The UK is known for many things: horrible weather, a dry sense of humor, and its own fashion titans. British purse brands don't only offer traditional bespoke bags that make you think of the empire, but also fun and flashy purses perfect for modern fashion tastes. From well-established luxury designers to brands that are fresh off the block, these are the UK purse brands to keep an eye on.
20+ British Handbag Brands That Never Miss the Mark
Give us a little time, and we'll convince you to put some of the greatest handbag brands in the UK at the top of your shopping list. Whether you're a runway girlie through and through or you have sustainability at the forefront of your mind, there's a British purse brand perfect for you.
Alexander McQueen
Until 2004, Alexander McQueen was the Givenchy head designer. After leaving Givenchy, he branched out to create his own designer label. One of his signature bag designs is the iconic knuckleduster closures (four rings) of clutches that have become a unique Alexander McQueen hallmark. Other Alexander McQueen purse styles include shoulder bags, top-handle classics, satchels, minis, totes, box purses, and crossbody handbags. Prices range from around $990-$9,200.
Aspinal of London
Launched in 2001, Aspinal of London creates luxury leather goods, including women's handbags. As a luxury brand of contemporary designer handbags, their purses often have a classic or vintage flair. Many of their handbag designs include signature styles such as the clutch, crossbody, micro, mini, shoulder, totes, camera bags, satchel, hobo, top handle classic, frame, trinket, and hat box. Prices range from around $130-$3,995.
Hettie
Hettie handbags are different from most handbags thanks to their atypical material. There are three basic designs: tote, crossbody, and grab bag (medium-sized totes) — almost all of which are made out of 100% wool. Hettie purses feel like something you'd find in the prairie or English countryside with their simple shapes and subdued patterns. Prices range from $179-$211.
Jimmy Choo
When you think of Jimmy Choo, you probably think of shoes. But, the UK-based brand also has an impressive line of stylish and luxe handbags. From slouchy cinches to quaint bon bons, there are so many bags to choose from. They also deviate from many designer labels' color palettes, offering up fresh and youthful prints and patterns. Prices range from $625-$5,500.
Burberry
Burberry is best known for its subtle handbag designs that pay tribute to vintage styles. Their purses are made of full-grain calf leather, their special tartan plaid, and other luxurious materials. Several of their popular purse styles include totes, mini, crossbody, shoulder, half cube, and clutch bags. Prices range from $1,050-$4,990.
Vivienne Westwood
Vivienne Westwood was a product of the punk movement but quickly defined British style in the 1980s. But clothes weren't the only thing she dabbled in. And since her passing, the brand has continued to pump out bold handbags with a decidedly British point-of-view. From multi-colored macrame styles to chunky chain saddle bags, Vivienne Westwood has it all. Prices range from $90-$2,120.
Danse Lente
Danse Lente specializes in making handbags and small leather goods. The Danse Lente name — which means slow dance in French — reflects the inspiration the brand draws from contemporary aesthetics and modern architecture. Their bags have a playful and artistic look to them. Some of their designs include slouchy, sphere structured, cigarette box, sculptural bags, clutches, mini purses, baguette, and top-handle accordion designs. Prices range from around $189-$465.
Gweniss
Gweniss purses represent the founder's wishes to keep the art of leather craft alive. The brand uses independent manufacturers, craftspeople, and artisans located in England to make the purses with premium-quality leather. The purses and satchels that come out of this process look like they belong on a dark academia mood board. Some of their purse styles include satchels, saddles, crossbodies, and mini purses. Prices range from around $106-$150.
DeMellier
DeMellier, formerly Milli Millu, was founded in 2013 by Mireia Llusia-Lindh. Their leather handbags are handmade by artisans in Spain and embrace a more Italian aesthetic. On top of committing to making high-quality bags, the brand also gives back with their A Bag initiative which donates a set of vaccines and treatments for children with every bag purchased. Their typical shoulder and crossbody designs include totes, mini, maxi, camera, bucket, and half-moon styles. Prices range from around $295-$875.
Glencroft
Glencroft purses are based on country style and textiles which naturally include sheepskin leather handbags. They may only sell crossbodies in four different colors (tan, green, navy, and brown), but what they lack in variety they make up for in consistency. Prices range from around $75-$94.
Related: 26 Most Expensive Purse Brands for Runway-Ready Style
JW Anderson
JW Anderson is known for the iconic Gothic feel of their Pierce purse and Puzzle purse. Peep their iconic anchor logo while you're at it. JW Anderson also offers other handbags, such as wedge bags and novelty canvas cap bags. Additional popular styles that they offer include tote, punch bag, crossbody, and shoulder bags. Prices range from around $165-$1,850.
M.Hulot
M.Hulot presents crafted leather handbags with classical designs that aim at being as functional as possible to suit contemporary women's needs. Some of their styles include crossbody, bum bags, clutches, totes, saddlebags, and satchels. Prices range from around $211-$537.
Mulberry
Roger Saul launched Mulberry in 1979 with a $600 loan from his mother and a tree logo designed by his sister. Since then, the brand has delivered some of the most beloved British purses such as the Bayswater bag. Other prized designs are their classic shoulder bag and top handle bags. You can also find the clutch, tote, crossbody, bucket, messenger, satchel, and mini purse in their catalog. Prices range from $105-$2,100.
Hyde & Hare
Hyde & Hare is a unique British luxury brand that's known for its use of Italian cowhides and leather. Some of their styles include clutch, tote, and crossbody handbags. Prices range from around $156-$324.
Anya Hindmarch
Since 1987, Anya Hindmarch has been running her London-based handbag and accessories company with great success. Quality craftsmanship and sustainability are at the forefront of their brand identity, so it's no wonder they've survived recessions and pandemics. You can find all sorts of handbag styles there, such as totes, crossbodies, shoulder bags, and evening bags. Prices range from $445 to $2,600.
Radley
Radley London offers a wide range of leather and non-leather purses. Some of their more whimsical bags come with delightful leather appliqués. Just a handful of the fine quality leather bag styles that they sell include crossbody, shoulder, tote, grab, hobo, clutch, bum bags, and pocket bags. Prices range from $100-$349.
Sarah Haran
When founder and creative director, Sarah Haran couldn't find the type of purse she wanted, she buckled down and taught herself how to make it. What began as a hobby quickly grew into a full-time business. Her concept of bag-in-a-bag that allows handbag owners to restyle their purses with tassels, straps, and other accessories was an instant hit. Some of the style choices offered include crossbody, clutch, tote, satchel, mini, camera, backpack tote, and envelope-style handbags. Prices range from around $186-$736.
The Cambridge Satchel Company
Founded in 2008, The Cambridge Satchel Company produces satchels and other handbags. Founders Julie Deane and her mother, Freda Thomas, started designing and selling satchels for children as a way for Julie to pay the fees for her children's private school. The duo tapped into a lucrative British market, and their Cambridge and Oxford-inspired satchels are highly coveted. Other handbags that they produce include the batchel (briefcase and satchel combo), classic top clasp handbag, tiny satchel, tote, doctor's bag, and clutch purses. Prices range from around $180-$715.
Kate Sheridan
In 2014, Kate Sheridan launched her own accessory and women's wear label. Some of their leather products are made in-house through traditional crafting methods, which gives them that high-quality finish. You can find shoulder bags, totes, rucksacks, cubes, minis, and clutch designs in their catalog. Prices range from around $80-$313.
Tusting
Tusting started out as a tannery but evolved to manufacture fashion goods including handbags. The 100+-year-old brand offers many leather handbag styles such as crossbody, shoulder, minis, tote, classic 1950s designs, and work bag designs. Customers can also personalize their purchases with embossing initials and/or messages directly on them. Prices range from around $230-$1,025.
Jane Hopkinson
Since the 1980s, Jane Hopkinson has offered handmade leather handbags. Their inspirations come from unique avenues, such as 1930s architectural styles. Some of their handbag styles include totes, clutches, evening bags, V clutches, shoulder bags, crossbodies, and satchels. Prices range from around $260-$385.
Victoria Beckham
In 2008, Victoria Beckham of Spice Girls fame launched a fashion brand that includes a collection of handbags and accessories. Her designs reflect a modern minimalist style that celebrities love to wear. Some of the bag styles currently available include the bucket bag, powder box bag, clutch, crossbody, and structured compact purses. Prices range from around $390-$2,350.
Damson Madder
Damson Madder might have a limited selection of handbags in their current lineup, but they're an up-and-coming British brand to watch out for. Launched in 2020, Damson Madder has committed to using organic and recycled cotton and polyester made from recycled bottles. You can see this sustainable sensibility reflected in their handbags' designs such as the frill crochet bag and picnic check slouch bag. Prices range from $52-$75.
Smythson
If you're in the mood for a petite leather purse, Smythson is the British brand for you. A favorite among British royalty, this 100+-year-old company makes more than just handbags. They also sell stationery, accessories, and more. Some of the handbag styles they offer include crossbodies, shoulder bags, and totes. Prices range from $895-$1.595.
British Handbag Brands Repping the English Isles With Pride
The empire strikes back with these iconic British handbag brands. Whether you like your purses flashy and made of unique textiles or prefer something subdued and sophisticated, these UK purse brands have it all.
