This Understated, Classic Handbag Brand Is a Fashion Editor's Worst-Kept Secret

One of the perks of being a fashion editor is the privilege of discovering independent businesses. Now and again, I find myself wilfully entangled in a narrative that endears me to a brand. Its infancy, how it laid its roots to blossom (which, in the case of handbag brand Strathberry, was quite literally on the kitchen floor), the community, concept and how the handbags (in this instance) were conceptualised. From the very start to the completed product on the shelf, I'm hooked. Strathberry may be a little-known brand amongst luxury handbag players, but having just celebrated its tenth anniversary, it is now establishing itself in the UK and overseas markets as a name to know for bags with understated elegance and architectural shaping.

Strathberry was founded in 2013 by husband-and-wife duo Leanne and Guy Hundleby, and despite being a relative newcomer when compared to the long-established brands that dominate the leather goods category, Strathberry manages to speak a language of heritage and heirloom. Each style features its distinguishable bar closure, foil-embossed Strathberry emblem and hand-painted piping, demonstrating the impressive attention to detail. Its factory also oversees the production of Loewe’s leather goods, so these bags are in good company.

With the prevalence of quiet luxury and the growing discernment of the average consumer, it's fair to say that we're all collectively prioritising quality items—the pieces that we'll have for years, will retain their beauty and may even be passed down through generations. And whilst many associate quiet luxury with high-end fashion houses, I think it's best attributed to brands like Strathberry, where quality precedes and the USP is thoughtfully crafted, lifetime pieces.

The Crescent Satchel in the latest colourways.

The brand's fanbase includes the likes of Meghan Markle and Sarah Jessica Parker, and it also has the royal stamp of approval from Catherine, Princess of Wales, who is often pictured carrying a Strathberry bag when on engagements. Plus, with prices in the main collection ranging from £155 (for pocket-sized leather goods) to £625 (for sizeable totes), this is luxury of the far more affordable kind.

Intrigued? Scroll on to see and shop some of my favourite Strathberry handbags.

The Best Strathberry Bags

1. Strathberry Mosaic

Style Notes: Convertibility is a prevalent theme in Strathberry's bags, and the Mosaic is suitable for day and evening wear. Clasp the top handle and carry it, or add the crossbody strap for a hands-free experience. I have this one, and I've been layering it over wool coats this winter.

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2. Strathberry Lana

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3. Strathberry Tote

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4. Strathberry East West

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5. Strathberry Box Crescent

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6. Strathberry Charlotte

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7. Strathberry Osette

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This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.

This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.