Classy but understated bag brands?

[foreverlobsters]

Just this- don't want to have a flashy bag like a Mulberry for which I'll be judged, but would instead love a high quality bag brand without the show-offy 'look at how much money I've spent' logo. It's just not me. Any suggestions?

@Classica

I'm sure you're capable of googling which brands are most ethical.

There's no need to be rude. Asking about ethical stance is a really positive thing to be doing, you don't need to be snappy about it.

OP I tend to look for bags made in the UK because like you I'm concerned about ethical standards. I'm not saying the UK is a paragon of virtue but I'd much rather get something made here than, say, China, where animal welfare standards are through the floor.

Cartier may be worth a look.
Really high end and no logos are, ime, very very expensive and high quality, for example Asprey.

I would buy ones made in the UK or Europe, where you can hope working conditions are decent.

I used to do quite a bit of work in France, via an agent who also supplied some of the fashion houses and visited their factories on a regular basis. He’d signed confidentiality agreements with them so couldn’t say what they were like, or how they manufactured, but always said, if money was no object he would buy Hermès and conversely would never buy Louis Vuitton.

Anya Hindmarch has some lovely bags x

@Molecule

I would buy ones made in the UK or Europe, where you can hope working conditions are decent.

I used to do quite a bit of work in France, via an agent who also supplied some of the fashion houses and visited their factories on a regular basis. He’d signed confidentiality agreements with them so couldn’t say what they were like, or how they manufactured, but always said, if money was no object he would buy Hermès and conversely would never buy Louis Vuitton.

This is interesting, thank you. I still love the look of Aspinal and can see their factories are Europe based so am hoping that's a good sign.

@Monsterjam

Anya Hindmarch has some lovely bags x

Oo these look lovely too, thank you

I bought one from an independent leather bag artisan in London, each one is made by him - leather is far better quality and the stitching, rivets etc more secure and lifetime guarantee (well assuming he's in business!) it was either Greenwich or Camden, can't remember which

I've never thought of the Coach bags being flashy. I've never met anyone who actually knew the brand . It's all Mullberry or LV around here but I didn't find one I liked when I went out with a budget to treat myself to a Mullberry.

I love these two of mine. The grey/beige/navy mix is my go to bag at the moment as it goes with everything. I've also got a plain and very discreet black one and have got a small black clutch on order ( thanks to this thread making me think about buying more handbags!)

Definitely Strathberry. I have a midi tote in Pearl grey which I love.

@bendmeoverbackwards

Definitely Strathberry. I have a midi tote in Pearl grey which I love.

I googled it and this is completely stunning. Am worried I would mark it very quickly though!

Still... one day when my children are a bit older and less messy perhaps

@foreverlobsters you could always get a darker colour 😉

Jerome Dreyfus!

Furla or Lancel

I like plain stuff and go for Aspinall. It's really good quality

I’d never heard of Strathberry, but think they look fabulous. Fear I feel rather tempted…

www.lancel.com/fr_fr/
Forgot the link for Lancel, have a look. Understated, top quality bags from a long established house. I’ve worked in design ( not for Lancel) and both Longchamp and Lancel are very highly regarded.

Another vote here for All Saints. I get lots of compliments on my cross body bag. Goes with everything and really good quality for the price. No obvious logo or branding which I always think is tacky.

Lupo, a Spanish brand which sits at about the same level as Furla, has lovely, well designed bags in extremely good quality leather.
Also, have a look at The Handbag Clinic for 2nd hand restored designer bags like Chanel, Dior, not all are high £££-££££. (But some are! )
They also have a big selection of Aspinal bags and purses.

Link
www.handbagclinic.co.uk/

Bottega Veneta would be my pick here.

www.handbagclinic.co.uk/product/bottega-veneta-intrecciato-leather-tote-5346

@stayingaliveisawayoflife

Elvis and Kresse bags I love. They are made out of recycled fire hoses and a percentage of their profits goes to a firefighter's charity. I have had one for ages now and it still looks like new. If you aren't afraid of it looking a bit different then go for it. I have had people ask me where I got mine from and they have looked to buy.

Pre Covid you could book visits to their workshop to see them being made.

These look amazing. Then you for writing about this brand.

@blisstwins No problem they are very different but in a fabulous way. They donate 50% of their profits so you are doing a good thing by spending money with them!! I have my eye on a wallet or tote next. I have a red messenger bag.

@stayingaliveisawayoflife

Elvis and Kresse bags I love. They are made out of recycled fire hoses and a percentage of their profits goes to a firefighter's charity. I have had one for ages now and it still looks like new. If you aren't afraid of it looking a bit different then go for it. I have had people ask me where I got mine from and they have looked to buy.

Pre Covid you could book visits to their workshop to see them being made.

Well they’re super cool! I may have to buy one

Kate Sheridan ( manufactured in UK)