When it comes to elevating my modern minimal style, I tend to rely on the accessory I’m holding in my hand or around my shoulder to do the work — my handbag.

And what I’ve come to realize after a few years of being a fashion blogger while working to perfect my edit is that in order to have great style, one does not have to own a Gucci Marmont or the LV Neverfull. In fact, one does not have to spend thousands of dollars or even one at that. Rather, adding handbags to your collection of high quality, versatile styling and unique designs that reflect your personality are key.

So today I wanted to share a list of my favorite elevated handbag designers across emerging and advanced designer that are not only mostly all female founded and extremely cool, but are brands to know and explore throughout 2019 in the case you’re seeking a new, approachable, beautiful bag to add to your collection.

Handbag Brands to Know in 2019

Clare V.

$200 – $500 // LA Based // French Inspired // Female Founded // Since 2008

While working as a journalist for French TV, Claire Vivier noticed a lack of stylish laptop cases which led her to design a collection of playful leather handbags, tech pouches, and the highly covetable clutches under the Clare V. name. Her handbags focus on classic shapes combining a mix of Parisian influence and everyday functionality.

FAVE STYLES

Cult Gaia

$100 – $600 // LA Based // Architecturally Inspired // Female Founded // Since 2012

Cult Gaia achieved runaway success after its architectural bamboo Ark bag became a fashion blogger phenomenon. Founder Jasmin Larian now has an array of unique handbags that come in a rainbow of acrylic colors in addition to the natural version that started it all. She also now has ready-to-wear and even more accessories.

FAVE STYLES

Danse Lente

$400 – $600 // London Based // French Inspired // Female Founded // Since 2016

Inspired by the sculptures of Brancusi and Picasso, designer Youngwon Kim uses the finest leather to craft her geometric handbags. Clean lines, angular shapes and distinctive hardware and colorways make Danse Lente, which means “Slow Dance” in French, a true work of modern art.

FAVE STYLES

KARA

$300 – $550 // NYC Based // Japanese Inspired // Female Founded // Since 2013

The KARA brand was created with a focus on personal interpretation and self-expression — derived from the Japanese word “Karaoke” which means “empty orchestra”. In the collection you’ll find roomy work totes, easy cross bodies, and the favorite KARA Classic Backpacks all made of sleek, clean lines.

FAVE STYLES

Kozha Numbers

$200 – $500 // Portland Based // Big Sur and Numbers Inspired // Female Co-Founded // Since 2015

Best buds in accounting Ilona Gerasimov and Lena Vasilenko created KOZHA NUMBERS through their admiration of art and architecture. Focused on the traditional methods of handcrafting, each design is created with a strict attention to detail to make functional, quality and practical pieces.

FAVE STYLES

OAD New York

$300 – $500 // NYC Based // Korean Inspired // Female Founded // Since 2015

Designer Sydney Suh-Lee took the skills she gathered from working at Calvin Klein and Kate Spade New York and set out to create accessories with minimalist form and function. Her collection inspired by geometric shapes rendered in a bold array of colors includes redefined and versatile leather bags for work, weekend and everyday.

FAVE STYLES

Mansur Gavriel

$400 – $1000 // NYC Based // Italian Inspired // Female Co-Founded // Since 2012

Rachel Mansur and Floriana Gavriel created a brand that represents high quality products with a great attention to material, color and detail. They pull inspiration from “the contrast of warm, natural textures and the clear, clean intensity of pop colors”. First popular for the signature leather bucket bag with contrast lining, the collection now carries a variety of shapes and sizes.

FAVE STYLES

Sancia

$200 – $500 // Australian Based // Globally Inspired // Since 2013

SANCIA hit the scene with a collection of chic artisanal handbags using high-quality leathers and etched hardware. Each polished bag across cross bodies to mini coin purses incorporates traditional small-batch craftsmanship and sleek modern silhouettes that hold a boho-minimalist aesthetic.

FAVE STYLES

Senreve

$400 – $1000 // SF Based // Italian Inspired // Female Co-Founded // Since 2016

Luxury handbags dreamed and designed in New York City for the multi-faceted modern woman that marries art and science, beauty and versatility — the girl that does it all. Senreve is derived from the french words “Sense” and “Dream” and seeks to be a brand that is versatile, beautiful and feminine.

FAVE STYLES

Staud

$200 – $400 // LA Based // Vintage and Street Inspired // Female Co-Founded // Since 2015

Created on a commitment to producing innovative, accessible and timeless accessories for contemporary women, STAUD represents all things cool-girl, zero-nonsense and extreme style. Each piece is meant to elevate and enhance as the perfect pairing for your sneakers or evening heel in the most versatile way.

FAVE STYLES

Strathberry

$300 – $800 // Scotland Based // Spanish Inspired // Female Co-Founded // Since 2013

Strathberry is an Edinburgh based luxury label that produces leather goods handcrafted by the finest artisans, using high quality materials. The products are defined by clean lines, architectural simplicity and the signature bar closure, while exuding understated styling and iconic feminine elegance.

FAVE STYLES

Trademark

$300 – $600 // NYC Based // Fashion Inspired // Female Co-Founded // Since 2014

Designed by Tory Burch’s stepdaughters Pookie and Louisa Burch, Trademark accessories are meant to be just that — the trademark pieces in a confident, colorful and distinctive woman’s closet. The label delivers on its mission with unapologetic and fearless staples like woven leather bucket bags and suede cross bodies which can effortlessly be worked into any type of outfit.

FAVE STYLES

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Share with me your thoughts on this list below — and let me know your favorites!

To elevated, high-quality and affordable styling —

// cb ✌????