DeMellier Handbag Review: My Honest Opinion on These Luxe Bags
Hey there, handbag lover! If you‘re searching for a chic new bag that will take your style game to the next level, you need to know about DeMellier. This under-the-radar British brand crafts the most stunning leather bags by hand in Spain. I‘ve been obsessing over their bags for a while now, and I‘m excited to share my honest, in-depth DeMellier review with you!
What is DeMellier?
First things first, let me give you the scoop on DeMellier. It‘s a London-based luxury handbag and accessories brand founded in 2012 by Mireia Llusia-Lindh. Mireia‘s mission? To create timeless, functional bags using the finest materials and old-world craftsmanship, all at a price point that‘s more attainable than high-end designer bags.
DeMellier‘s bags are all about quiet luxury – they‘re elegant, understated, and insanely well-made. The brand is known for its signature structured shapes, bold hardware, and buttery-soft Spanish and Italian leathers. But beyond just looking beautiful, these bags are designed to be functional and practical for modern women.
One thing I love about DeMellier is the brand‘s commitment to ethics and sustainability. They use eco-friendly packaging, work with responsible tanneries, and craft the bags in small batches to reduce waste. Plus, for every bag sold, DeMellier funds life-saving vaccines and medical treatments for children in need through the A Bag, A Life charity initiative. How amazing is that?
DeMellier‘s Best-Selling Handbag Styles
Now let‘s dive into the good stuff – the actual bags! DeMellier offers a curated selection of handbag styles that will suit any fashion-lover‘s needs. Here are some of their most popular designs:
The Mini Venice Bag
The Mini Venice is probably DeMellier‘s most iconic style. It‘s a structured, ladylike top-handle bag with a smart envelope flap and a distinctive gold bar clasp. Perfectly sized to fit your essentials, the Mini Venice comes with a detachable shoulder strap so you can wear it crossbody too. The smooth, glossy leather is just divine, and the bag comes in a rainbow of dreamy colors.
I have the Mini Venice in classic black, and I can‘t tell you how many compliments I get on it! It instantly elevates any outfit, whether I‘m wearing jeans and a tee or a cocktail dress. The craftsmanship is just exquisite – from the neat stitches to the suede lining, every detail is perfection.
The Vancouver Crossbody
For a sportier, more casual vibe, you can‘t go wrong with the Vancouver Crossbody. This vintage-inspired satchel has a cool, boxy shape and a minimalist design. The top handle and removable strap make it super versatile, and the push-lock closure keeps your belongings secure. I love the contrasting edge paint that gives it a little pop!
I take my Vancouver everywhere – it‘s the ideal weekend bag. It fits way more than you‘d think, thanks to the clever accordion sides. The pebbled leather is nice and durable too, so I don‘t have to baby it. It comes in brights and neutrals, but I went with classic Olive Green and I‘m obsessed.
The Los Angeles Tote
If you‘re the type who carries your whole life in your handbag, you need the Los Angeles Tote. It‘s a roomy, unstructured carryall bag with the coolest architectural handle and an optional long strap. The metal feet on the base are a luxe touch that protects the leather. And can we talk about the unique trapezoidal shape? So chic!
I have the large size in Tobacco Suede and it‘s perfect for travel or long work days. It fits my laptop, water bottle, makeup bag, and all my other daily must-haves. The leather lining helps it keep its shape, and the magnetic closure is strong and secure. It‘s definitely a statement bag – I always get asked where it‘s from!
The Florence Clutch
For evening wear or formal events, the Florence clutch is a stunning choice. It‘s an envelope-style pouch that can be carried as a clutch or worn over the shoulder with the dainty chain strap. The clean lines and sleek shape are so elegant and timeless. And of course, it has that signature DeMellier gold hardware.
I actually gifted the Florence to my mom for her birthday last year, in a gorgeous deep red hue. She absolutely loves it – it‘s her go-to for weddings and date nights. The leather is scratch-resistant and wipes clean easily. It‘s the perfect size for a phone, lipstick, and cards – all the essentials!
Quality, Craftsmanship & Materials
So what really sets DeMellier bags apart in terms of quality? It all comes down to the impeccable materials and artisanal craftsmanship. Every bag is handmade by skilled artisans in the south of Spain, using traditional techniques passed down through generations.
DeMellier works with family-owned factories and they have a close relationship with their craftspeople. Many of the artisans have been with the brand since the beginning, and their expertise really shows in the final product. You won‘t find any sloppy stitching or uneven edges on these bags.
Let‘s talk leather – because DeMellier‘s is honestly incredible. They use only the finest sustainably-sourced Spanish and Italian hides that are selected for their grain, color, and softness. The leathers are all tanned using eco-friendly methods in a historic tannery. There are a few leather options:
- Smooth Calf Leather: Glossy, polished, and uniform. Scratch-resistant and easy to clean.
- Grained Calf Leather: Pebbled texture that‘s durable and soft. The textured finish makes it more forgiving.
- Nubuck Calf Leather: Super soft and velvety, with a brushed matte finish. Luxurious but delicate.
- Suede Calf Leather: Velvety nap that‘s warm and touchable. Harder to care for but so sumptuous.
- Croc/Lizard Embossed Calf Leather: Exotic textured finish that‘s glossy and eye-catching. Makes a statement!
All of DeMellier‘s metal hardware has a 14k gold or silver electroplated finish that‘s tarnish-resistant and designed not to chip or discolor over time. The zippers are from Japan and are so smooth to open and close. And the interior lining is a lovely, soft suede in complementary colors. Such attention to detail!
Pricing & Value
Now I know what you‘re thinking – all this talk of luxury leathers and artisanal craftsmanship, these handbags must cost a fortune! Well friends, I‘m happy to report that DeMellier is actually quite affordable for the quality and design you‘re getting.
Most DeMellier bags are in the $300-$700 range, which is a steal compared to luxury designer bags that can run you thousands of dollars. The Mini Venice starts at $390, the Vancouver is $530, the Los Angeles ranges from $510-$740 based on size, and the Florence clutch is $450. When you factor in the premium materials, ethical production, and the fact that each bag is made by hand, it‘s seriously impressive.
Think about the cost per wear too – these are bags that will last you a lifetime if cared for properly. I used my Mini Venice practically every day for a year and it still looks pristine. The quality is on par with bags I‘ve owned from high-end designers but at a fraction of the price.
Plus, you can feel good about supporting a brand that‘s socially and environmentally responsible. Knowing that my purchase helped fund life-saving medical care for a child in need makes my DeMellier bags feel even more special.
Shipping, Returns & Customer Service
Okay, let‘s talk logistics. DeMellier offers free worldwide shipping and free 30-day returns, which is amazing. They ship via DHL express from the UK, and my orders have always arrived within a week, safely packaged in a beautiful DeMellier box with a dust bag. Easy peasy.
One thing to note – if you‘re ordering from outside the UK, you may be responsible for customs fees and duties. DeMellier has a handy shipping calculator on the website that will estimate these costs for you at checkout.
I‘ve never had to make a return, but the process seems straightforward – just email customer service and they‘ll walk you through it. The DeMellier team is super friendly and helpful, and they‘re always happy to answer questions about the products, order status, or shipping.
Speaking of customer service, can we talk about the incredible DeMellier packaging for a minute? The attention to detail blew me away. The dust bag has a pocket for the detachable straps and a care card with instructions. There‘s even a handwritten note with the name of the artisan who made your bag. It‘s those special touches that make luxury shopping so fun.
What Customers Are Saying
You‘ve heard me gush about DeMellier, but what are other customers saying? I scoured reviews online and the feedback is overwhelmingly positive. The brand has over 500 5-star reviews on Trustpilot with an average 4.8 rating. Here‘s what some happy customers had to share:
"I am blown away by the quality of this bag. The leather is thick and luxurious, the stitching is perfect, and the suede lining is so soft. It was beautifully packaged and arrived quickly. I will definitely be buying from DeMellier again!" – Sarah L.
"I was a little nervous ordering a handbag online, but I‘m so glad I took a chance on the Mini Venice. The leather is the perfect balance of structured and soft, and the size is just right for everyday wear. It‘s quickly become my most complimented bag!" – Reshma P.
"I‘ve owned quite a few designer bags over the years, and I can honestly say the quality of DeMellier is right up there with the best of them. The prices are so reasonable for what you‘re getting. I have three of their bags now and I can‘t recommend them enough!" – Megan S.
Negative reviews were few and far between, but a couple customers mentioned issues with wear and tear after a year or so. DeMellier has a 12 month warranty on manufacturing defects, so definitely reach out to customer service if you have any problems. They seem very receptive to feedback.
Styling DeMellier Bags
One of the reasons I love DeMellier bags is how versatile they are. You can style them so many different ways! For example, I wear my Mini Venice crossbody with jeans and sneakers for weekend errands, or as a top-handle with a blazer and heels for work and dinners out. It truly goes with everything.
The Vancouver is the perfect throw-on-and-go bag for casual days. I love it with a striped tee, boyfriend jeans and loafers for that effortless French-girl vibe. The Los Angeles tote is a great work bag – it fits a small laptop so I carry it to coffee shop writing sessions and meetings. It looks so chic with tailored trousers and a silk blouse.
For date nights and evenings out, you can‘t go wrong with the Florence clutch. The sleek lines and luxe leather go perfectly with a little black dress and heels. I‘ve also seen it styled with a power suit for a modern take on eveningwear.
DeMellier releases a few new colors and limited edition bags every season, so there‘s always something fresh to covet. I have my eye on the Mini Vancouver in Sage Green – the perfect pastel for spring! The brand also occasionally collabs with influencers on exclusive styles that sell out crazy fast, so keep an eye on their Instagram.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before we wrap up, I want to quickly address some FAQs about DeMellier bags:
How do I care for my DeMellier bag?
DeMellier has a great care guide on their website with tips for each leather type. In general, avoid heavy creams and polishes, and wipe the leather clean with a soft cloth regularly. Store your bag in the dust bag when not in use to protect it. The smooth and lizard-effect leathers are more delicate, so be extra careful with those!
Can I monogram my DeMellier bag?
Yes! You can add a monogram of up to three initials on most styles for a small fee. It‘s hand-stamped in either gold or silver foil and adds such a personal touch. I monogrammed my Mini Venice and I love the subtle detail.
Do DeMellier bags come in different sizes?
Some do! The Los Angeles tote comes in Midi and Maxi sizes, and the Vancouver comes in a Mini size. The product page for each bag will have the exact dimensions so you can find the best fit.
Does DeMellier ever have sales?
DeMellier runs a couple sales throughout the year, usually around Black Friday and other major shopping holidays. I‘ve seen bags discounted up to 30%! They also occasionally offer free monogramming or gifts with purchase. It‘s worth signing up for the email newsletter to stay in the loop on offers.
Final Thoughts
Phew, this DeMellier review ended up being a novel – can you tell I‘m passionate about these bags? I truly believe DeMellier offers some of the best quality and value for luxury handbags today. The designs are classic with a modern twist, the craftsmanship is divine, and the price point is unbeatable.
I love that DeMellier is committed to ethical and sustainable production too. It feels good to carry a bag that was thoughtfully crafted by artisans and gives back to communities in need.
If you‘re in the market for a new forever handbag, I can‘t recommend DeMellier enough. Whether you choose the chic Mini Venice, the cool Vancouver, or the luxe Los Angeles tote, you‘ll be investing in a bag that will last for years and elevate your style every time you carry it.
I hope you found this review helpful, and feel free to reach out with any other questions! I‘m always happy to chat about my DeMellier collection.
Happy shopping!
