There’s been a quiet shift in the world of accessories over the past few years. No longer a choice between high street and high end, a new generation of brands is offering mid-range price points and directional design.
Think of Staud’s cult bucket bags and Cult Gaia’s homespun architectural aesthetics, both examples of accessories that look as great on Instagram as they do on your arm. With cool and contemporary flair, they have the lasting impact of a bag at a much higher price point.
Championed by the most fashion-forward, several labels crop up again and again, both at fashion month and on the ‘gram. Ahead, we’ve rounded up the best of the brands we’re investing in, from a mother-and-daughter set-up in the Philippines to LA’s most cult name.
Click through to find our favourite plus-ones.
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Staud
The story: Founded by ex-Reformation designer Sarah Staudinger, this LA brand is the reason we’re all carrying PVC tote bags and rotund miniature buckets. Everything Staudinger touches turns to gold; whenever a new style drops, it sells out, and fast.
The look: As well as graphic shapes that look as good on the ‘gram as they do on your arm, it’s all about texture, from croc to plastic fantastic to macramé.
The price tag: From £190, available at Net-A-Porter, Browns, Staud and Matches Fashion.Photo Courtesy of Staud.
Yuzefi
The story: Though Yuzefi’s founder Naza Yousefi has a background in designing ready-to-wear for the likes of Giles Deacon and Christopher Kane, she found herself drawn to bag design and launched the brand in 2016.
The look: Yuzefi borrows from traditional leather craft techniques to create quirky deconstructed designs which play with the conventions of bag design (such as exposing the metal hardwear that connects the leather pieces).
The price tag: Starts at £324, sold at FarFetch and Harrods.Photo Courtesy of Yuzefi.
Boyy
The story: Founded in New York in 2006 by Jesse Dorsey and Wannasiri Kongman, cult Parisian boutique Colette was the first to snap up this underground label. Now with flagships in Copenhagen and Bangkok, the brand does shoes, sunnies, scarves and hats as well as its cult bags.
The look: You’ll recognise the pilgrim-esque, chunky belted buckle on the bags but the sleek rings on the colour pop belt bags are a winner, too.
The fans: Every street styler at fashion month, from Copenhagen to Paris.
The price tag: From £270 at Net-A-Porter, Harvey Nichols and FarFetch.Photo Courtesy of Boyy.
Charles & Keith
The story: Singaporean brand Charles & Keith has been going since ’96 but over the past few years it’s become a fashion favourite, thanks to its wearable pieces (think wedding guest bags, work-appropriate plus-ones and weekend totes).
The look: The label is trend-driven, which means its offering of chain handles, exposed stitching and miniature and bucket styles for any occasion are surefire hits.
The price tag: From £45, available on Charles & Keith.Photo Courtesy of Charles & Keith.
STÉE Atelier
The story: STÉE founder Estelle Orilland has an impressive CV: she has worked as a bag and accessories designer for the likes of Chloé, Saint Laurent, Stella McCartney, Marni and Karl Lagerfeld. With STÉE though, Orilland offers her own distinct vision.
The look: Bold, architectural shapes and distinct metal detailing in a range of bright colours, metallics and animal print.
The price tag: Prices start at £338, sold at STÉE Atelier.Photo Courtesy of STÉE Atelier.
Aranáz
The story: Founded in 1999 by Becky Aranáz and her daughters, this mega kitsch brand is based in Manila, the capital of the Philippines. Each piece is handcrafted from local materials and the brand was recently snapped up by Browns’ accessories buyer.
The look: From crab-shaped baskets to palm-laden wicker bags and shell-strewn straw pieces, Aranáz has your summer holiday accessories game sorted.
The price tag: From £110, available at Farfetch, Harvey Nichols and Revolve.Photo Courtesy of Aranáz.
Elleme
The story: Founded by Jingjing Fan in 2015, Elleme’s name comes from “elle aime”, meaning “she loves” in French — which is pretty fitting as the fashion pack has fallen head over heels for this Parisian brand.
The look: Known for its sumptuous leather, the brand’s most recognisable style has a sweet circular handle and concave body. We love the ’00s-inspired Baguette and half-moon Tambour styles, too.
The price tag: From £250, available at Harvey Nichols, Coggles and Fenwick.Photo Courtesy of Elleme.
Dragon Diffusion
The story: Inspired by the intricate handwoven baskets of Indigenous communities across the globe, Dragon Diffusion set out to combine this ancient technique with modern bag designs to create unique, highly wearable pieces.
The look: Handwoven leather bags in a range of neutral shades.
The price tag: Starts at £95, available at Matches Fashion, Liberty and Dragon Diffusion. Photo Courtesy of Dragon Diffusion.
Manu Atelier
The story: Founded by two sisters whose father is one of Turkey’s oldest artisanal leather makers, Istanbul-based Manu Atelier has injected some much-needed colour into the fashion set’s handbag collection over the past few seasons.
The look: Directional shapes, beautifully crafted leather and rich shades define Manu Atelier’s pieces. The latest drop of animal-print styles is as lust-worthy as the block colours the brand is known for.
The price tag: From £345, available at FarFetch and Manu Atelier.Photo Courtesy of Manu Atelier.
Cult Gaia
The story: Founded by Jasmin Larian while she was studying at the Fashion Institute of Technology, the brand’s 2013 Ark bag launched it into the Insta-stratosphere and it’s been cult hit after cult hit ever since.
The look: Think architectural design meets homespun fabrications. Bamboo, rattan and Perspex are seen throughout each collection, and every style is an arty statement.
The price tag: From £110, available at Selfridges, Cult Gaia and Net-A-Porter.Photo Courtesy of Cult Gaia.
Hill & Friends
The story: Hill & Friends is the brainchild of Emma Hill and Georgia Fendley. The pair met while working at Mulberry and went on to found a contemporary accessories brand that prioritises quality at accessible price points.
The look: The brand is all about fun and irreverence. Its designs come in a palette of rainbow brights and feature its distinct smiley face logo.
The price tag: Prices start at £195, sold at Hill & Friends.Photo Courtesy Hill & Friends.
Roop
The story: Handmade in the north of England, Roop uses deadstock, remnant, vintage or sustainable fabrics to create napkin-style bags that look incredibly sweet.
The look: Hand-tied, handkerchief-like bags with a homemade appearance.
The price tag: Starts at £48, available at Roop.Photo Courtesy of Roop.
Telfar
The story: This unisex brand was established by Telfar Clemens in New York back in 2005 and its pithy brand slogan is “It’s not for you — it’s for everyone”. The label showed its SS19 collection on a helicopter pad and is inspired by Americana aesthetics, so you know it’s a hit with the fashion set.
The look: The favourite style is the super mini shopper, which features the brand’s overlapping T and C logo. It’s just big enough for your phone, keys and purse aka all you need for a night out.
The price tag: From £105 at FarFetch, Selfridges and Stock X.Photo Courtesy of Telfar.
Stone & Mason
The story: Designed by a mother and daughter duo, Stone & Mason was created to add a personalised spin on everyday bag designs by allowing you to choose your own strap.
The look: Bright, bold and incredibly glittery, S&M (the brand’s cheeky nickname) bags are for those who like to draw attention to their accessories. The latest “crisp collection”, made entirely from handwoven recycled crisp packets, has truly caught our eye.
The price tag: Starts at £135, available at Stone & Mason.Photo Courtesy of Stone & Mason.
The French Parrot
The story: Creating everything from staple everyday to standout styles, The French Parrot matches contemporary design with European craftsmanship.
The look: Elegant bags for all occasions in a range of shapes and sizes.
The price tag: Starts at £104, available at The French Parrot.Photo Courtesy of The French Parrot.
The story: The brainchild of Deadly Ponies’ Liam Bowden and Steve Boyd, DLYP
The look: Playful and dramatic shapes, bright colours and elegant finishes. We’re loving DLYP’s unique fan-shape bag, especially when it comes in a vivid marigold yellow shade.
The price tag: Starts at £339, will be sold exclusively at Selfridges from 21st June.
The story: Turkish designer Dora Teymur founded his eponymous brand in 2013 whilst studying Accessory and Footwear Design at Cordwainers, and has since become a fashion girl-favourite for his graphic, retro-influenced designs.
The look: Slick ’90s-esque shapes meet bold, ’50s style metal detailing in shades of shocking red, electric blue, black and white.
The fans: Style inspiration queens Rihanna and Bella Hadid have both repped the brand multiple times, which is good enough for us.
The story: This London label (whose name means ‘slow dance’ in French) is the playful antidote to the classic black bag. A paintbox-bright palette and architectural design has made its offering an industry hit over the past few seasons.
The look: Hexagonal bodies, hooped metal straps, split bucket bags… It’s all about play and proportion with Danse Lente. Expect the unexpected.
The price tag: From £325 at Net-A-Porter and Browns.
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