Meet Monlisse, the Australian brand making a case for romantic, minimalist accessories

“At Monlisse, we believe a bag becomes timeless when it holds meaning.”

In the season of more-is-more charms, chunky hardware and Y2K nostalgia, something about a minimalist leather handbag feels refreshing. Trends ebb and flow, but elegance always endures – and lately, there’s been a subtle yet unmistakable shift toward refined accessories that slip seamlessly into the rhythms of everyday life.

Founded by Sydney-based designer Karessa Lau, Monlisse is a local brand passionate about handbags that empower the wearer. With a focus on timeless design and meticulous craftsmanship, Karessa and her team creates leather bags, card holders and structured clutches shaped by the raw beauty of the Australian landscape. 

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Each piece pays homage to the “softness and quiet strength” of our flora and fauna, taking cues from the dreamy colour palettes and fluid textures found in nature. Monlisse’s romantic, intentional pieces are designed to inspire feelings of freedom and self-love, with Karessa’s goal to help customers find a stronger sense of personal identity.

Below, Karessa reflects on her design philosophy – and how Monlisse has carved out its own space in the world of slow, considered luxury, creating artisanal pieces made to be worn time and time again.

What inspired you to start Monlisse, and how did your background lead you into designing handbags?

Monlisse is a luxury leather design studio born from a desire to shape moments that last a lifetime, using artisanal craftsmanship to turn everyday gestures into symbols of romance and inspiration. I’ve always believed design is more than appearance; it’s about how something makes you feel. I’ve always been drawn to how craftsmanship can translate feeling into something lasting – that’s the reason I founded Monlisse. I wanted to shape objects that carry meaning. Not just accessories, but memories in motion.

How would you describe the Monlisse aesthetic?

Monlisse is where romance meets quiet strength. Every Monlisse creation embodies a delicate balance: a Bauhaus-inspired structural rigidity paired with flowing, curvaceous forms on the exterior. Think of the Australian coastal culture, with its water and sandstone… our handbags, in particular, exemplify this duality, seamlessly fusing architectural structure with effortless elegance.

Who do you design for?

Each piece is imagined for the woman who values stillness as much as movement, who embodies freedom, self-love and inspiration. She is discerning, graceful and self-aware, someone who chooses what feels true rather than what is loud. For her, a handbag is not a symbol of status but an extension of rhythm, a quiet gesture of romance that shapes the moment, wherever she goes.

Can you tell us about your design process and the role craftsmanship plays in bringing your bags to life?

Every Monlisse design begins with a story. Inspired by Australia’s light, water and architectural lines, we blend structure with softness, form with feeling. From selecting premium, ethically sourced leather to cutting, stitching, and edge-polishing, every step is done with precision and care. Our signature palladium hardware completes the piece

Monlisse embraces a zero-waste philosophy. What does that look like in practice?

For us, sustainability isn’t a label, it’s a mindset… We create in small batches, using every piece of material purposefully to ensure lasting quality and durability. Our premium leathers come from renowned European tanneries that meet strict environmental standards, and our hardware is designed for longevity, not trend, ensuring each piece endures in both form and spirit.

Do you have a favourite piece you’ve designed?

I’d have to say the La Flora. It’s really special to me because it was one of the first designs that captured what Monlisse is about: romance, softness and quiet strength. The shape was inspired by the evening primrose, a flower that blooms at dusk, and the Moonlit Lilac tone came from Sydney’s jacaranda season, when the whole city turns this dreamy shade of violet.

What’s next for you?

We’re always evolving, exploring new colours, new shapes and new collaborations inspired by Australia’s changing landscapes. But at the heart of it, Monlisse will always be about emotion and craftsmanship, creating pieces that feel personal… [and] move with you through life… That’s what ‘Shape the Moment’ means to us: creating something timeless that becomes part of your story.

To explore the Monlisse collection, head here.