Hold the £5K Bags—This Is the More Affordable Brand Celebrities and Insiders Have Been Carrying for Years
The affordable handbag brand loved by Reese Witherspoon, Katie Holmes and Kate Middleton, plus the styles you can shop today.


It’s always telling when women who could carry any designer bag in the world instead reach for something quieter and far more attainable. That’s the intrigue of DeMellier. In a sea of Margauxs, Birkins and Baguettes, this London-based label has carved out its own space: bags that feel every inch as considered and investment-worthy, but come without the five-figure price tag.
Reese Witherspoon is the latest A-lister to be spotted with a DeMellier, stepping out in Los Angeles with the brand’s Midi New York in black—a bag as understated as it is commanding. She gave it her signature preppy polish, pairing a pinstripe shirt with a pencil skirt, layered beneath a cropped black jacket and finished with classic slingback heels. But she's not the only one reaching for the tote style. Katie Holmes, too, has been quietly championing the brand, carrying the same Midi New York in mocha suede, its sculptural minimalism slotting seamlessly into her trench-and-tailored-trouser uniform.
The list of devotees doesn’t end there. Emily Blunt, Olivia Palermo, and Jessica Alba have all been seen with DeMellier’s clean, architectural silhouettes, cementing the label’s place on sidewalks and red carpets alike. Each sighting underscores the same point: this is not a bag that needs logos or fanfare to make its presence known.
But the pull extends beyond Hollywood and the fashion set. The Princess of Wales has turned repeatedly to the brand’s Nano Montreal in both navy and toffee, adding a neat, structured punctuation to her tailored coats and feminine day dresses. Meghan Markle has likewise been a supporter, choosing the now sold-out Mini Venice in forest green, its tasselled ease bringing softness to her streamlined wardrobe. That both women reach for DeMellier speaks volumes about the brand’s quiet power.
What unites them all isn’t loyalty to one silhouette, but an appreciation for DeMellier’s mix of polish, versatility and ease. For women who could carry any label in the world, choosing this brand feels intentional: the pieces are beautifully made, modern without being trend-driven, and understated enough to work across a packed diary of events. It’s that balance—quiet, considered, and surprisingly accessible—that explains why DeMellier keeps turning up on the arms of some of the world’s most influential dressers.
Elsa Hosk has been spotted with her new DeMellier bag from the soon-to-launch DeMellier Icons 2025 collection.
Shop the best DeMellier bags below.
Shop The Best Celebrity DeMellier Bags
Kate Middleton Hudson Bag
Style Notes: Kate Middleton has turned to DeMellier’s Nano Montreal on countless occasions, cementing it as one of her go-to accessories. Our favourite outing? A striking red dress moment, perfectly anchored by the tan Nano Montreal and matching pumps—a masterclass in tonal dressing that feels regal yet refreshingly modern.
Reese Witherspoon New York Tote
Style Notes: The latest celebrity to join DeMellier’s fan club is Reese Witherspoon, spotted with the brand’s iconic New York tote. She styled it with her signature preppy polish—a pinstripe shirt tucked into a pencil skirt, layered beneath a cropped black jacket, and finished with elegant black slingback heels.
Katie Holmes New York Tote
Style Notes: Katie Holmes has been championing DeMellier for a while now, and her latest New York sighting is peak downtown cool. She chose the suede version of the New York tote, teaming it with a sharp grey blazer, straight-leg jeans, a crisp white shirt and classic white trainers. It’s pared-back, practical and perfectly in step with the city’s effortless approach to chic.
Shop More DeMellier Bags
Hudson Bag
Style Notes: A perennial best-seller, the Hudson made waves on its debut, quickly becoming one of DeMellier’s most in-demand silhouettes. Available in a spectrum of textures and colours, it’s the kind of bag that adapts to any wardrobe. Model Anouk demonstrates its versatility, styling her black Hudson with a sleek all-black look.
Miami Bag
Style Notes: One of DeMellier’s newer designs, the Miami, is fast becoming a cult favourite. With its rounded silhouette and softly gathered detailing, it strikes the perfect balance between trend-led and timeless. Francesca shows exactly how to wear it, styling the suede version with an earthy, tonal outfit that feels effortless, elevated and endlessly chic.
New York Shoulder
Style Notes: The east–west bag trend has been one of the most enduring favourites of recent seasons, and DeMellier’s New York shoulder bag taps into it perfectly. Sleek, elongated and effortlessly versatile, it feels directional yet timeless—the kind of piece you’ll wear on repeat for years to come.

Marina Avraam is Senior Shopping Editor at Who What Wear UK, where she expertly navigates Zara, H&M, Toteme and Net-a-Porter (to name but a few) on a daily basis to unearth the most worthwhile pieces, while valiantly resisting the urge to add every single one to her basket. At Who What Wear, Marina is committed to curating a shopping experience that feels both aspirational and intentional, guiding readers to items—both affordable and investment—that will genuinely benefit their wardrobes.
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