I Carried a DeMellier Bag Everywhere for a Week—Here Are the Compliments I Received
Recently, I've noticed that most bags I come across online are stunning but very few truly meet the demands of daily life. This piqued my interest in DeMellier, a brand renowned for its sleek, timeless designs with a contemporary flair. After seeing the brand sported by numerous fashionable influencers on my social media feed, I finally received my first DeMellier bag—a suede New York— as a Christmas gift. Each time I've taken it out, it has proven to be versatile enough to hold everything I need, and I can even toss in my jacket if I start to feel warm. To truly evaluate the brand, I decided to test out my three favorite styles, carrying one of them for an entire week—attending work meetings, dining out, and running local errands. The outcome? I quickly discovered that the bag's charm goes well beyond its functional design. Compliments started coming in almost instantly, and they weren't the typical "Cute bag!" remarks. Instead, I received inquiries like “Where did you find that?” and “What’s the name of that brand?” A stranger even approached me on the street to ask about it. Finding an accessory that attracts this level of attention effortlessly, without an oversized logo, is rare, but DeMellier seems to have mastered this. After a week of using it and discussing styles with my colleagues, I understand the excitement—and I may forever view “everyday” bags differently.
The aptly named New York bag has quickly become the go-to tote among fashion insiders, and I’m certainly not the only one captivated by it. I first craved it after seeing it on numerous stylish people in my feed (including Katie Holmes), and now it seems nearly everyone I know has one. As noted by Kristen Nichols, “practically every fashion editor on our NYC team owns the tote,” thanks to its spaciousness and sturdy leather that adapts to the hectic pace of city life. Eliza Huber has had hers for several years, using it “on trips, for countless work days, and packed with everything imaginable (and then some),” yet she states, “it still looks brand new.” Similarly, Anna LaPlaca describes it as an exceptional bag capable of doing it all: “It travels with me everywhere—to the office, the gym, press meetings, and even the airport,” all the while receiving compliments for its sleek gold clasp and shiny croc texture.
Dimensions: Handle Drop: 20cm / 7.9in, Depth: 14cm / 5.5in, Height: 27cm / 10.6in, Width: 58cm / 22.8in. Pros: Exceptionally spacious and accommodates everything, attractive hardware details. Cons: Quite large, making it challenging to store.
I carried the Hudson bag with me for a week, and it ended up yielding the best compliment I’ve ever received for an accessory. When I arrived at the office with it, a colleague immediately asked, “Is that a Birkin?”—and I was in absolute shock. I had never had any of my bags compared to a Birkin before, and in that moment, I felt a boost in my personal style. While out on the street, the bag gave me similar energy; holding it like a structured briefcase made me feel like a CEO, a powerful figure with important places to be. At one point, someone kept staring until they finally inquired about its origin, and when I mentioned it was from DeMellier, I realized this bag possesses a rare capacity to draw attention silently.
Dimensions: Min. Strap Length: 100cm / 39.4in, Handle Drop: 10cm / 3.9in, Depth: 16cm / 6.3in, Max. Strap Length: 122cm / 48in, Height: 28cm / 11in, Width: 40cm / 15.7in. Pros: Accommodates everything, including a laptop. Cons: Doesn’t fully close.
The Paris bag has quickly become my favorite for travel and nights out due to its ability to be both hands-free and surprisingly spacious. It may appear compact, but it can fit my digital camera, wallet, lip gloss, and even a perfume—everything I require for a day or evening of exploration. The adjustable strap allows for easy transitions between a shoulder bag and a crossbody, which I enjoy for a change of style, and the minimalist, logo-free design feels just right for traveling. I don't always want to attract attention when I'm abroad, and the Paris bag strikes an ideal balance of being understated, practical, and incredibly stylish.
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I Carried a DeMellier Bag Everywhere for a Week—Here Are the Compliments I Received
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