The Bags All the Cool Girls Are Wearing
Five emerging bag brands worth discovering before they inevitably blow up.
It’s my job to follow all the cool girls on instagram (quite literally, considering I work in the creator space). Given the nature of my role, I spend a lot of time scrolling on social media. To keep my sanity, I’ve learnt to approach it with a sense of intentionality - analysing each piece of content for common themes, emerging brands, and standout outfits.
One thing I have noticed is a bag makes the outfit. And there is nothing more difficult than trying to make a summer outfit look good when quite frankly all you want to wear is a swimsuit. The easiest way to add fun back into a simplistic outfit is through accessories. A great bag makes a minimalistic outfit fun through colour, texture or shape.
The common theme throughout the brands today is their commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly practices whether using dead-stock fabrics or new vegan cactus leather.
So, if you’re looking for some seriously cool new bags, these are the five emerging brands you need to know before they take off.
by AMR Clutch
The beautiful @nathmontis was carrying this clutch from a small Spanish brand called by AMR. Each piece is currently made to order and hand-sewn designed primary from cotton with a cotton lining. There is something so fun about playing around with patterns and a statment clutch is the way to do it. Super excited to see this brand grow!
Mélisse
I started following Mélisse Martineau because she worked at DVF and has the most fun sense of style. So naturally when she came out with a brand of her own I was immediately influenced. Each bag is handmade from deadstock textiles sourced in New York City. She does limited drops of one-of-a-kind patters, so I definitely recommend following @melissenewyork on Instagram to keep up to date! Now she has an exclusive collection of limited-edition pieces for Moda Operandi.
The Noir Knot Bag | The Blossom Knot Bag | The Cobalt Bag
CABĀ
CABĀ is a brand from Lebanon that I have my eyes on atm. They have a unique range that encapsulates the beautiful balance of chic and cool, with designs inspired by Lebanon’s rich landscapes and cultural heritage. You’ve got really classic silhouettes and timeless artistry but the subtle nod to the landscape shines through with the earthy palettes and animal-inspired patterns. Each piece is handcrafted by Lebanese artisans using Italian leather, so you are sure to feel unique carrying them around.
TER EAST-WEST BAG 2ND EDITION | LUNA CLUTCH ZEBRA | HAVEN TOTE BAG
RENNK
For the most gorg handmade clutches, you need to turn to RENNK. Based in Gaziantep, Türkiye, the brand draws on the colourful soul of the Eastern Mediteranean, creating pieces that are rooted in tradition yet unmistakably modern. In fact, they use heritage techniques and rich fabric that creates the “watered silk” texture. The Turkish word “renk,” means colour, and these clutches truly stand out against any outfit. The delicate shell details and simple silhouette keep the clutches understated and modern.
Póoj Studios
A brand’s commitment to sustainability is at the forefront of my mind when investing in new pieces, and Póoj Studios truly has amazed me. Their bags are made from cactus leather sourced in Mexico, which requires minimal water, no toxic chemicals, and repurposes leftover cactus from other industries. I love the look of this bag inspired by Mexico’s rich culture, it’s got that classic yet rustic look.
As always if you have any fun brands on your radar please share in the comments and let me know!
Ella xx
Hell yeah 🙌