We love looking out for the Next Big Thing, and while that often means anticipating what our favorite luxury brands will release next, that’s not the full story. We follow along with as many contemporary brands as possible as well, and because brand recognition is less important to consumers in the three-figure price range than it is when a couple extra digits come into play, the market is full of promising smaller brands that are worth investigating. That’s where we come in.
As we do periodically, we’ve surveyed our favorite online retailers to see which brands they’ve added that stand out the most to us. That includes several from Shopbop, and if you see something you like, we’d be remiss not to mention the site is having a sale right now: code MAINEVENT16 will get you 25% off purchases up to $500 and 30% off purchases over $500 through October 14!
With that in mind, check out all things new and buzz-worthy below!
Céline Lefebure
Shop via Bloomingdale’s
French designer Lefebure founded her first accessories brand in 2008, but her eponymous label came along circa 2014. All the bags are designed in France and made in Italy, which is a tremendous value for their solidly contemporary price tags.
Céline Lefebure Alice Hobo
$730 via Bloomingdale’s
Céline Lefebure Emma Saddle Bag
$475 via Bloomingdale’s
Céline Lefebure Karin Bucket Bag
$595 via Bloomingdale’s
Danielle Foster
Shop via Shopbop
Danielle graduated from the London College of Fashion in 2012 and launched her eponymous handbag line the same year. Her line focuses on simple, minimal pieces with a signature raw edge.
Danielle Foster Charlie Shoulder Bag
$492 via Shopbop
Danielle Foster Kai Tote
$705 via Shopbop
Danielle Foster Kit Hobo
$629 via Shopbop
Frances Valentine
Shop Frances Valentine via Bloomingdale’s
Frances Valentine’s designer knows a thing or two about designing popular bags–she’s the Kate behind the original Kate Spade, although she’s changed her surname to Valentine for her new venture.
Frances Valentine Ellen Hobo
$645 via Bloomingdale’s
Frances Valentine Small Ann Backpack
$425 via Bloomingdale’s
Frances Valentine Small June Hobo
$595 via Bloomingdale’s
Grace Atelier de Luxe
Shop via Bloomingdale’s
Shop via Shopbop
Grace Atelier de Luxe’s designer, who goes by Grace K, is a Greek-born engineer of Egyptian and Italian heritage. She moved to London to study fashion design, and after returning home to London, she opened a workshop where she created everything from accessories to bridal gowns. In 2014, she opened Grace Atelier de Luxe, which focuses on leather goods. This season’s collection looks a little too close to Altuzarra’s bags for me, but the brand does good work in general.
Grace Atelier de Luxe Bohbo Hobo
$1,195 via Shopbop
Grace Atelier de Luxe Colette Shoulder Bag
$1,095 via Bloomingdale’s
Grace Atelier de Luxe Gamine Shoulder Bag
$515 via Shopbop
Salar
Shop Salar Bags via Shopbop
This Milan-based label was founded by two young Italian designers in 2010, and its designs are characterized by a punchy use of studs and mixed materials and textures.
Salar Bonnie Bag
$385 via Shopbop
Salar Eva Crossbody Bag
$445 via Shopbop
Salar Mimi Mini Chain Bag
$445 via Shopbop
love the Salar bags
I love the Céline Lefebure Karin Bucket Bag… what a perfect bucket bag and the blue looks amazing!
Oh Em Gee, freshness galore! Love these new styles and designers. Now it’s just a matter of which one to choose.
You need to check Manu atelier! they have very clean and genuine styles. Really love them xxx
The mini bag with the chain-fringe detailing is utterly adorable. If only it came with a removable belt attachment so that one could wear it as a punk-rock fanny pack (absolutely none of those last four words go together!).
I love this post, I love finding designers that make quality bags at better prices than the luxury brands. I am getting tired of luxury houses increasing their prices every year (or more often) without improving the product. Keep these posts coming!!