A growing list of the best independent Australian and New Zealand handbag labels
PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICOLE BRANNEN FOR GEORGIA JAY
WORDS BY HANNAH COHEN
Locally-made handbag brands galore.
Leaving the house without the Big Five (phone, wallet, keys, headphones and lip balm, obviously) would be criminal, right? To save you from this fate, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite independent Australian bag labels to make sure you never leave the house without these essentials.
Whether you’re looking for a bedazzled PVC number, a tote made out of a recycled awning, or an investment-worthy vegan leather carry-all, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to local bag labels.
For more style suggestions, head to our Fashion category.
As we know, our impact on the planet extends far beyond the tops and pants we choose to purchase – we can make a difference by mindfully selecting our accessories, too.
With this in mind, this list features some labels that are not just pleasing to look at, but are locally and sustainably made. Now go forth and choose your fighter.
St Oddity
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Sydney-based brand St. Oddity offers shoppers a range of boundless customisable styles. The brand stocks an impressive collection of crossbody, shoulder, evening and tote bags, all in a range of bold colours and with the added bonus of optional personalised hardware.
State of Escape
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If you’re looking for a functional neoprene bag, this is the one. State of Escape is an Australian brand handcrafting simple, effortless bags from a Sydney-based studio. The brand’s signature neoprene bags come in a variety of styles from large travel-friendly totes to compact belt bags for everyday use.
Hello Sisi
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You might have seen these kitschy and colourful PVC bags on the arms of many well-dressed Melburnians. Each custom bag is handmade by founder Sienna Ludbey in her Brunswick studio, meaning every piece is one-of-a-kind. And if you’re on a budget, you can start small and shop the label’s glittery keychains and purses.
Felynn
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Sydney-based creative Felynn Teo doesn’t have a website, but rather releases one-offs of her ethereal designs through Instagram. Handmade using often upcycled materials, each Felynn handbag is completely unique. Whether it’s a puffer baguette bag or soft tooth-shaped carrier you’re after, keep watch on the Felynn Instagram to snag one of your own.
Mahy
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Auckland-born label Mahy crafts handbags with functionality, purpose and longevity in mind. Mahy handbags are simplistic in nature, with each style inspired by an iconic female figure of decades past (Janis Joplin, Shakespeare’s Ophelia). You can choose from more classic tones of black, navy and pine, or a vibrant shade of coral.
Radical Yes
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If your top priority is buying from a brand that champions the experiences of women, then may I suggest Melbourne label Radical Yes? The footwear and accessories brand is all about practicality (it even coined the term ‘flat shoe liberation’) and has a range of roomy yet sleek cross-body bags. Plus, they’re compact and adjustable, so you can wear them however you please.
July
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Designed with the intention to elevate your travel experience, July merges innovation with practical designs. The brand’s suitcases are made with considered features like eggshell corners and scratch-proof textures, while its smaller designs – including totes, weekender bags and backpacks – are made to hold everything you need throughout the day.
Sage Avenue
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Sage Avenue sprouted from a love for finding distinctive, vintage pieces. From slouchy ’90s-inspired slouchy handbags to black patent bucket bags and flowery crocheted purses, there’s a statement bag available to suit any style.
Elas
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Initially birthed as a hobby between mother and daughter, Melbourne-based label Elas offers custom and handmade crochet pieces. Each product reflects the designers’ Brazillian roots, utilising vibrant yarns to make colourful handbags, accessories and swimwear.
Im Me
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Naarm-based crochet and knit label Im Me produces consciously-designed handbags using distinctive metallic lurex. Made for you to feel sexy and stand out, Im Me produces everything in small batches, perfect for those in favour of slow fashion.
Bichon
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With a focus on minimising its environmental impact, Melbourne label Bichon reclaims locally sourced, deadstock shearling off-cuts to create its signature cross-body bags. No two Bichon bags are exactly the same, so if you’re looking for something all your own, these handcrafted fluffy dreams are the ones for you.
Georgia Jay
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Georgia Jay bags are considerately designed and hand-made in Auckland, using materials made to last. Repurposed Italian and New Zealand dead-stock leathers are used to create the label’s cloud-like sillhouettes and buttery textures. With a growing number of stockists across Australia and New Zealand, you can nab a bag, wallet or pouch in every colour of the rainbow.
Yu Mei
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Yu Mei is a New Zealand-based leather goods label with a focus on versatility, quality and utilitarian design. The label was born in 2015 when founder Jessie Wong couldn’t find a stylish bag that fitted everything she needed in a day. Releasing its thoughtful designs in small-run capsule collections, Yu Mei bags are predominately made in neutral shades; crafted from ultra-soft New Zealand-farmed deer nappa.
Deadly Ponies
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Founded in 2005, Deadly Ponies is the New Zealand-based label loved for its premium-quality leather accessories and classic design aesthetic. Shop sizes from ultra-mini to carry all, made from materials like goat leather, bovine and python.
Brie Leon
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Looking for a classic leather bag but want to bypass animal products? Brie Leon’s vegan leather bags are PETA approved and they arrive in recyclable packing made of card and unbleached kraft paper. The Australian label makes beautiful bags in the most pleasing of hues – think pale yellows, creamy whites, dark olives and tonal browns. The best part? Brie Leon often partners with charities that support local communities, so you can do some good while shopping its exquisite collection.
Use Daily
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Practical without compromising on aesthetics, Melbourne’s Use Daily creates sustainably sourced and incredibly functional bags out of discarded outdoor materials like tents, tarps and awnings. Featuring bold stitching and block colours, these durable and water-resistant pieces will elevate your errand run.
Simetrie
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Melbourne-based label Simetrie is all about “balancing the human desire for style with [its] impact on the earth”. Its kangaroo leather goods are designed and made by local craftswomen who use all-natural materials. Simetrie prides itself on paying its workers a fair wage and committing to a slow fashion business model to combat the exploitation that we see too often in the fashion industry. From tote bags to pouches, this label’s minimalist designs are a timeless addition to any outfit.
Ocray44
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This Melbourne-based label is already well known for its hand-bleached caps, each of which is designed and created by founder Zoe Crow. If you’re a fan of her ever-popular flower-laden hats, the label’s tote bags, adorned with the same floral design, should be up your alley. Currently, the totes come in navy, purple, brown and blue.
Status Anxiety
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After a premium leather handbag? Status Anxiety has you covered. The Sydney-based label ethically sources its leather from by-products of the food industry rather than endangered animals, to create beautiful and durable pieces that last a lifetime. The label is super transparent about its manufacturing processes and has goals set in place to become more sustainable, and it’s working towards becoming 90 per cent plastic-free by the end of this year. You can shop its classic bags online or in stores in Melbourne, Sydney and Byron Bay.
Sans Beast
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Sans Beast takes a firm stance against traditional leather handbags and opts for plant-based materials instead, including the use of recycled polyurethane and cactus materials among other durable fabrics. The label’s number one focus is “to challenge the fashion paradigm that animals are essential for the design process”. It certainly proves its point – its range of vegan leather goods is a favourite among the fashion set in Australia, and its bold branded strap is regularly seen slung over the shoulders of some very well-dressed individuals.
Respiro
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If you’re looking to spice up your bag collection with something a little more avant-garde, Respiro’s range should do the trick. Available in a variety of styles – think intricately beaded numbers, sculpturally shaped hand-poured resin and shiny satin linings – these bags could be likened to pieces found in an art gallery.
Poppy Lissiman
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An Australian cult classic, Poppy Lissiman’s cruelty-free, vegan bags are made of high-quality faux leather and come in a wide array of vibrant designs. If you’re looking to avoid leather goods, Poppy’s bags provide a brilliantly coloured alternative.
Bobby Universe
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Built on the foundations of slow fashion, Bobby Universe is not only sustainably conscious in its manufacturing practice, but also supports mental health advocacy through its Be You campaign. This Australian label’s social responsibility campaign ensures that through every purchase made, proceeds are donated to mental health charities like Beyond Blue.
A_C Official
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Designed “with the earth in mind”, A_C Official offers a broad selection of leather-style bags made from a variety of plant-based, organic and recycled textiles, manufactured under the principles of a circular economy. To achieve this, A_C Official takes care of the afterlife of your product by offering handbag repairs as well as a buy back programme.
Rylan Studio
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The unwavering elegance of Mosman-based Rylan Studio makes its bags a classic addition to your capsule wardrobe. Crafted from luxurious smooth Northern Italian calf leather, the timeless satchel style features a signature brass buckle and long adjustable strap, easily taking this piece from day to night. Or invest in a grained Italian cow leather mini tote, effortlessly fusing practicality with style.
A-Esque
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Founder and director of A-Esque, Amanda Briskin-Rettig (also the founder of Mimco), values high-quality products made using artisan skills without compromising on style or function, and it shows. Each investment bag is handmade by the Richmond-based atelier and is crafted to last a lifetime. A-Esque’s luxury, sustainably sourced leather handbags range from mini bar bags through to large practical tote bags, with something to suit every wardrobe.
Perks And Mini (P.A.M.)
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Established in Melbourne, Perks And Mini is a frontrunner for cutting-edge streetwear and lifestyle fashion. The brand offers spaciously designed graphic tote bags, perfect for the shopper looking for a “refined yet unpretentious bag”.
Florist
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If you’re a designer devotee looking to spice up your collection, Florist has you sorted. The Melbourne-born, New York-based label puts a spin on conventional designer silhouettes with its eye-catching, psychedelic embroidery. Each Florist item is handmade and opts for the highest quality materials to ensure longevity in both the brutal New York winter or the heat of the Australian summer. You can shop the unisex bags online.
By Far
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Designed in Australia and handmade in Bulgaria, By Far is intended for the ‘cool city girl’ who is nostalgic for ’90s fashion. The label is like wandering through a candy store, with a bag available in almost every colour one could desire. By Far offers an ongoing evolution of fashion staples and promises responsibly sourced leather and other materials.
Mimmi Terra
Inspired by the raw Australian landscape, Mimmi Terra creates conscious carry-all bags from recycled plastic bottles, lids and jars. The label’s minimalistic bags are made with the goal to reduce demand for the creation of new materials and minimise future pollution A nod to the traditional wicker basket style, Mimmi Terra’s totes are chic and timeless.
Into Carry
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Handmade in Collingwood, Into Carry bags are crafted using waste materials in an effort to create circular product systems. Into Carry carefully considers its designs with functionality, versatility and comfort in mind. And as the brand’s website says, “The most sustainable product is the one you don’t buy”. Preserve the life of your Into Carry with free lifetime repairs.
Liburan
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Adopting the best of both the Melbourne and Indonesian fashion landscapes, Liburan creates bags built for versatility and style. The brand offers accessories made for holidaying, like tote bags, caps and film cameras. The checkered totes are a Liburan signature, available in colourways like lime green and pink, lavender and yellow and black and white.
Sllo
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Designed consciously in Melbourne, Sllo is committed to sustainable and ethical practices. Although the brand currently only offers two bags, the Remi Bag is said to be “the sustainable bag of your dreams”, according to the brand. Its design is modelled off of the conventional shoulder purse and made entirely from recycled PU and PET.
LMS
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Founded by designer Lisa Many Seskin out of Bondi Beach, LMS is the product of her decade of experience in the fashion industry. Originally launching with a collection of statement footwear, the brand recently expanded into ’90s-inspired handbags. Named after pop icons like Mariah Carey and J.Lo, the colourful arm candy is designed to stand out.
The Horse
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Established in 2009, The Horse was created as a leather goods label by friends Scott and Gabrielle. Over twelve years later, the brand is known for its curated, elegant collection of lifestyle leather goods for both women and men. The selection of totes, backpacks and slimline shoulder bags in neutral leather shades (think light tan, chocolate and olive green) are ideal if you’re looking to invest in a piece for work or travel.
Vestirsi
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Designed in Melbourne and made in Italy, Vestirsi bags were made to fill the ‘middle ground’ between fast fashion and high-end luxury price points. Offering styles ranging from laptop bags to wallets and pouches, Vestirsi’s Italian leather collection has the ideal size for everyone. You can also shop according to price range, which helps with budget-friendly browsing.
Dylan Kain
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You’ve probably seen Dylan Kain’s signature plus-style logo studded on the handbags of local fashion influencers. Started by two sisters working between Melbourne and New York, the Dylan Kain handbags fuse a relaxed Australian aesthetic with elegant, seasonless design. Released in small-batch production runs and crafted in Italian leather, Dylan Kain bags are made to slip seamlessly into your wardrobe.
Maison de Sabré
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A well-made leather handbag is a closet staple. Maison de Sabré uses only full-grain bovine leather sourced from North America and hand-finished in Australia. The understated boxy design allows for the bags’ superior craftsmanship to shine. Plus, the label makes matching slips for AirPods, laptops and phones.
Suku Home
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Suku Home’s bags’ splashy patterns are bright yet organic, and each one is unique as a result of the label’s elaborate hand dying and sewing process which is done at its Balinese studio. Even though its selection of bags is limited, its wider collection is not – Suku’s offerings range from homewares to apparel.
Oroton
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Looking for a touch of luxury? Oroton originally was founded in Sydney in 1938 as an importer of high-quality European textiles. After making the jump into design, it quickly became an Australian classic. Its new designs, such as its baguette bags, are fresh while maintaining the brand’s reputation for elegance.
Peta + Jain
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For a wide array of snappy vegan bags that won’t break the bank, Peta + Jain is the go-to. The label was created in 2017 by Jane Da Silva and Peta Wessel who sought to create a versatile handbag label with options that reflected all sides of their personalities.
Quiet Ander
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Melbourne label Quiet Ander is known for making understated staples, and its bag offering is no different. With two styles to choose from, the roomy crossbody Life Bag and the brown suede Market Bag, these are bags made to be worn on repeat.
Flora
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Flora’s tagline is ‘small bags with big energy’, and the Melbourne label certainly makes good on that promise. We’ve currently got our eyes on the brown shearling Cosmos Bag and the Dahlia Bag in zebra print.
Our editorial decisions are made with our readers (you!) in mind and we hope you enjoy the products that we wholeheartedly recommend. Fashion Journal may sometimes receive a commission or similar from third party links placed.
For more sustainable bag labels, head here.
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