Flashy logos have been used as an indicator of wealth and status since the 1980s but there has been a growing trend of quiet luxury recently.
This new perception of luxury is measured by the finesse of its workmanship and high quality materials, things that are only identifiable upon closer inspection.
In recent seasons, a fresh crop of bag designers have emerged, all embracing the look of discreet and understated accessories. Their designs are denuded of ostentatious hardware, complemented with clean cut lines and fashioned in functional silhouettes.
The icing on the cake? They all cost under $1,500. You know you are going to want them.
1. PB 0110
Image: PB 0110
PB 0110 AB16 bag in grey, $1120
PB 0110 AB3 bag in rose, $1180
Designer Philipp Bree came from a family who has been in the leather industry since he was a child, and helped run the business for more than a decade before launching his own line two years ago.
PB 0110 bags include functional totes, briefcases and portfolios in streamlined silhouettes made from three core materials — vegetable tanned natural leather, linen and brass. The carefully selected leathers will develop a unique patina over time.
PB 0110 is available at LaPrendo, 15 Dempsey Road Singapore 249675 & K+ nana & bird, 6 Scotts Road #03-03 Singapore 228209.
2. Lautem
Image: Lautem
(L-R) I Got Rhythm Gris, $1,006; My Funny Valentine Granate, $1,036; I Got Rhythm Mostaza, $1,006; Night and Day Blue, $833
Lautem I Got Rhythm Bag in mustard and grey, $1006 each
This Spanish bag line was created by designer Elena Silva, who is an architect by training. She wanted to create a range of bags that are non conformist, of high quality and essentially beautiful yet functional.
A lot of attention is paid to the structure and proportions of the bags at Lautem, because Elena believes that fashion accessories are an important part of an outfit. Lautem bags are made for women who appreciate the elegance of a simple bag that you can use season after season.
Lautem is available at Sheshops.
Image: Chiyome
Chiyome Density Briefcase in black, $650
Chiyome Thunder Clutch in warm grey, $577
Started by designer and former Project Runway contestant Anna Lynett Moss, this line of handbags is devoted to one key motto — raw simplicity. Void of any hardware, the bags are characterised by clean lines and restrained colours.
Her designs are heavily influenced by contemporary art, architecture and furniture and they are all designed and handmade in New york city.
Chiyome is available online at Need Supply and Ssense.
Image: Building Block
Building Block bucket bag, $657
Building Block box bag, $623
Los Angeles based label Building Block boasts a range of beautifully made bags striped bare of any excess adornments. Founders Kimberly and Nancy Wu were growing tired of fast fashion and feeding trends, so they wanted to create something simple, classic and reliable.
Through their top notch leather quality, designs and unique detailing, they have successfully redefined luxury. The bags are logo-less, yet instantly recognisable through their unique geometric shapes and signature tassels. They have also recently branched out into footwear.
Building Block is available online at Shopbop.com, Ssense.com & Stevenalan.com.
5. Erin Templeton
Image: Erin Templeton
Erin Templeton pocket pal bag, $429
Erin Templeton BYOB bag, $350
Erin Templeton loves leather and starter her eponymous bag line from her massed collection of unloved leather pieces. Her bags are handmade in-house from recycled leathers, featuring minimal hardware with simple and strong construction. She tries to keep her bag designs simple and timeless, so that they are unable to be dated by trend. She hopes that her bags can serve as a lifelong friend to each user.
Erin Templeton bags are available on Urban Outfitters, Erintempleton.com and Need Supply.
Can’t decide if you should splurge on bags? Find out if your luxury bags are worth the high prices!
