The Best Undiscovered Handbag Brands on Instagram Right Now

Everyone needs a handbag. It doesn’t matter where you’re going, what you’re doing or what your general style is, without a bag, how are you supposed to carry all of your belongings? Especially if you’re like me and carry loads of random things with you everywhere (emergency sewing kit, plasters, paracetamol, charging packs). Below is a little collection of what I think are the best somewhat undiscovered handbag brands I found on Instagram at the time of writing.

Haerfest

@haerfest

Haerfest (pronounced harvest) produce bags with the goal to equip professionals in motion. Their simple and straightforward bags, also have the essence of being unique and different to others on the market. The range of different sized and coloured backpacks, tote bags, handbags and cross-body strapped bags mean there’s something for everyone on their website.

Goodeehoo

@goodeehoo

Goodeehoo, a vegan friendly UK based handbag and accessory brand, produce practical, fashionable handbags along with other items in a range of dusky and pastel shades. Their signature logo of a little owl is a great addition too. Their range includes handbags, purses, pouches, and clutch bags, along with key rings, notebooks and pens, all of which you can personalise with your initials if you wanted.

Mashu London

@mashu_london

Designed in London, made in Greece, these modern bags have a unique strap not seen anywhere else generally. The founders pride themselves on the bags being made in an ethical and sustainable way, and on being vegan. The range of blues, burgundies, blacks and whites creates a stunning colour pallet that will pair perfectly with any outfit.

Desinger Ionna Topouzoglou said "[My] vision is to create modern handbags that showcase the finest craftsmanship and materials without compromising the planet”, something we can all get behind.

Imago-a

@imago_a

The handbag and accessory brand based in New York City bases its bags on sculptural shapes, creating original and functional handbags. They have a large selection of clutches, handbags and wallets in a range of sizes from fitting just your phone and purse, to fitting everything you need for the office in. Along with their bags, they also sell leather belts. With their neutral and few brighter shades, it’s a guarantee that you’ll find something to suit every ensemble.

Mieti

@mietistudio

Based in Barcelona and founded in only 2017, Mieti have come a long way. Their bold colours and out-there shapes inspired by 60s and 70s furniture really makes their bags stand out from the crowd, whilst still fitting in to whatever look you’re trying to create. If you’re looking for a more muted bag, try their simplistic totes in solid shades. Along with their bags, they also produce leather jackets in a range of styles to match your bags.

ORRI

@orrinewyork

Aiming to bridge the gap between luxury and mass-market handbag companies, ORRI have produced a range of functional bags ideal to suit the on-the-go person. Based in New York, their collection of sleek satchels, totes, strap bags and clutches are made with over 100 years of workmanship, taking care of every little detail possible. Their range of neutral and burgundy shades mean they’re perfect for day or night, whatever you’re doing, and whatever you’re wearing.

Sarah Haran

@sarahharanuk

The UK based functional handbag brand have a range of neutral and pastel coloured practical bags for the everyday person. With the range of straps it means you’ll find the perfect bag no matter your height. The totes, handbags and clutches come in a range of styles and colours, with even the occasional funky pattern. They also sell accessories such as extra straps, glasses cases and purses to put in your bag. One special feature of a lot of the bags is that they have unique tassels, making them more recognisable.

Jardine of London

@jardineoflondon

As shown in the name, Mary Jardine makes all of her bags in her London workshop. She always wanted to design and make handbags - the first one produced came out 4 years go and she’s still going strong. Her bags feature chic, clean lines made from the finest grained leather. The adjustable shoulder straps also mean that they fit any body type. The selection includes handbags with straps and pouches along with leather journal and some stunning candles.

Huge Jewellery Project for Philip Jones

A while ago I produced a small set of 10 photos for Philip Jones Jewellery of me modelling their items. They liked them so much, that they then asked me to produce more photos for their website of me modelling, holding and showing their jewellery in prop situations. With a collection of over 600 pieces of jewellery, this meant there were over 1800 photos to capture - a large project, but well worth it!

Modelled photos:

With the help of Will (my photographer) we went to a range of locations, mainly around Exeter, to get the modelled photos done. Changing outfits every 10 shots and locations very often meant I managed to get through most of my wardrobe throughout the 3 days we shot the photos! (I since realised I could do with some more clothes, so cheekily did a bit of online shopping too!)

Handheld photos:

These were much quicker to shoot because, although we did have to change the background every 25 shots or so, I didn’t have to change my clothes unless there was a distinctive sleeve on the clothing, making it much easier to efficiently shoot the photos. the editing was also a bit quicker with these shots too due to not having to worry too much about the lighting or tones of the photos, considering we did these in the studio.

Prop photos:

Once I set up a prop scene, the photos were extremely quick to shoot. We set up the studio lights and camera, meaning all I had to do was place the jewellery down and change the prop scene every 25 shots. We changed it every 25 shots so that there was a variation for the website and it just made the photos look more interesting as a set.

The outcome:

You can now view all of the photos on the Philip Jones website: https://philipjonesjewellery.com/

I’m really proud of the work I did for Philip Jones, and think it went really well. The overall feel of the photos was designed to be quite modern and lifestyle-like, meaning that you could see what they looked like when worn in a lifestyle situation rather than just in a studio. I do really love the jewellery Philip Jones do too, and I have several pieces I wear often too. It’s very modern, contemporary and of high quality, meaning it’s good as a gift for someone or a treat for yourself!

Working with Huers Clothing Co

Having already done a shoot with Huers Clothing Co, I was very pleased when Will said they had asked me to model for them again. A day shoot with them generally revolves around visiting different areas of Cornwall and getting loads of photos wearing different pieces from their collection, all with a laid back feel, making it a really enjoyable day.

Huers is based around Padstow and the idea of the Cornish Coast which is just stunning any time of year. We headed down to Padstow beach to begin with and got a load of photos wearing their new low tide collection, along with the occasional pic of their dog. Considering it was only February, it was surprisingly very warm and so a jumper wasn’t needed - I probably could have gotten away with wearing shorts too but the british weather is fairly unpredictable with rain at this time of year so I didn’t want to risk it.

After wondering around the beach all morning and afternoon, we made our way to Bedruthen Steps, where the cold weather definitely set in and it became rather windy with a few rain drops. It was the first time I had been there with the tide in. Usually when I go there the beach is sandy and beautiful yet this time the waves were crashing against the rocks creating a really surreal site.

Following Bedruthen Steps, we found a little rarely known cliff formation called Tregudda Gorge on the coast. Its two cliffs with a gorge between and a spikey rock formation between in the distance. I’m sure if the tide was low you would be able to walk between the two cliffs onto the other but obviously not in the windy weather we visited it in. It was beautiful and the waves were so ferocious, the sea mist coming off of them got us all drenched before I scuttled back to the safety of the car.

Me and Will made our way back to Padstow for some dinner at a little restaurant called Burgers and Fish on the harbour front. We both had burgers, but I had a blue cheese and beetroot one which was delish - they even make their own ketchup! He got some beautiful night shots of the harbour before we headed off home after a day of sea, sand and the Cornish coast.

Check out Huers Clothing Co on their website (www.huersclothingco.com) or Instagram (@huersclothingco)!

Check out Will’s Instagram (@willlamerton)!