New tote bag like Le Pliage

[BogrollMcChips]

I’ve had my large black Le Pliage for years, but recently they have exploded in popularity around here and I’m starting to feel like a clone.

I’d like a replacement for it that’s similarly capacious but less omnipresent. Same sort of budget (up to £150); neutral colour; real leather preferred if there are leather bits. There’s a nice Day Birger et Mikkelson knittet tote that I like but I worry it wouldn’t be water resistant enough (I don’t drive so I walk a lot - it’s handy to have a bag that’s a bit showerproof).

Does anyone have any ideas?

I can’t advise but agree re Le Pliage being a bit too popular. I bought one a few months ago and DD (19) said, oh you’ve got one of those Primark bags” 😭😭

Optimistic bump?

I’m eyeing up the leather Gabs 3-in-1 style which can be flat, trapeze or loaf shaped by using strategically placed poppers. It also has straps to wear it like a backpack. I’ll post a link.

https://www.gabs.it/ga_it/g3-plus-taglia-l-g000033t3-x2428-c2018.html

That bag is incredible!

(Although I'm not sure how it would perform as a "vase")

This bag is wonderful! VERY tempted!

Ha, I’ve just bought a le pliage. I am usually late to the party though, so no surprises there.

The guardian has a whole article about hip and to the moment tote bags today - https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2026/feb/06/good-intentions-new-it-bag-antidote-tote.

I read that Guardian article. I normally enjoy their fashion articles but that made no sense.

Anyway. I have a navy Le Pliage which I use for travelling all the time. I also have a similar one from from Brics which has a luggage sleeve but no internal pockets. In both cases the shoulder straps are a tiny bit too short to go over bulky coats in winter or I'd use them daily.

I also bought a couple of these from Uniqlo but I think we will need some better weather before I use them.

https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/products/E483050-000/00?colorDisplayCode=69&sizeDisplayCode=999&sv1=affiliate&sv_campaign_id=863943&awc=6771_1770557188_d9926bf027504d9b9c6be361816d0ef4&utm_source=awin&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=863943

Spurred on by this thread, I’ve ordered a second hand model of the Gabs bag- €25 plus shipping- from Vinted.
Lots for sale and it seems like the paint wears off the hardware and the leather gets out of shape quite easily, so maybe some quality issues.
I’ll let you know how I get on.

You’re doing God’s work! Please do report back!

Well, the bag arrived yesterday.
I’m very pleased with it, the leather is quality and thick, sort of elephant hide effect, the rings and clips are chunky polished metal that feel durable and, as expected, the turquoise enamel on the poppers can wear off if it’s touching the floor.
The more you fold it down the smaller it gets, naturally, so in the bowling bag shape it won’t fit much more than my daily essentials (purse, phone, sunglasses, makeup bag, pen and paper, folding shoppers, poop bags, tissues). I’ll probably use it most in trapezoid mode which holds maybe as much again so room for a book or tablet, not a computer.
It’s comfortable to carry (strap and handles that sit on the shoulder too) but the backpack mode needs the strap at maximum extension and I struggled to get it off. Only in emergencies I think.

For the price I paid I’m very happy, only slightly scuffed at the bottom corners. 9/10.

@SgtmajormummyThank you so much for reporting back! It’s now on my list!

Herve Chapelier is a subtle tweak on the Le Pliage range. Nicer colours and different but sensible shapes IMO.

I have a Herve Chapelier, I like the lightness of fabric bags.

I got a small shocking pink Hervé Chapelier as a gift. I wasn’t suitably grateful because I thought it was a beauty brand giveaway…

It’s similar to the reisenthel.com Reisenthel brand that I’m obsessed with. I must have about 10 different models in the same colourway (backpack, small and large tote, weekender, cosmetics case and lots of foldaway shoppers).

Oh dear @Sgtmajormummy ! They are about 20% more expensive than Le Pliage, and I think only Liberty stocks them!

@Papyrophile I even butchered mine by adding shoulder straps! I have a feeling S&B isn’t the place for me…

It still looks great! but where is the laugh emoji when you need it!

I nearly bought a Fenella Smith one from TKMaxx yesterday, it was a lovely burgundy colour and only £34.99.

it’s online in black, here’s a pic;

Didn’t work!