6 New Handbag Brands You Need to Know

Courtesy of Cesta Collective
Courtesy of Cesta Collective

As we revamp our wardrobes for the Summer season, no update is easier than adding a new handbag to the mix. While we're well-versed in all our old favorites, large and small, there are some newcomers that deserve our full attention as well. Ranging from woven totes to acrylic box bags; making use of sustainable materials and local artisans; for morning, noon, and night, this Summer brings with it six handbag designers in particular that I can't stop thinking about.

Whether your style is modern, retro, futuristic, or bohemian, there's something in this mix for every style perspective. I personally have my eye on everything from Montunas's silk scarf strapped shoulder bags to Little Liffner's oversize beach totes; Wandler's structured day bags and Cesta Collective's woven bucket bags alike. All that and more, ahead.

01
Montunas

Montunas

Montunas was created by Costa Rican model Elke Ruge and her two daughters. Inspired by their home country, the acrylics, printed silk, and rich, neutral leathers all conjure up images of Costa Rica.

06
Cesta Collective

Cesta Collective

Cesta was started by former fashion editor Courtney Weinblatt Fasciano and creative director Erin Ryder who set out to create a line of handbags that not only was sustainable but also made a social impact. Beginning with the basket bag, they employ artisans in Rwanda and locally sourced renewable resources to craft each and every product.

11
Little Liffner

Little Liffner

While Little Liffner has been around since 2012, the brand itself claims that they have been "quietly building a loyal following" instead of jumping in too deep, too soon. Over the past few seasons, they've really begun to gain momentum with their colorful structured mini bags, taking over Instagram and street style alike.

16
Wandler

Wandler

An Instagram favorite, Wandler was founded by Elza Wandler in 2017. If you're looking for something that really pops, this Dutch designer's army of handbags are going to do just the trick with their unique structured shapes and head-turning colors.

21
Gu_de

Gu_de

Launched in 2016, Gu_de is inspired by the decade of the 1970s, both by way of materials, shapes, and tones. With interesting structured shapes in tones not only of ivory and black, but also brick red, seafoam green, deep teal, and more, they're statement pieces, to be sure.

26
Alfeya Valrina

Alfeya Valrina

Alfeya Valrina's namesake label was founded upon her recent graduation from the Fashion Institute of Technology in 2018. She is based in Jakarta and all of her bags are handmade there. In true sustainable fashion, the label uses only locally-sourced materials, committing to a zero-waste production line.