More than just an accessory, a handbag is part and parcel of a woman’s everyday getup.
Model and designer, Stella Maxwell, once said, “A perfect handbag is both functional and stylish. Of course, you want to look cool, but you also want a bag that is going to work with you, not against you.”
For Australians, finding the perfect handbag that marries form and function shouldn’t be too hard. There’s a handful of Australian-made designer labels that get praises from the world over, from Meghan Markle’s favourite Oroton, to Respiro Studio, whose unique resin bags have been spotted on models and influencers alike.
It’s easy to get lost in the fray when hunting for the best designer bags Australia has to offer – there are just so many to choose from!
To make it simple, we have rounded up the best Australian handbag brands for you to shop. Read on to find a bag suited to your budget and carry-bag needs.
The best Australian handbag brands to shop 2024
Louenhide
Price range: $60 to $150
Female-founded fashion and accessory brand Louenhide is committed to empowering the modern woman with a bag that is as stylish as it is functional. Honing in on accessible elegance, founders Lou and Heidi offer every women to celebrate their distinctive style without breaking the bank.
Our top picks:
Bombay Shoulder Bag in Black, $89.95
Daisy Crossbody Bag in Tan, $89.95
Nevada Tote Bag in Black Ezra, $109.95
The Horse
Price range: $179 to $329.95
The Australian leather lifestyle brand is the brainchild of husband and wife duo Scott and Amy Hawkes, who run their business from a small studio in Sydney. The brand is already pretty well known for its watches, but their bags deserve attention as well.
The deceptively simple crossbody bags can give Gucci a run for its money, while its backpack in blush is just the right blend of rugged and feminine. With personalisation available, there is something for everyone at The Horse.
Our top picks:
The Friday Bag in Forest Green, $179.95
The Florence Tote in Tan, $329.95
Dylan Crossbody Bag in Oat, $229,95
Oroton
Price range: $249 to $700
This brand almost faded into obscurity amongst the new breed of handbags that cropped up in recent years. That is until a certain Duchess of Sussex was spotted wearing the brand. With Sophie Holt at the reins though, the brand is skewing towards a minimal aesthetic of classic shapes made with only the best materials.
Our top picks:
Colt Small Baguette Bag in Brandy, $449
Florence Small Shoulder Bag in North Sea, $339
SHOP NOW at OROTON or THE ICONIC
Status Anxiety
Price range: $80 to $379
“Damn fine leather goods, for a life lived simply,” boasts Status Anxiety’s website, and we couldn’t agree more. Conceived by Will Sked and Scott Hawkes, the brand produces simple and sleek bags that are as uncomplicated as they are beautifully crafted.
At Status Anxiety, you can find everything, from a simple everyday tote to an elegant evening clutch. Consider the brand a one-stop shop for great leather bags.
Our top picks:
Solus Crossbody Bag in Green, $169.95
Look Both Ways Crossbody Bag in Tan, $219.95
Last Mountains Double Handle Satchel Bag in Black, $299.95
SHOP NOW at THE ICONIC or MYER
Mimco
Price range: $99 to $899
If you’re looking for a bag that’ll stand out as the statement piece of your outfit, look no further than Mimco. Its branding is “creative, collaborative, fun and (slightly) unconventional.” From puffy pastel crossbody bags to crescent-shaped clutches, you’ll find one to match your day or evening look in a heartbeat.
Betsy Shoulder Bag in Caramel, $149 (usually $249.95)
Casa Shoulder Bag in Caramel, $449.95
Orbit Tote Bag in Black Gunmetal, $499.95
SHOP NOW at MIMCO or THE ICONIC
The Wolf Gang
Price range: $189 to $369
Brightly coloured to make a statement, from baguette-style shoulder bags to bold clutches, The Wolf Gang makes bags for the fashion-forward.
Our top picks:
Berber Tote in Elephant, $199 (usually $349)
Blanca Wave Bag in Ivory, $229
Sans Beast
Price range: $69 to $369
Vegans rejoice! Though choices are limited, there are “leather” handbags in Australia that aren’t made with cowhide. Sans Beast is one of them. The luxe vegan leather label was put up by ex-Mimco designer Cathryn Wills.
Just as its website states, Sans Beast creates bags that are “collectible, functional, affordable, and designed with love.”
Our top picks:
Reader Satchel in Olive, $159 (usually $229)
Nomad Tote Bag in Cinnamon, $169 (usually $249)
Bandolier Crossbody Bag in Noir, $179
Brie Leon
Price range: $99 to $259
With its cult-status mini Camille bag being donned by it-girls everywhere this season, Australian label Brie Leon creates accessories that are made to be treasured. With its studio located in Sydney, this female-owned and run business puts sustainability at the forefront of its design ethic – all Brie Leon bags are vegan and made from materials that are ethically sourced.
Our top picks:
Mini Camille Bag in Black Brushed Croc, $159
Check Straw Bag Large in Black/ Walnut, $189
The Everyday Croissant Shoulder Bag in Black, $249
SHOP NOW at THE ICONIC or DAVID JONES
Dylan Kain
Price range: $110 to $620
Female-founded Australian label, Dylan Kain creates gorgeous handbags and accessories whilst working to reduce our impact on mother earth. Collections are made in small-batch production runs with pre-orders being the core of its manufacturing process so they make only what’s needed (and nothing more). From fashion-forward shoulder bags to versatile yet on-trend crossbodies, Dylan Kain is a *must* for your designer handbag collection.
Our top picks:
The Gisele Crossbody Bag, $480
SHOP NOW at THE ICONIC or DAVID JONES
Lead photo: Sans Beast
