The coolest handbag labels to bookmark for 2020

By Praachi Raniwala13 February 2020

Under the radar but uber cool, these are the bag brands that fashion girls are placing all bets on this year

In 2020, classics or seasonal drops from legacy brands are not the only options when it comes to building a covetable handbag collection. Quite the contrary, in fact. The rise and rise of nouveau It-bag labels has reshuffled the order. As millennials strip away the excess (literally and figuratively), under-the-radar brands have become the new norm—and the Stauds, Boyys, Wandlers and Manu Ateliers proudly tucked away in your closet are testimony. The It-bags 2.0 for 2020 are logo-free, fashionable and functional—a stark contrast from the can’t-hold-nothing micro bags that dominated the scene last year. Here, we give you the lowdown on the handbag labels that all the cool girls are swearing by right about now, and the trends we’re spotting among them.

Brands that channel nostalgia in their designs have become popular

Priyanka Chopra

Nostalgia reigns supreme as brands turn back in time to find inspiration. Take Bulgarian accessories label By Far for example, which has come to achieve cult status, winning the patronage of everyone from Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner to Selena Gomez. Their popular Rachel bag (taking off after the clean shapes carried by Jennifer Aniston on Friends) is all about ’90s nonchalance. On the other hand, South Korean brand Gu_de, which finds its cues in the ’70s—all of their timeless PVC and croc embossed silhouettes come with a modern update, and their boxy bags, featuring detachable acrylic chain straps, are all the rage. Gu_de is also part of Net-A-Porter’s Vanguard initiative, which promotes new talent, paving the path to its soon-to-be icon status. Ditto with Ratio Et Motus. The brand’s nostalgic designs are fitted with modern detailing like iPhone slots. And then there is Scandinavian brand Little Liffner which may be all about exploring playful minimalism, but their vintage-inspired shapes will remind you of the styles you spotted on your mum in all those sepia-toned family albums. From their oversized totes to twisted wristlets, think of them as the perfect additions to your AM-to-PM wardrobe. Meanwhile, British-based Persian designer Sahar Asvandi’s S.Joon is all about vintage-ready no-fuss designs. Case in point: the Milk Pail bucket bag that will amp your look up with instant street style cred.

Functionality is a key component of the season’s coolest arm candies. In an interview, London-based Rejina Pyo told Vogue Runway: “I’m not a fantasy fashion designer. I’m fascinated by people’s lives.” Her designs are for girls on the go, and she works with interesting shapes (The Banana is a favourite) and detailing like rope chains and knotted handhelds to add a touch of whimsy. New York-based label Khaite—the name behind Katie Holmes’ cashmere bra and cardigan set—is rooted in old-school Americana with a 21st century update, and has come to be lauded for its knitwear in fashion circles. The same is also true of their no-nonsense, utilitarian everyday totes and roomy soft leather clutches in neutral solids, which were launched late last year. Hong Kong-based brand Cafuné thrives on simplicity, but each bag comes with one idiosyncratic element—be it an egg-shaped wristlet or a knotted adjustable handle. ** **

London-based DeMellier’s handbags are functional, affordable and socially conscious (for every bag sold, they fund life-saving vaccines for a child in need). Think sleek lines, solid colours and a complementary monogramming service that has made it a hit with tastemakers like Meghan Markle, Princess Beatrice, Pippa Middleton, Emily Blunt and Beyoncé. The Sant’s contemporary bags, which are handcrafted in Ubrique, Spain, are structural in treatment but inspired by Japanese legends. If you must get just one bag from the label, let it be the Kinchaku with its scrunchy-like top handle.

Bags that double up as works of art are also gaining favour

Petit Kouraj’s macramé-fringed carry-alls in varying sizes and earthy tones are the ultimate holiday plus-ones. Launched by Nasrin Jean-Baptiste, Alicia Keys’ former stylist, each netted bag is made from over 300 strings of fringe, which takes between eight and 12 hours to hand-make. Carolina Santo Domingo is another name to know. After designing Staud’s coveted Bissett bag, the designer gave her eponymous label a Cali-cool vibe, coupled with Italian finesse. The result? Tassels, feathers and raffia detailing on clean styles that have made it to the wardrobes of Eva Chen, Joey King and Emily Ratajkowski.

For stop-and-stare allure, turn to Montunas by Costa Rican model, Elke Ruge. Their tortoiseshell and acrylic boxy and bucket-style statement pieces with silk scarf and rope handles boast Meghan Markle’s stamp of approval. For a spot of colour, turn to Imago-A. The label’s geometric shapes find inspiration in art and architecture. Skip the same ol’ colours and opt for their textured leather signatures in fuchsia, chartreuse or royal blue.

Sustainable handbag labels are the new norm

You don’t have to give up being an environmental crusader to win the trendsetter tag. Vegan brands JW Pei and Mashu are crafted from sustainably sourced materials, and their affordable price tags ensure you don’t need to break the bank to score one of their offerings. Indonesian brand Alfeya Valrina’s designs are handcrafted by local artisans with a zero-waste production policy and their U-shaped mini Joe Joe bag, which comes in playful textures like patent leather, corduroy and croc, is a favourite with the fashion set. Delaroq—the brainchild of Jennifer Lyu, who previously worked for fashion houses like Louis Vuitton and Prada—is an upcycled handbag line that uses excess from stocked items as raw material.

All the Indian handbag brands you need to take a look at, stat

Udaipur-based Vipul Shah’s eclectic bags are a sworn celebrity go-to—everyone from Malaika Arora and Janhvi Kapoor to Julia Roberts are fans. We suggest you snag a tasselled Banjara clutch ahead of the wedding season as well. Aanchal Sayal’s pearl-doused poltis are another festive favourite—just ask Kareena Kapoor Khan, Tara Sutaria and Kiara Advani. But we recommend teaming them with your LBD and taking them out for a spin come Saturday night too.

Namrata Dudaney’s Indonesia-based artisanal brand, Ahikoza, is all about ethically sourced exotic skin in geometric shapes. Often spotted on hit TV series Dynasty, the brand’s latest collaboration with Arpita Mehta is replete with multicoloured mini bucket bags and foldable clutches that can take you from sundowners to sangeets. Purveyors of minimalism will find their match in Delhi-based Perona by designer duo Puneet and Shruti Mangla. And Shivam Punjya’s recently launched ethical brand, behno, is another name you ought to add to your lust list—the debut drop includes everything from monotone totes to belt bags.