By Julie Tong

Why royals and fashion editors alike love this brand

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.”

Courtesy of DeMellier

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.

Courtesy of DeMellier

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.

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.

DeMellier has a royal fan club too, including Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle, Pippa Middleton, and Princess Beatrice. The Princess of Wales has been spotted carrying the Nano Montreal, a micro toffee-colored bag, on more than one occasion.

getty images

The brand has struck a chord with women searching for elegant, professional handbags that can accompany them during whatever life may throw at them in a given day—an important meeting, a parent-teacher conference, a gym class, a rush to make a bus home, a coffee with friends. Llusia-Lindh emphasizes versatility, noting that she aims for her designs to “transition effortlessly between work, travel, and leisure.” Each bag is named after a metropolitan city, like New York, Tokyo, and Paris, or a more vacation-worthy spots like Capri and Santorini (where you’ll find a range of raffia totes and resort-friendly carryalls).

“DeMellier has demonstrated that they have a true understanding of what the modern handbag customer wants,” shares Marissa Galante Frank, Bloomingdale’s fashion director. “They continue to evolve their silhouettes, update their colorways and use playful new materials like shearling or pony hair. Their handbags have a sophisticated aesthetic at a price point that can appeal to a wide range of customers. Their belted tote styles are ideal for our customers who are looking for chic handbag options that can be worn from day to night.”