Soon after moving to Paris, I became familiar with the term flaneur—a person who likes to potter and observe. I've inherited this very apt term as it's exactly how I like to spend my time. Between work, I spend a significant amount of time playing tourist—if I can still call myself that?—during which I either stumble upon boutiques or add to my ever-growing footnotes on French fashion by drawing style references from locals.
Who What Wear UK's shopping editor, Florrie Alexander wears a Sézane bag.
There's no denying the rhetoric that French women appreciate clothing and I can vouch for the fact that they adore accessories in equal measure. From Jane Birkin spearheading the basket bag trend to the excellence of designer bags from the likes of Hermès, Dior and Chanel, there are ample examples to demonstrate the significance of handbags in Paris’ fashion history.
Who What Wear UK Editor in Residence, Angie Smith, wearing the Sézane Leonie Basket Bag.
Nowadays, you needn't part with thousands if you are inspired by the handbag aesthetic of French women. Mid-priced luxury retailers have cornered the market, producing some of the most sought-after handbag styles across the globe. From the highly coveted shapes of Polène to the lesser-known independent brands nestled in the streets in Le Marais, allow me to introduce you to 12 handbag brands French women wear year-round.
@juliesfi wears a Polène Paris handbag.
The 14 Chicest French Bag Brands, According to a Parisian Fashion Editor
1. Sézane
Style Notes: Sézane has become a marker for French retail excellence with high quality and timeless iterations of French wardrobe staples. Now B Corp certified, the brand is leading the way for sustainability on the high street. It boasts a considered collection of apparel and the bags are highly worthy of praise!
Shop Sézane:
The Milo bag is a classic style and the glossy burgundy is so timeless.
Snake print is dominating this season's trends.
It's chic, oversized and timeless!
2. Longchamp
Style Notes: Jean Cassegrain pioneered Longchamp's convertible totes in 1971 and France has never looked back. I spot women wearing Longchamp handbags at least a handful of times per day and the brand has come a long way since its original Le Pliage. Its Roseau bag fast became an Editor favourite.
Shop Longchamp:
Le Pliage will forever have a place in my heart.
This style has amassed many fans since its release.
The chicest beach bag you did ever see.
3. Rouje
Style Notes: Visionary Jeanne Damas created Rouje in 2016 in a bid to expertly craft the pieces in a French woman's typical uniform. From croc-effect purses to oxblood bucket bags, there are styles for all to enjoy.
Shop Rouje:
I've had my eyes on this style since it was first released.
With the addition of a gold rose adornment.
The big bag you'll squeeze ample wear out of.
4. Elleme
Style Notes: Aptly inspired by the French phrase "Elle aime", translating to she loves, Elleme handbags are best known for femininity and playful design. One of its most coveted styles is the Baozi Raffia bag.
Shop Elleme:
The bestseller in all of its glory.
French women love suede handbags.
Burgundy and supple leather is a delicious pairing.
5. Dragon Diffusion
Style Notes: Jane Birkin's affinity for basket bags has been a footprint for French handbag trends. Although Dragon diffusion isn't a French brand, it is well-loved in Paris.
Shop Dragon Diffusion:
A bestseller for very good reason.
Just look at the emerald green hue.
A brown woven leather handbag can be worn well into autumn.
6. Polène Paris
Style Notes: You'll be hard-pressed not to spot the snaking queue around Polène's Flagship store in Bourse when visiting Paris. Despite living here for a year, I'm still astounded at the dedication of its customer base, some of whom travel cross-country to invest in its directional bags. Beloved for plush designs, high-quality fabrications and entry-level pricing, it's an attainable luxury worthy of investment.
Shop Polène :
One of Polène's latest offerings — the Mokki features a contrast stitch and polished gold hardware.
This has become my work bag for long days in the city. It's big enough to fit a 15-inch laptop!
Solé offers a unique take on the basket bag with flattened pebble beads and a threaded handle.
7. Tammy and Benjamin
Style Notes: You'll find the Tammy and Benjamin boutique nestled in Le Marais, home to many French ateliers, consignment stores and independent boutiques. On my first visit in-store I was impressed by the refined and intentional capsule. Each piece speaks to the essence of French style, bearing simple silhouettes with a French lilt. Its bags will surely stand the test of time.
Shop Tammy and Benjamin:
The squared design is so sleek.
Typically Parisian.
This bag will go with everything you own.
8. RSVP Paris
Style Notes: With modernity at the forefront, RSVP is passionate about the integrity of leather, married with expert practice, functionality and seamless design. Each style features its signature circular hardware which has become recognisable in France.
Shop RSVP Paris:
RSVP were well ahead of the curve where flap bags were concerned.
A masterful pairing of the embossed croc and the midnight hue.
Note the grained finish, which adds an additional dimension to this style.
9. Leo et Violette
Style Notes: Powerhouse couple Léo Dominguez and Violette Polchi founded their eponymous accessories brand Léo et Violette in 2013. Comprising a collection of ethically produced elegant shapes beloved by French women, their arsenal features shapes from the baguette bag to taught leather satchels.
Shop Leo et Violette:
From daytime to eveningwear.
Just look at the suede finish on this style.
Lovers of neutral tones, look no further than this muted colourway.
10. Sandro
Style Notes: Know for its clean lines and take on French minimalism, luxury fashion house Sandro comes highly recommended for its leather goods. This season, the brand offers a playful take on its shoulder bags and a host of burgundy handbags to boot,
Shop Sandro:
A sleek bag that will polish up all of your outfits.
This two-tone style has a '70s feel.
Elegant and easy to wear.
11. Atelier Auguste
Style Notes: Laurent and Xavier Valembert sought to pair their adoration for achitecture with handbag design, resulting in Atelier Auguste's fine leather goods. The luxury handbag brand produces in Italy, with ethical production at the helm.
Shop Atelier Auguste:
This winged design is extremely sophisticated.
It wouldn't be a French handbag edit without a squared satchel.
Your evening handbag, sorted.
Shop Cahu:
Style Notes: First conceived in Normandy and inspired a heartwarming story of nostalgia, Cahu's USP is the creation of patent holdalls crafted from hard-wearing PVC. It's a slightly more casual brand to have on your roster.
Take your shoulder bag game up a notch.
Practical and chic in equal measure.
The double strap makes this style even more practical.
13. Manu Atelier
Style Notes: Founded by sisters Beste and Merve Manastır, the brand was founded in Istanbul but shares a distinctive style philosophy with tasteful Parisians, making it both literally and figuratively adopted as a local by chic denizens. With exceptional suede and leather fabrics and refined craftsmanship, these pieces will elevate any ensemble they're featured in.
Shop Manu Atelier:
A delicious colour of leather and an equally delicious size to tote about town.
The Le Cambon is the brand's signature, and this deep toffee suede shade feels like the perfect transitional piece.
A new icon for the brand, this is easy to sling over your shoulder and go.
14. Lemaire
Style Notes: Given that France is renowned for its pastries, it was only a matter of time before someone took these signature sweet treats and transformed it into something wearable. Enter: Lemaire's Croissant bag. Less crumb-inducing but equally mouth-watering, this style is a go-to for tastemakers like Jennifer Lawrence and Solange Knowles.
Shop Lemaire:
Soft as butter.
Truly luxurious.
A great carry-all for schlepping around the city.