the end of the season.) Shop more at A.P.C., Ssense and Shopbop.
Are Studio
Jane Bag, $495, available here
Designed by Cecilia Bordarampé, Are Studio’s minimal handbags are handmade in Los Angeles from locally sourced materials. Thanks to the use of unique leather hides, no two individual bags are identical, according to the brand. Shop more at Are Studio, Bona Drag and Garmentory.
Behno
Ina Curve Sling Bag Nappa, $395, available here.
Inspired by the Rana Plaza tragedy, Shivam Punjya spent years building an innovative, ethical factory in India that centers the craft and wellbeing of local garment workers and artisans before founding Behno in 2015, in hopes of shifting preexisting notions around “made in India.” In 2019, it pivoted from apparel to handbags, which are made to last from real leather using old-world craftsmanship and priced between $100-$595. Shop more at Behno and Anthropologie.
Brandon Blackwood
Jacqueline Zip Leather Chain Shoulder Bag, $350 $263, available here.
CFDA-nominated designer Brandon Blackwood launched his beloved handbag line in 2015, later lowering prices a bit to make his bags (now priced between $150-$1,000) more accessible to fans. The brand went viral for the “End Systemic Racism” bag it launched amid the Black Lives Matter movement, and has continued on an upward trajectory, expanding into shoes and outerwear. Shop more at Neiman Marcus, Brandon Blackwood and Shopbop.
Clare V.
Petit Moyen, $335, available here.
French-born, Los Angeles-based Clare Vivier has slowly grown her brand from “IYKYK” into every millennial’s go-to for cute, accessibly priced ($140-$595) bags and other accessories. Shop more at Clare V., Nordstrom and Shopbop.
Cult Gaia
Mini Hera Shoulder Bag, $458, available here.
Founder Jasmin Larian leveraged the viral success of her Instagram-famous Ark Bag to build a global brand spanning bags, shoes, jewelry, ready-to-wear and, most recently, a collaboration with Gap. Much of that success likely owes to the brand’s accessible price range — bags fetch between $100-$900. Shop more at Cult Gaia, Nordstrom and Revolve.
Cuyana
System Tote, $348, available here.
San Francisco-based direct-to-consumer brand Cuyana is known for its “fewer, better” messaging, timeless, functional design and responsible approach to production, offering quality Italian leather goods priced between $120-$798. Shop more at Cuyana.
Demellier
Tokyo Leather Shoulder Bag, $465, available here.
This London-based brand focuses on ethically made bags with clean lines and distinctive gold hardware, priced between $295-$875. Shop more at Demellier, Net-a-Porter and Bloomingdale’s.
Freja New York
Chrystie Bag, $278, available here.
Despite only launching a few new styles per year, this four-year-old brand’s influencer- and celebrity-beloved bags, designed by founder Jenny Lei, feel current and on-trend, but still understated and chic. And they’re affordable, with prices falling between $200-$548. Shop more at Freja and Revolve.
Hyer Goods
The Ring Bag, $395, available here.
Founded by Dana Cohen, Hyer Goods fashions simple, unassuming, Italian-made leather bags out of deadstock materials and upcycled factory scraps in an effort to reduce waste and emissions. Prices range from $245-$395. Shop more at Hyer Goods, Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom.
Lindquist
Mini Egg, $490, available here.
Founded by Lotuff alum Lindy McDonough, Lindquist’s vegetable-tanned, naturally dyed bags are made ethically and responsibly in Rhode Island, ranging in price from $400-$850. Shop more at Lindquist and Garmentory.
Loeffler Randall
Willow Chocolate Woven Leather Hobo, $350, available here.
Launching in 2005, Loeffler Randall was an early success in the mid-price accessory category, starting with footwear, which remains extremely popular. The brand’s bags occupy that same sweet spot of being elevated and on-trend, but still practical and versatile. With prices ranging from $125-$425, they’re hard to resist. Shop more at Loeffer Randall, Shopbop and Saks.
Luar
Brown Suede Brooke, $340, available here.
Since his popular Ana Bag achieved certified “It Bag” status in 2022, designer Raul Lopez has kept up the momentum with buzzy runway shows attended by the likes of Beyoncé and Madonna, and winning American Accessory Designer of the Year at the 2024 CFDA Awards. With buzz and accolades befitting a proper luxury brand, Luar intentionally prices its distinctive bags accessibly: from $265-$395. Shop more at Luar and Essx.
Maeden
Boulevard Clutch, $515 $360, available here.
Designed by Christian Heikoop and based in Amsterdam, Maeden prides itself on precise, modern design, traditional craftsmanship and ethical sourcing: It partners with a century-old certified tannery based in the Netherlands that solely produces leather from byproducts of local dairy farms. Its understated-yet-distinctive bags cost between $460-$960 or so. Shop more at Shopbop, Maeden and Showroom.
Mansur Gavriel
Gaia Shoulder Bag, $395, available here.
Mansur Gavriel bucket bags, part of its debut collection upon launching in 2013, had the fashion community in a chokehold in the mid-2010s. It was a rare phenomenon that hinged on the bag’s quietly elevated design and a mid-range price point that few brands occupied at the time — though many (including those in this roundup) would go on to follow in Rachel Mansur and Floriana Gavriel’s footsteps. The New York brand’s growth has stalled in recent years, but it’s still making desirable, Italian-crafted bags (and shoes) that range in price from $195-$1,200. Shop more at Mansur Gavriel, Shopbop and Nordstrom.
Manu Atelier
Le Cambon 20 Black Suede, $525, available for pre-order here.
Co-founders Beste and Merve Manastır are the daughters of one of the oldest hand craftsmen and leather goods manufacturers in Istanbul, Turkey. The 10-year-old brand is defined by old-world hand-craftsmanship and modern design, with realistic pricing: Bags are between $420-$910. Shop more at Manu Atelier and Farfetch.
Polène
Cyme Mini, $460, available here.
Despite their rather understated and classic designs, Poléne’s bags have gone viral on TikTok, thanks in part to the brand’s French luxury positioning (which matches up to the quality) and comparatively accessible prices — between $460-$690. The “Emily in Paris” appearances and LVMH investment also don’t hurt. Shop more at Polène.
Rouje
Big Bag in Suede, $470, available here.
Europeans just really know how to make a good handbag, and this is even true of contemporary brands like Rouje, founded by Jeanne Damas, the human embodiment of French Girl style. The label’s accessories perfectly complement its ready-to-wear, giving the appearance of a luxury vintage flea market find. Handbags range from $200-$505.
St. Agni
Brown 90s Petit Shoulder Bag, $210, available here.
This ethically minded Australian label, founded in 2014 by Lara and Matt Fells, is most hyped for its very Carolyn Bessette-esque minimalist womenswear, despite getting its start in leather purses. Today, its expanded line of handbags are especially deserving of attention. They’re a dream for those craving elevated, simple, ’90s-inspired bags at a $180-$640 range. Shop more at Ssense, St. Agni and Fwrd.
Staud
Harlow Glossed-Leather Tote, $375, available here.
Founded in Los Angeles in 2015 by Sarah Staudinger, a former Reformation fashion director, Staud has since enjoyed exceptional growth as a verified Cool Girl Brand in the American contemporary market, thanks in part to its timeless-yet-novel accessories. Its delightful handbags are well-priced between $190-$700. Shop more at Net-a-Porter, Staud and Ssense.
Telfar
Large Telfar Duffle, $450, available here.
Handbag-wise, everything Telfar Clemens touches turns to gold. The brand’s frequently sold out faux-leather Shopping Bag (a.k.a. the Bushwick Birkin), with its scarce drops and experimental Bag Security program, helped to build consistent hype for years. The brand is now evolving into a more traditional model with a bigger range of in-stock options. Prices remain accessible, from $150-$650 for faux leather, and $550-$1,340 for the new leather items. Shop more at Selfridges, Nordstrom and Telfar.
Ganni
Bou Top Handle Bag, $495, available here.
The pride and joy of contemporary Danish fashion, Ganni was initially founded in 2000, but taken over by Nicolaj and Ditte Reffstrup and transformed into the brand we know today in 2009. It has grown into an international hit, beloved by fashion insiders for its Insta-worthy colorful designs, sustainability commitments and accessible price points. Its distinctive handbags range from $180-$575. Shop more at Saks, Ganni and End.
Fane
Fane Bra Bag, €610, available here.
When it comes to elegant, minimal and thoughtfully designed bags that still feel novel, this small Parisian brand, founded in 2020 by Laurie-Anne Braun and Margot Baudequin, is arguably unmatched — at least at the accessible-luxury price point. It currently offers only four styles, ranging from $660-$860, including the Bra bag, recognizable to anyone who follows Substack queen Laura Reilly.
Dragon Diffusion
Dragon Diffusion Santa Croce Leather Tote Bag, $465, available here.
I bought a Dragon Diffusion bag in Paris about 10 years ago; people constantly asked me who made it but I had no idea until recently — I couldn’t find a label and thought it might be vintage or some random one-of-one handmade piece. And that’s by design: The bags aren’t about branding. Distinguishable by their lack of hardware and their soft, woven leather, each one is handmade in small batches by artisans and vegetable-dyed. The Belgian brand has been around since 1985, but has seen significant growth since launching e-commerce in 2021, certainly due in part to its $250-$520 price range. Today it’s achieved certifiable “It bag” status, inspired several copycats and gotten picked up by top retailers, without straying from its roots. Shop more at Saks, Net-a-Porter and Ssense.
Soeur
Asmar Bag, $425, available here.
Soeur, founded Domitille and Angélique Brion in 2007, is eyeing global domination following a recent acquisition, making it the latest French contemporary brand to watch. Alongside ready-to-wear and other accessories, its handbags have a feminine, sophisticated allure, with prices ranging from $275-$845. Shop more at Selfridges, 24S and Eraldo.
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Source: Fashionista.com