Soon after moving to Paris, I became familiar with the term Flaneur — a person who likes to potter and observe. I’ve inherited this very apt term as it’s exactly how I like to spend my time. Between work, I spend a significant amount of time playing tourist (if I can still call myself that?) during which, I either stumble upon boutiques or add to my ever-growing footnotes on French fashion, by drawing style references from locals.
There’s no denying the rhetoric that French women appreciate clothing and I can vouch for the fact they adore accessories in equal measure. From Jane Birkin spearheading the basket bag trend to the noughties Baguette bag, and the excellence of Hermès, there are ample examples to demonstrate the significance of handbags in Paris’ fashion history.
Nowadays, you needn’t part with thousands if you are inspired by the handbag aesthetic of French women. Mid-priced luxury retailers have corned the market, producing some of the most sought-after handbag styles across the globe. From the highly coveted shapes of Polène to the lesser-known independent brands nestled in the streets in Le Marais, allow me to introduce you to 12 handbag brands French women wear year-round.
SEE THE BEST FRENCH BAG BRANDS:
1. Polène
You’ll be hard-pressed not to spot the snaking queue around Polène’s Flagship store in Bourse when visiting Paris. Despite living here for a year, I’m still astounded at the dedication of its customer base, some of whom travel cross-country to invest in its directional bags. Beloved for plush designs, high-quality fabrications and entry-level pricing, it’s an attainable luxury worthy of investment.
Shop Polène :
Polène
Cyme – Noir Grainé
2. Tammy and Benjamin
You’ll find the Tammy and Benjamin boutique nestled in Le Marais, home to many French ateliers, consignment stores and independent boutiques. On my first visit in-store I was impressed by the refined and intentional capsule. Each piece speaks to the essence of French style, bearing simple silhouettes with a French lilt. Its bags will surely stand the test of time.
Shop Tammy and Benjamin:
TAMMY & BENJAMIN
Thea – Ivory
TAMMY & BENJAMIN
Emma – Brown
TAMMY & BENJAMIN
Jeanne Baguette – Black
3. RSVP
With modernity at the forefront, RSVP is passionate about the integrity of leather, married with expert practice, functionality and seamless design. Each style features its signature circular hardware which has become recognisable in France.
Shop RSVP Paris:
RSVP
Low Five in Tobacco Suede Calfskin
RSVP
Munchkin in Smooth Burgundy Calfskin
RVSP
Milkman in Grained Taupe Calfskin
Note the textured profile, which adds an additional dimension to this style.
4. Longchamp
Jean Cassegrain pioneered Longchamp’s convertible totes in 1971 and France has never looked back. I spot women wearing Longchamp handbags at least a handful of times per day and the brand has come a long way since its original Le Pliage. Its Roseau bag fast became an Editor favourite.
Shop Longchamp:
Longchamp
Longchamp Le Pliage Original Medium Shoulder Bag
Longchamp
Longchamp Le Pliage Filet Top Handle Net Bag
Longchamp
Longchamp Roseau Leather Shoulder Bag
5. Leo et Violette
Powerhouse couple Léo Dominguez and Violette Polchi founded their eponymous accessories brand Léo et Violette in 2013. Comprising a collection of ethically produced elegant shapes beloved by French women, their arsenal features shapes from the baguette bag to taught leather satchels.
Shop Leo et Violette:
Leo et Violette
Le Laurence
Lovers of neutral tones, look no further than this muted colourway.
6. Sézane
Sézane has become a marker for French retail excellence with high quality and timeless iterations of French wardrobe staples. Now B Corp certified, the brand is leading the way for sustainability on the high street. It boasts a considered collection of apparel and the bags are highly worthy of praise!
Shop Sézane:
Sézane
Claude Vintage Bag
It’s chic, oversized and rain proof!
7. Sandro
Know for its clean lines and take on French minimalism, luxury fashion house Sandro comes highly recommended for its leather goods. This season, the brand offers a playful take on its shoulder bags and a host of burgundy handbags to boot,
Shop Sandro:
Sandro Paris
Leather Bucket Bag Tangoso
Sandro Paris
Leather and Shearling Janet Bag
Sandro Paris
Tote Bag in Certified Leather
8. Rouje
Visionary Jeanne Damas created Rouje in 2016, in a bid to expertly craft the pieces in a French woman’s typical uniform — from croc-effect purses to oxblood bucket bags, there are styles for all to enjoy.
Shop Rouje:
9. Atelier Auguste
Laurent and Xavier Valembert sought to pair their adoration for achitecture with handbag design, resulting in Atelier Auguste’s fine leather goods. The luxury handbag brand produces in Italy, with ethical production at the helm.
Shop Atelier Auguste:
Ateliers Auguste
Marceau Gold Edition
Ateliers Auguste
Mini Monceau Gold Edition
Ateliers Auguste
Alma Gold Edition
You evening handbag, sorted.
10. Elleme
Aptly inspired by the French phrase “Elle aime”, translating to she loves, Elleme handbags are best known for femininity and playful design. One of its most coveted styles is the Baozi Raffia bag.
Shop Elleme:
Elleme
Baozi Raffia Natural/
Elleme
Trousse Intrecciata Leather Dark Brown
Elleme
Mini Boomerang Suede Burgundy
11. Cahu
Shop Cahu:
First conceived in Normandy and inspired a heartwarming story of nostalgia, Cahu’s USP is the creation of patent holdalls crafted from hard-wearing PVC. It’s a slightly more casual brand to have on your roster.
CAHU
Le Pratique Black Doublure Bleue
12. Dragon Diffusion
Jane Birkin’s affinity for basket bags has been a footprint for French handbag trends. Although Dragon diffusion isn’t a French brand, it is well-loved in Paris.
Shop Dragon Diffusion:
DRAGON DIFFUSION
Grace Small Woven Leather Tote
DRAGON DIFFUSION
Japan Woven Leather Tote
DRAGON DIFFUSION
Bali Basket Woven Leather Tote