Whether you’re looking for an everyday shopper or a clutch for special occasions, we’ve got something to suit your mood and your ethical standards. Designed in London by leather connoisseur Lost Property of London, the label’s bags are commissioned in small quantities to fight overproduction and avoid waste. Straight-talking Wandler names its styles after female innovators and has a tree-planting partnership with Tree Sisters, so each purchase supports the environment and its women employees. Look out for its angular ’Hye’ shoulder bag.

A.Cloud

Founded in 2016 - the brand is dedicated to creating timeless handbags for independent women. Its designs are influenced by retro aesthetics and simple geometric structures resulting in clean and romantic designs. A focus on quality over new trends is a key element to the brand, as well as environmentally safe dyeing and recycling of water waste.

This Australian label supports mental health advocacy through its Be You campaign - its independent designer bags are sustainably conscious, too. From a pouch shaped like the most stylish box of tissues to a powder-blue puffer tote, you’ll find plenty to love. As fashion moves in a more sustainable direction, Mashu is ahead of the curve with a range of vegan leather-style bags made from Pinatex (made from pineapple leaf byproducts), hemp, and Diniamica – all of which are ethically sourced and cruelty-free.

C.Nicol

Nicol blends timeless elegance with a fashion-forward sensibility in the leather handbags she designs. Launched in 2015, the Scottish brand’s aesthetic straddles contemporary and heritage. Nicol sources fine materials, such as tanneries that practise responsible manufacturing and tweed from some of Scotland’s oldest mills. She prioritises leathercraft over flash trends and uses color contrasting to balance the modern and feminine.

A true 'left brain, right brain' team, husband and wife founders Catherine Whang and Pratik Vyas fuse strategy and innovation with luxury craftsmanship. Look out for the angular 'Hye' shoulder bag named after South Korean poet and artist Na Hye Se, or the streamlined 'Josephine' backpack. Both have been sustainably produced by a local company that plants trees for every bag sold. Located in Grantown on Spey, the label’s bags are stocked in stores across Europe and America.

Hereu

Refusing to bow down to trends, these under-the-radar bags are gaining followers for their thoughtfully considered designs. Eschewing logos in favour of a minimal aesthetic, each piece is the elegant manifestation of the brand's 'left brain, right brain' founders - creative director Catherine Whang has worked for Dior and Kilgour Savile Row, while design strategist Pratik Vyas graduated from Kings College London.

The duo crafts shoes and small leather goods with a contingent of local family-run manufacturers. Drawing from a rich palette of references, including inherited folk techniques and modernist art, Hereu ("heir" in Catalan) has been crafting timeless accessories since 2014. Look to the brand for moccasins, lace-up sandals and schoolgirl-inspired loafers with summery flair.

404 Studio

Eschewing trends in favour of longevity and responsible manufacturing, a slew of under-the-radar bag labels are growing a following thanks to their considered designs. One of those is New Zealand-born, Wellington-based label 404 Studio, founded in 2015 by Jessie Wong. The brand’s bags are named after friends and women who inspire her, with practicality and beauty taking equal consideration in their design.

Straight-talking Wong’s maxim – ‘efficient, minimal design,’ she says – shapes the collection each season. This season, she’s inspired by a range of films, including Lolita by Kubrick and Twin Peaks by Lynch. Each collection reinterprets the chosen screenplay’s imaginary and aesthetics in a creative manner. Look out for the angular 'Hye' shoulder bag. Finished with a custom push lock. The 'Uma' box bag is also worth considering.

TBP

In the realm of modern fandom, the ways we celebrate our favorite movies and books have become increasingly widespread. No longer do diehard fans gather in obscure message boards to share their adoration for the latest big-time release; now it's all broadcasted across social media platforms like Twitter, Tumblr and TikTok.

One recent film that's seen a major spike in popularity thanks to its young audience is The Black Phone. A psychological thriller that's equal parts coming-of-age tale and supernatural horror, the film has found a home on TikTok as fans have flocked to post their own edits of their favourite scenes.

TBP takes this idea of eco-consciousness and sustainability a step further. The brand not only repurposes scraps of their bespoke burlap, but also creates smaller products like bows and cushions to further their mission of conscious living.

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From minimalist leather bags that reimagine vintage silhouettes to large practical totes that support artisan skills, these independent designer bags are made to last. Plus, they prioritize sustainable materials like plant-based fabrics and raffia. Founder Yousefi bridges a modern and experimental aesthetic with traditional luxury craftsmanship. Look out for her 'Hattie' cross body, which fuses simplicity with an earthy hue that looks like it came from your grandmother's closet.