the Margaux, the Birkin, the Baguette: All are familiar bag styles

 associated with major fashion houses. Very few handbag-first 

brands can break through and compete. Enter DeMellier, 

a British label favored by royals, street-style stars, and fashion 

editors alike for its understated designs that are big on 

functionality and eminently reasonable in price.

While many luxury labels are raising prices on handbags, 

DeMellier’s range hits that sweet spot. Clutches start at $345, 

with most bag styles ringing in between $500 and $600 and 

capping off well under $1,000. “We believe luxury should be 

priced with integrity,” says Mireia Llusia-Lindh, creative director 

and founder of DeMellier London. “This means offering luxury quality 

and ethical manufacturing without inflated prices by having lower, 

more reasonable margins than traditional luxury houses.”

Before we hit peak quiet luxury, DeMellier built its foundation on that timeless, 

minimalist look years ago. (Llusia-Lindh launched Milli Millu in 2010 and

 rebranded as DeMellier in 2017.) “It’s a philosophy we’ve held since the beginning,

” says Llusia-Lindh. “I have always believed in creating pieces that will stand 

the test of time, avoiding large logos or unnecessary embellishments. For us,

 luxury is about creating something personal, meaningful, and enduring.”

DeMellier’s New York tote has a minimal, architectural silhouette and is one 

of the most popular styles from the brand. It’s a bit reminiscent of Celine’s 

Trapeze, and for Phoebe Philo fans who are nostalgic for the designer’s past

 artful designs for the label, it fills that void.

The New York tote, which comes in two sizes and different hues and textures, 

is popular among many fashion editors, including those at Bazaar. 

“DeMellier has been able to understand that great style and substance

 are more valuable than trends and fashion. The bags are so chic and 

provide luxury at a great price point,” says Harper’s Bazaar’s accessories director, Miguel Enamorado.

$670 at DeMellier

Plus, the bag can haul a lot: a laptop, a notebook, beauty essentials, headphones, 

and more. As a New Yorker, I can vouch that it’s aptly named, though it suits any 

harried commuter’s lifestyle. The long straps are critical when carrying it over a thick

 jacket or coat. It’s lightweight from the start, so it’s not a drag when filled to the brim. 

It often prompts compliments and inquiries from friends, curiously asking, 

“What is that bag?” For me, it instills a sense of confidence and assurance when carrying it.

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