Discover chic French handbags under €400 that you won’t see on everyone else …
Do you sometimes feel like every second person in the street is wearing the same handbag brands on rotation? What should be a treat, a really special item, becomes lessened when so many people are wearing the same style.
I’m a stylist from Paris, based in Dublin and I have worked in the fashion industry in London and Paris at brands like Diane Von Furstenberg, Vivienne Westwood and Barbara Bui. My approach to fashion has a sustainable focus with an emphasis on shopping in a more mindful way, saving you time and money in the process. Through my personal styling services, I aim to help you ensure that picking clothes in your wardrobe brings you joy every single day. Where better to start than with handbags?
I’ve pulled together some new French brands that make high quality, unique handbags and deliver to Ireland. This is a great way to lift your outfit – we all know that the right handbag will really stand out with its quality and design, and it doesn’t have to cost the earth. All these brands offer real craftmanship, quality and a unique appearance – and their best styles are all under €400. Keep scrolling to discover the French handbag brands to add to your wish list now …
LEO & VIOLETTE – www.leoetviolette.com
Leo et Violette has a lovely story, the brand was started by couple Leo and Violette who design the bags together. The leather is butter soft and wears so well, the shine on it really lasts and the shape remains sturdy even after many wears. Conscious and sustainable manufacturing has been at the heart of their approach from day one; they have a short, traceable supply chain and all their leather is sourced from the food industry in Spain, France and Italy and manufactured in Italy and Spain in workshops that have exceptional know how. Their latest bag is the Gina, pictured above, with a look reminiscent of the 90s, it is a shoulder bag which can also be worn crossbody. We love this chic camel shade; Gina in camel, €380.
The bucket bag is a classic and it comes with a handy little pouch for your keys and credit card; Le Petit Violette in black, €340.
POLENE – www.polene-paris.com
Polene is one of those cool new Parisian brands from the 2nd arrondissement, its store is just around the corner from Sézane’s concept Apartment. The grainy leather on their handbags is so soft and has a very luxurious feel that you would normally only get from a much pricier brand. This is mainly due to the fact that the design of the brand is centred around the fold – there is a real focus on the folding of the leather which is evident in the design of the bags and sets them apart and makes them look more expensive than they are. They have many iconic bags, but the folds on the numero neuf style, pictured above, make it a very special item – it is more spacious than you might think and a great bag to bring with you day to day or on a weekend or holiday away; Numero neuf in cognac, €350.
Numero douze is a huge tote that will see you through the day when you need to leave the house with the kitchen sink. It is very elegant and will hold your spare pair of shoes, beauty bag and laptop. It also comes with a small pouch for convenience; Numero douze in taupe, €330.
EPHYRE – www.ephyre.fr
Ephyre was launched in 2015, the founder was inspired by her grandfather, who was an engraver, and the know how and taste she inherited from him. The most unique element of Ephyre’s bags is the delicate fine gold piercing ornament that you can find on each style. The graphic lines of these compelling, functional bags makes them beautiful objects of desire. The Leon, for example, can be purchased with either a gold or leather chain which can then be swapped out, giving it a totally different look and making it a very versatile piece for your wardrobe; Leon Bambou in Wine, €395.
The Claude backpack is a fabulous answer to the Y2K trend and a fun piece to own, it is more delicate than many other backpack offerings on the market, making it a very appealing bag; Claude backpack in gingham, €240.
ARCHIPEL PARIS – www.archipel-paris.com
Archipel Paris offers a minimalist look that comes in fun colours and sleek, modern design. The first prototype was created out of a folded up sheet of leather and a handle, all their bags are seamless and are handmade in their Paris atelier, the quality is really high and they are crafted by expert artisans. The Petit bag is a small crossbody, it is fun in the green shade and can be a great pop of colour with a simple outfit; Le petit in green, €285.
The Panier is a brilliantly versatile handbag with a top handle and a long shoulder strap, it is large enough to wear all day and will hold all your essentials; Le Panier in camel, €325.
CAMILLE VOST – www.camillevost.com
Founder Camille Vost states that she designs for women and it is obvious when you look at her bags and how easily they will slot in to your life. After a stint designing for The Row and Diane Von Furstenberg in New York, she moved back to Paris to launch her eponymous brand. Using the best Italian leather, working closely with the tanneries to use full grain, buttery leather, the bags are made with evident artisanal expertise in Portugal. The Sofia is ideal for day or night, its double strap makes it very practical. This would also be a perfect bag for cycling, wear it crossbody and tucked around your back until you reach your destination; Sofia in greige, €385.
Mini Tino is a beautiful bag for an event with its elegant the gold chain; Mini Tino goldchain in Khaki, €355.
Marie offers several services such as wardrobe detox and styling, personal shopping and has an upcoming Autumn Masterclass which will be live online on September 15 and 29 and will be available on replay. For more information visit www.mariestylestudio.com and follow Marie on Instagram @mariestylestudio.
