I’m extremely picky when it comes to handbags. I have two designer bags I wear on rotation – a Louis Vuitton Noé Bucket bag and a Mulberry Fosse bag (both bought pre-loved) – and have little desire to acquire any more. That’s why I was naturally sceptical when DeMellier sent me the leopard-print iteration of their classic New York bag. How could this usurp or even compare to my long-trusted designer handbags? Of course, after taking it on a test drive or two, I’ve become something of a DeMellier stan, with a newfound dedication to the New York design in particular.
I shouldn’t have been surprised by my adoration; the ethically and sustainably-made, mid-price brand is beloved by much more discerning women than me. Namely, internationally acknowledged well-dressed women such as Catherine, Princess of Wales; Meghan, Duchess of Sussex; Reese Witherspoon; Katie Holmes; and Kristen Bell.
But what is it about the New York bag that really gets me going? Firstly, I like that it looks like a delicious dumpling; there is something deeply satisfying about your accessory looking yummy. Next up, it fits my work laptop and has a strap long enough to go over my shoulder; I am seriously prone to overfilling my bags, and there’s nothing more annoying to me than top handles that have to be held by hand. Lastly, my bag is fabricated in an extraordinarily chic calf-hair, leopard print – marrying my minimalist and maximalist sartorial drives perfectly.
©Daisy Murray
Oh, I lied; that isn’t the last thing I love about the bag. It’s actually that it’s currently discounted at a delightful 20% off on the brand’s Black Friday Sale with the code ‘BF20’.
Shop: DeMellier’s New York Bag At 20% Off
I’m leaning into the print of the season with this expensive-looking, laptop-ready work bag.
While the New York bag comes in various sizes and fabrics, there are also plenty of other styles available on DeMellier’s site – the Miami particularly piques my interest – and I’ve created a mini edit below.
Shop: My Favourite DeMellier Bags
DeMellier This DeMellier classic bag is an incredibly versatile accessory, and would pair well with any stylish outerwear staple you own, especially longline wool coats.
The Midi Miami is ideal for your no-doubt stacked social calendar this Christmas period.
If you’re ready to upgrade your weekend bag then look no further than this suede beauty. So chic.
Daisy Murray is Grazia’s Fashion Commerce Editor. Previously ELLE UK’s Fashion Site Editor, Daisy has interviewed fashion icons such as Sarah Jessica Parker, profiled designers like Cecilie Bahnsen, and written features on vintage shopping and hypey trends alike. Find her on Instagram and TikTok here.