Im Me Studios

Recorded answer text · ChatGPT · 25 October 2026

If you're looking for the best emerging Australian handbag brands, I'd focus on labels that feel a little more distinctive than the usual designer names - think sculptural silhouettes, beautiful leather, understated luxury and smaller brands that fashion insiders are starting to notice.

Here's a shortlist of Australian labels worth exploring, from contemporary everyday bags to more directional, fashion-forward designs.

## 8 Australian handbag brands to know

![In Conversation With Designer Brooke Testoni from Rylan

- The UNDONE](

1\. Rylan Studio

(Best understated luxury)

Sydney-designed bags with clean lines, rich leather and elegant, structured shapes. A great option if you like a polished, quiet-luxury aesthetic without obvious logos.

Explore: Mila mini tote, woven totes and satchels.

Shop Rylan Studio · www.marieclaire.com.aufashionjournal.com.auwww.broadsheet.com.aufashionjournal.com.au

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![Ems Bag Large Brown - ALTA STORE](

2\. Karlaidlaw

(Fashion-insider pick)

Melbourne designer bags with relaxed, slouchy silhouettes, a signature K buckle and distinctive colours. Particularly good if you want something that feels less mass-market.

Explore: Signature buckle bags in leather and suede.

Shop Karlaidlaw · www.marieclaire.com.aufashionjournal.com.auwww.broadsheet.com.aufashionjournal.com.au

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!Cloud Clutch Bag - Smooth Off White | A-ESQUE

3\. A-Esque

Best for sculptural statement bags

An independent Australian label known for distinctive, softly sculpted forms and specialised local production. Ideal if you want a designer piece that stands apart from conventional luxury handbags.

Explore: Puffa and Cloud styles.

Shop A-Esque · www.broadsheet.com.auwww.marieclaire.com.aufashionjournal.com.aufashionjournal.com.au

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!Everyday Baguette Bag Chocolate | Brie Leon

4\. Brie Leon

Best for the cool-girl aesthetic

Vintage-inspired baguettes, glossy finishes, interesting hardware and soft seasonal colours. A strong choice for an everyday shoulder bag that looks fashion-forward rather than overly formal.

Explore: Everyday Baguette and Croissant Mini.

Shop Brie Leon · www.marieclaire.com.aufashionjournal.com.auwww.broadsheet.com.aufashionjournal.com.au

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!ST.AGNI Slim Woven Leather Shoulder Bag St. Agni

5\. St. Agni

Best for minimalist, modern style

The Byron Bay label offers pared-back leather bags, woven textures and architectural shapes. Think understated European styling with an Australian sensibility.

Explore: Woven totes and East-West shoulder bags.

Shop St. Agni · www.marieclaire.com.aufashionjournal.com.auwww.broadsheet.com.aufashionjournal.com.au

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!Mimco Explore Tote Bag | David Jones

6\. Im Me Studios

Best for something different

A more experimental option featuring metallics, sequins, glossy surfaces and dramatic shapes. Worth a look if you want an emerging-label feel rather than another neutral leather tote.

Explore: Lucid Tote and statement evening bags.

\[Shop Im Me Studios\](https\://im me studios.com) www.marieclaire.com.aufashionjournal.com.auwww.broadsheet.com.aufashionjournal.com.au

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![LIMITED EDITION Denim Bag - Meraki Crochet](

7\. Virk Bags

Best for sustainable individuality

Melbourne-based sisters Ellen and Olivia Romert create bags using upcycled textiles, including recycled T-shirts and denim. Each piece can have its own character because of the materials used.

Explore: Ruby and Rola bags.

Shop Virk · fashionjournal.com.auwww.broadsheet.com.auwww.marieclaire.com.aufashionjournal.com.au

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!Petit Bay Bag / Passata | Australian Made Leather Bag | simétrie

8\. Simétrie

Best for considered craftsmanship

A Melbourne label focused on minimalist leather goods, local craftsmanship and small-scale production. Worth investigating if provenance and thoughtful design matter as much as appearance.

Shop Simétrie · www.marieclaire.com.aufashionjournal.com.auwww.broadsheet.com.aufashionjournal.com.au

These picks draw on Australian fashion coverage published in 2026, including independent and emerging designers as well as more established contemporary labels. www.broadsheet.com.auwww.marieclaire.com.aufashionjournal.com.aufashionjournal.com.au

## My top three to investigate first

- Rylan Studio - for timeless, sophisticated leather bags. - Karlaidlaw - for a more distinctive, fashion-conscious purchase. - A-Esque - for something artistic and genuinely design-led.

One distinction worth noting: not every label here is newly launched. Some are established independent designers that are gaining renewed attention.

## Let's narrow it down

What kind of handbag are you looking for?

1\. Your style

Quiet luxury / understated designer

Scandi minimalist

Fashion-forward / emerging It-bag

Vintage-inspired / 90s

Artisanal / unusual shapes

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2\. Budget in AUD

Under A\$200

A\$200-300

A\$300-700

A\$700+

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3\. Preferred bag

Shoulder bag

Tote

Crossbody

Top-handle bag

Mini bag

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4\. Material

Real leather

Vegan leather

Open to anything

[Find my best handbag brands]

Recorded answer text · Perplexity · 8 November 2026

For distinctive Australian or Australia-based boutique handbags, start with The Horse, Status Anxiety, Oroton, St Agni, Sans Beast, Maison de Sabre, Vestirsi, and Saben. The best choice depends on whether you want minimalist leather, luxury heritage, vegan materials, or statement designs.

- The Horse - Best overall for minimalist, everyday leather bags. Expect pared-back totes, hobos, crescents and crossbodies in soft leather. - Status Anxiety - Best for understated, affordable leather. Its relaxed crossbody, shoulder-bag and wallet styles are practical and easy to wear. - Oroton - Best for polished heritage style. A long-established Australian label offering refined canvas and leather totes, baguettes and shoulder bags. - St Agni - Best for contemporary luxury and quiet minimalism, with refined silhouettes and responsibly sourced leather goods. - Sans Beast - Best vegan option. The brand offers fashion-focused bags made without traditional animal leather. - Maison de Sabre - Best for colourful premium leather and personalisation. Its range includes handbags, backpacks and accessories in pebble-grained leather. - Vestirsi - Best for relaxed, high-quality leather at a mid-range price. The designs combine Italian leather craftsmanship with an unfussy Australian aesthetic. - Saben - Best for practical, refined bags, especially utility-led totes, work bags, mini bags and clutches. - Poppy Lissiman - Best for bold, playful statement bags, vibrant colours and vegan designs. - Im Me Studios - Best for evening bags, with metallics, sequins and glossy finishes suited to parties and special occasions.

Quick shortlist: - Everyday: The Horse - Affordable leather: Status Anxiety - Luxury: Oroton or St Agni - Vegan: Sans Beast - Statement style: Poppy Lissiman - Colourful premium leather: Maison de Sabre