It’s been an exciting time in fashion recently as a new icon was brought to the fore—the Margaux bag. Created by renowned minimalist brand The Row, the bag embodies the designer’s aesthetic of logoless designs that focus on quality and construction over all else. The Margaux excels in timelessness, and with an understated silhouette, refined lines and a range of sizes and colourways, the bag is a clear example of pure luxury that The Row has become known for.
Naturally, as soon as it was first showcased, the bag deemed to be “the new Birkin” flew, and soon became harder to track down than its decades-old predecessor. Without the bold branding of other designer styles, the bag tends to feature on the arms of those in the know, as well as the Pinterest boards of many. But for the pricing which can range from £3700 to over £8000, along with quickly moving stock levels, this tote can be particularly elusive.
Amy carries the Ferragamo Hug bag (£2,295)
Thankfully, I’m an expert in all things handbags. Looking for a sculptural piece for your next wedding abroad? I’ve got you. Need a new work tote? Easy. So finding bags that embody the feeling of a Margaux in refinement and craft, but can stand on their own for impeccable design is all in a day’s work for this editor. And truthfully, quite an enjoyable one.
Marina carries the Bottega Veneta Mini Arco Tote (£2420)
Now, we’re not looking for copies of the Margaux. We’re looking for handbags that exude the same quiet luxury and understated polish that The Row has encompassed. I’m focusing on perennial designs, useful tote shapes, refined construction and ease of wear that brings polish and effortlessness together in harmony. It’s a big ask, but after an extensive search I’ve found 12 handbags the fit this refined mould, and I’ve rounded all of them up for you below.
Keep scrolling to explore the bags that give big Margaux energy, and the bag itself.
SHOP THE ROW MARGAUX BAG
The Row
Soft Margaux 17 Bag in Leather
The 17 is the largest silhouette, ideal for over-packers or those who love an oversized shape.
The Row
Soft Margaux 15 Bag in Leather
With smooth leather, simple buckled sides and the absence of bells and whistles, this will be just as coveted in a decade.
The Row
Soft Margaux 12 Bag in Leather
The smallest size is ideal for everyday, and sure to add instant polish to any ensemble.
The Row
Black Margaux Tote Bag
A more unique Margaux tote that features intricate woven leather.
SHOP JUST THE MARGAUX ALTERNATIVES:
1. The Prada Large Tote
Prada
Large Leather Tote Bag With Buckles
It should come as no surprise that Prada has also perfected the minimalist handbag. Whilst its runway collections may be bold, the accessories continue to channel an understated elegance at all times. Think the Cleo or the Galleria, featuring smooth lines, impeccable leathers and expert construction, and the large leather tote is no exception. With a roomy shape, easy tote handles and simple buckle sides, this is a bag that could easily give the Margaux a run for its money.
2. The Ferragamo Hug
An icon in its own right, the Hug handbag is a recent addition to Ferragamo’s impressive accessories collection. Starting as a footwear brand, Ferragamo has made a name for itself in excellent accessories, and brings an elevated appeal to each piece. The Hug makes for the ideal tote, be it for work or everyday, with a roomy interior and sweet side closures that are both unexpected and understated. With a small brand logo, the construction and quality leather are the most eye-catching details on this bag.
3. The Anya Hindmarch Wilson
Anya Hindmarch
Wilson Textured-Leather Shoulder Bag
Anya Hindmarch may be known for the fantastical, but the Wilson bag proves that the brand is able to whisper as well as it shouts. The outer shell is free of logos allowing the design details to show just how well-made the bag really is. Inside, you’ll find a zipped inner section to keep your valuables close to hand, alongside plenty of room for a laptop, diary and more. Carry in the crook of your arm, or comfortably wear on the shoulder.
4. The Saint Laurent Sac du Jour Duffle
Saint Laurent
Sac Du Jour Duffle in Shiny Leather
With a plethora of bags that feature on every fashion person’s wish list, I naturally had to look to Saint Laurent’s collection, and am so pleased that I did. The Sac du Jour is exactly that, an ideal everyday bag with a no nonsense feel. Find smooth leather, gold accent hardware and two compartments separated by a zipped pocket. The only hint to branding can be found on the Saint Laurent foil logo, as well as the padlock on the zips. Plus, the style comes with a removable longer strap for various ways to wear.
5. The Tom Ford Audrey
Tom Ford
Black Audrey Medium Leather Tote Bag
With a serious attention to detail, bags like the Whitney and Tara have shown that the brand is looking to understated iconography with various styles having their own iconic hardware. Here, the Audrey takes an even more subtle approach, with a simple belted closure and foil branding to complete the roomy totes look.
6. The Métier Market
MÉTIER
Market Weekend Leather Tote
Born in London and handcrafted in Italy, Métier is all about well-made, highly aesthetic leather goods. Spacious without looking bulky, the Market tote is the ideal size for a treasured companion. There’s a particular balance of a structured and slouchy silhouette that both the Margaux and the Weekend have perfected.
7. The Gucci Large Tote
Gucci
Large Tote With Hook Closure
Gucci knows all about an It bag, from the Dionysus to the Marmont, I could keep going. As such, the fashion house has channelled excellence in creating this large tote, with the same closure as the beloved Jackie, moving away from the classic horse-bit for an in-the-know finish. Despite having the instantly recognisable GG Supreme canvas, the brand has let the leather finish take all the attention, with a minimalist design that celebrates the brand’s craftspersonship over iconography.
8. The Khaite Maeve
Khaite
Maeve Medium Leather Tote Bag
Khaite’s aesthetic is all about simple but highly effective styles. Refinement is exactly what the brand strives for, making the emphasis on sleek design and high-quality fabrications even higher. The Maeve bag is a perfect example of this, with a spacious interior, minimalist concept and subtle branding. All making for yet another forever piece from Khaite.
9. The Bottega Veneta Arco
Bottega Veneta
Small Arco Tote Bag
There’s a particular brilliance in Bottega’s pieces that even without logos and branding each piece is instantly identifiable. The intreccio leather is iconic to the brand, and the Arco enlarges the woven detail for an even more understated silhouette. The structured shape brings an extra element of polish whilst the delicate bow sits as the cherry on top of a truly exquisite bag. The bag also comes with a detachable strap and an interior removable pocket.
10. The Victoria Beckham V
Victoria Beckham
V Large Paneled Leather Tote
Bringing practicality and style together is a hard feat, but one that Victoria Beckham makes look easy. The V tote is a classic shape with smooth leather and striking stitch detailing. Look out for clever design details, such as a detachable strap for various ways to wear, as well as a fastening for the zip to create a neat silhouette when closed.
11. The Mulberry Bayswater
The Bayswater has been an iconic bag since its creation and continues to be a highly coveted piece. The timeless design has already proven its ability to stand the test of time, with an understated shape and subtle branding through the Postman’s lock and mulberry bush engraving.
12. The Toteme T-Lock
Toteme
T-Lock Top Handle Black Grain
Last, but far from least, Toteme offers the T-Lock handbag. With an appreciation for long lasting design, Toteme has crafted an enduring silhouette that moulds to the body through the soft grained leather. The subtle T closure nods to the brands identity whilst keeping the craft and design front and centre.
