12 Indie Bag Brands To Fill That Phoebe Philo-Sized Hole In Your Heart
These chic and sculptural bags by indie brands are our #RomanEmpire
By Aaron Kok,
Fashion gods are real, because they got Phoebe Philo out of retirement last October when she launched her eponymous label to much fanfare and to plenty of quick-fingered fashion fans who snapped up much of her first collection. The collection features a collection of bags – a product range where Philo continues to demonstrate her Midas touch since her days at Celine, as Philo-ites cleaned out the first release of extra-roomy totes, tactile handbags and minimalist shoulder slingers.
Unfortunately for us dwellers in Asia, all we can do is admire from afar, given that her brand only ships within the UK, Europe and the United States. Boo. So while we continue to pray to on fashion’s deities that Philo and team open up more shipping options for her fans in Singapore, these 12 indie bag brands could provide some temporal relief.
When it was founded: 2016
Go to it for: This New York-based brand by Catherine Holstein is a regular fave with It Girls who favour its hyper-cool wardrobe and well-made handbags from a brand that’s still bubbling beneath the mainstream radar. The Elena handbag comes with all-over metal studs that resemble some of Philo’s ready-to-wear pieces from Collection 1, but the one bag that takes the cake in appealing to Philo’s disciples would be the Aimee. With its iconic gold bar snap closure and architectural lines, it could pass up as an Old Celine bag even.
Where to get it: khaite.com
Aimee embossed leather clutch, $3,800
When it was founded: 2014
Go to it for: Rooted in Swedish design principles – such as functionality, clean lines and a respect for modernity – Toteme has been making quiet waves on social media last year amidst the return of quiet luxury. Its bag range feels like they belong on the set of Succession, thanks to its aversion for loud details and a steadfast commitment to creating sustainable luxury that feels timeless. Case in point: the T-Lock top handle purse, which is both practical and seasonless.
Where to get it: int.toteme-studio.com
T-Lock leather top handle bag, €1,100 (S$1,600)
When it was founded: 2015
Go to it for: Founded by Jingjing Fan in Paris, Elleme is best known for mixing timeless shapes with tactile and sometimes odd textures or details. Since her debut collection, Fan’s Baozi bag has been a fan fave. Available in a wide variety of colours and materials – including this shearling that feels Philo-coded – it’s the perfect dinner companion for fashion girlies.
Where to get it: elleme.com
Madeleine shearling in grey, $668
When it was founded: 2014
Go to it for: This Catalan-based brand focuses on leather goods – shoes and bags, namely – and it has been gaining attention for its work. Everything is made by family-run leather workshops in Spain, while Hereu’s designs all embody a contemporary approach to bag design with its sculptural silhouettes and hardy materials. The Calella tote bag is a great option for Philo fans who miss her penchant for design XXL bags.
Where to get it: hereustudio.com
Calella canvas tote, €470 (S$652)
When it was founded: 2014
Go to it for: Designed by two brothers in Paris, Atelier Auguste is one of the few bag brands that are finally getting its flowers on social media alongside the likes of Polene and DeMellier. The Gabriel bag here is a clear nod to Philo’s Classic Box crossbody bag from her Celine era, with its similar ‘70s-inspired shape and gold hardware clasp.
Where to get it:ateliersauguste.com
Gabriel leather shoulder bag, US$662 (S$885)
When it was founded: 2010
Go to it for: While the brand has been around for more than a decade, it wasn’t until TikTokers started talking about it in 2022 that it began gaining eyeballs from across the social sphere. The bag that caught everyone’s attention? The New York. Thanks to its elongated build, which feels like a cross between the Celine Luggage tote and an earlier Philo design called the Edith from her days at Chloe, corporate girlies have swooped in to get their hands on The New York for everyday wear.
Where to get it: demellierlondon.com
New York leather bag, $909
When it was founded: 2018
Go to it for: You’ve likely seen a JW Pei bag without knowing it, because it’s already been worn by Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner. Still, the brand remains relatively lowkey until you stumble onto #fashiontok where models like the Gabbi – a shoulder-slung satchel – or the Freya (pictured) are gaining popularity. In particular, the Freya is reminiscent of Philo’s Drive bag, thanks to its vertically padded segments.
Where to get it: jwpei.com
Freya mini leather tote, $122
When it was founded: 2015
Go to it for: Started as a lifestyle brand, Staud became known for their easy, Cali-vibin’ designs that don’t skimp on quality and won’t hurt your bank account. Such is the case with the Mar Mini, a bucket bag with a metallic bar handle that gives the whole bag an ‘80s-inspired architectural vibe. (Psst, also check out its range of customisable bags, where you can get your pet painted on your favourite bag model).
Where to get it: staud.clothing
Mar Mini in mahogany, $615.
When it was founded: 2013
Go to it for: Incepted in Beijing, Songmont’s bags are designed around their user’s lifestyle needs – an ethos that mirrors Philo’s own woman-first approach in design. The Drippy Tote feels a little familiar, largely due to its slouchy frame and its roominess that harks back to Philo’s line of Cabas totes that held the early 2010 fashion scene in its grip.
Where to get it: songmontofficial.com
Drippy medium suede bag, US$460 (S$620)
When it was founded: 2016
Go to it for: By Far is often known for its cool girl energy, and that transcends into its curation of the bag collection as well. The newest obsession from the brand is the Billy, which resembles a utility belt repurposed as a shoulder sling. In actuality, the design is inspired by Y2K shoulder bags that only carry a mobile phone and your lipstick, which explains the shape of the two main pockets.
Where to get it: www.byfar.com
Baby Billy semi-patent leather, $745
When it was founded: 2011
Go to it for: With a focus on seasonless design and a dedication to uplifting the craftspeople of local communities across Peru, Ecuador and Vietnam, Cuyana’s bags will withstand the test of trends and time. The Double Loop bag, with its oversized build and simplistic shape, is a clear testimony to this.
Where to get it: cuyana.com
Oversized Double Loop leather hobo bag, $458
When it was founded: 2017
Go to it for: With its roots in Amsterdam, Wandler takes quotidian designs – be it boxy knits, open-toed mules or misshapen water jugs – and adds a sense of surprise and refinement to it. Just look at the Oscar Trunk bag, which takes the standard boxy crossbody sling and crosses it with padded segments.
Where to get it: hereustudio.com
Oscar calfskin shoulder bag, €1,100 (S$1,600)