After sharing my article on this Part 1 of the series and 10 French Handbag Brands to Know & Where to Shop Them in Paris, I found myself wanting to explore more of Europe’s craftsmanship. Over the years, I’ve discovered so many incredible brands that have become quiet favorites in my styling, each offering thoughtful design, intentional craftsmanship, and timeless appeal.

This edit highlights 10 European handbag brands redefining mid-range luxury. Some you may already recognize, while others might become new names to keep on your radar. Most ship internationally, so even if you’re not based in Europe, you can still bring a piece of this artistry home. Just remember to check how they handle duties and taxes before ordering to avoid any surprises when your new favorite bag arrives!

1. Neous (England × Italy)

Founded by Vanissa Antonious, Neous is a study in sculptural minimalism, where art history, global heritage, and impeccable Italian craftsmanship meet. Each handbag is handmade in Italy by independent artisans using traditional techniques, resulting in pieces that feel more like modern objects of design than accessories.

Antonious, who blends her Egyptian roots, Australian upbringing, and passion for visual storytelling, approaches design as a form of exploration. Clean lines, fluid shapes, and soft leathers create a harmony between structure and femininity. Nothing is ever overdone. Every curve, fold, and contour is intentionally refined, a quiet expression of the brand’s philosophy of continuous learning and thoughtful creation.

What makes Neous special is its ability to pair strict functionality with abstract form. The bags evolve with wear, softening beautifully over time, and are crafted with natural materials chosen for their tonal variations. The result is a collection of sculptural silhouettes in a neutral palette designed for the modern realist, someone who values both beauty and purpose.

Maéva’s Take: A quiet study in sculpture, Neous transforms minimalism into art, elevating everyday dressing with architectural softness.

2. Mashu (Greece × England)

Founded in 2017 by Greek designer Ioanna Topouzoglou, Mashu was born from a desire to create vegan accessories that offer sustainability without compromising style.

Inspired by the curves of Cycladic architecture and the natural textures of the Mediterranean, Mashu bags blend playful silhouettes with elevated structure. Statement hardware, sculptural shapes, and unexpected details define the brand’s unmistakable aesthetic, reflecting both the power and beauty of nature.

Sustainability is central to Mashu’s identity. From innovative materials to transparent supply chain practices, the brand approaches each step with intention. Its vegan materials are selected for durability and low impact, and each collection is created with a clear commitment to ethical production and environmental consciousness.

The result is a striking mix of artistry and purpose. Soft bends reference the white-washed buildings of Greece, while hammered hardware echoes the ripples and textures of rocks and shells shaped by the sea. Every detail carries meaning.

Maéva’s Take: Playful, sculptural, and ethically minded, Mashu brings a touch of Mediterranean joy to refined, modern silhouettes.

3. ATP Atelier (Sweden)

ATP Atelier was born from a friendship, a bottle of Prosecco, and many summers spent in Otranto, a sun-drenched town in southern Italy. Founded by Maj-La and Jonas in 2011, the brand set out to create something missing from their wardrobes: a sandal that blended Italian craftsmanship with Scandinavian refinement, a piece that felt as effortless on the cliffs of Puglia as it did on the streets of Stockholm.

What began with the now-iconic Rosa sandal has since evolved into a full collection of shoes and bags defined by soft vegetable-tanned leathers, clean silhouettes, and understated elegance. Every piece is crafted in Italy, reflecting a philosophy ATP Atelier calls Smart Luxury, choosing fewer, better items that elevate the everyday.

The brand’s spirit is shaped as much by lifestyle as design. It is the warmth of Italian summers, the intimacy of shared meals, the joy of learning a local recipe, and the thoughtfulness of seeking out the perfect vintage chair. It is craftsmanship rooted in real life, meant to be worn, lived in, and cherished.

Maéva’s Take: Soft, understated, and beautifully lived-in, ATP Atelier adds an effortless refinement to a modern wardrobe.

4. J&M Davidson (England)

Founded in 1984, J&M Davidson designs for the woman who notices more. The woman drawn to texture, subtlety, and the pleasure of craftsmanship. Someone who moves through the world with quiet confidence and an appreciation for detail.

Rooted in British craftsmanship with a hint of French irreverence, the brand has spent four decades shaping leather goods that feel classic yet undeniably refined. Today, each bag is crafted in Italy and Spain by artisans selected for their skill and their understanding of how materials age and soften with time. J&M Davidson pieces are intentionally timeless, built to be lived with and appreciated slowly.

Maéva’s Take: Elegant and tactile, J&M Davidson celebrates subtlety, craftsmanship, and the quiet luxury found in thoughtful detail.

5. Orciani (Italy)

Founded in 1979 by Claudio Orciani, the brand began with one simple idea: a young man searching for the perfect belt and deciding to make it himself. That spark grew into a house defined by craftsmanship, curiosity, and a creative mind unafraid to experiment.

Claudio’s inspirations range from art to music, resulting in designs that blend traditional leatherwork with sculptural, expressive details. Orciani has collaborated with renowned artists and produced limited-edition pieces that blur the line between accessory and artwork. Its leathers are exceptional, its techniques precise, and its aesthetic rooted in a balance of heritage and innovation.

The brand also holds a strong commitment to sustainability, operating its headquarters using 100 percent renewable energy and integrating thoughtful environmental practices into its production.

Maéva’s Take: Heritage with a creative edge, Orciani blends Italian artistry with expressive character in a way that feels timeless and bold.

6. Wandler (Netherlands)

Founded in 2017 by Elza Wandler, this Amsterdam-based brand offers a bold yet minimalist perspective on modern luxury. Known for sculptural lines and confident use of color, Wandler blends crisp femininity with an ease that feels fresh and contemporary.

Elza, a graduate of the Amsterdam Fashion Institute and part of the Business of Fashion 500, built the brand in just two months, driven by a desire to create expressive yet wearable silhouettes. The Hortensia bag quickly became a signature, establishing Wandler as a leader in modern leather goods.

Every piece reflects a blend of art, functionality, and Dutch sensibility. Clean shapes, thoughtful craftsmanship, and refined palettes define the brand’s visual language.

Maéva’s Take: Crisp lines and confident curves define Wandler, a perfect balance of sculptural modernity and refined ease.

7. MIUUR (Spain)

Founded in 2021 by architect Ignacio Cristofori and fashion expert Tamara Maestro, MIUUR combines architectural precision with the artistry of Spanish craftsmanship. Each piece is handcrafted in Ubrique, the world’s center of luxury leatherwork, using the same artisans and materials trusted by major heritage houses.

MIUUR’s commitment to sustainability is foundational. The brand uses leathers sourced from excess luxury-industry production, allowing it to operate on a zero-waste model while ensuring exceptional quality. Because materials are limited, each color and style is produced in very small quantities, making collections truly exclusive.

The founders draw inspiration from Mediterranean living, modern architecture, and the cultural influences that shaped their lives across Europe and Asia. Clean lines, sculptural shapes, and practical functionality form the heart of MIUUR’s aesthetic.

Maéva’s Take: Architectural and intentional, MIUUR offers design clarity and quiet exclusivity through limited-edition craftsmanship.

8. KONÉ (Denmark)

KONÉ is a Copenhagen-based brand redefining luxury through integrity, minimalism, and refined design. Rooted in Danish aesthetics and crafted in Italy, the brand creates pieces that prioritize purity of form and thoughtful construction.

Founded in 2011 by Yvonne Koné, the brand has entered a new chapter under Creative Director Laura M. W. Nørgaard and Head of Brand Louise Kabbelgaard. Though evolving, KONÉ remains anchored in its heritage: clean lines, simplicity, and restraint.

The brand minimizes hardware to enhance durability and preserve its understated aesthetic. Working within this restrained framework creates a space for bold experimentation with materials and color, resulting in pieces that feel modern and timeless at once.

Maéva’s Take: Minimalism at its purest, KONÉ distills form and function into silhouettes that feel grounded and contemporary.

9. Aesther Ekme (Denmark)

Founded in 2016 by Stephane Park, Aesther Ekme blends high-end craftsmanship with a purified, timeless aesthetic. In a market dominated by logos and trend-focused designs, the brand offers an alternative: pieces meant to integrate seamlessly into a woman's life.

Influenced by Brazilian Brutalist architecture, Scandinavian minimalism, and a womenswear sensibility, Aesther Ekme focuses on ergonomic, sculptural shapes that feel like a natural extension of the body. Smooth lines, organic curves, and understated silhouettes define its visual identity.

Crafted from luxurious leathers with almost imperceptible logos, the brand allows form to speak for itself, creating bags that are serene, architectural, and deeply refined.

Maéva’s Take: Purified and sculptural, Aesther Ekme elevates simplicity into a serene, modern expression of quiet luxury.

10. Lies Mertens (Belgium)

Founded by graphic designer Stefanie Lies Mertens, this label centers its identity on balance, purity of form, and conscious creation. Clean lines and organic shapes blend with thoughtful detailing, creating bags that feel both functional and sculptural.

Lies Mertens works exclusively with European materials selected for durability and authenticity, ranging from responsibly sourced leather to innovative options like VEGEA, made from grape waste, and MycaNova, grown from mycelium. Each material is chosen for its ability to age beautifully.

All designs are developed in-house, earning the brand an official Craft label that recognizes its deep commitment to workmanship and responsible production. Manufacturing takes place in two small ateliers, one in Northern Italy and one in Tunisia operated by a Belgian team under European standards.

Maéva’s Take: Thoughtful, organic, and design-led, Lies Mertens creates pieces that evolve gracefully and invite slow appreciation.

Final Thoughts

From London to Florence, Copenhagen to Madrid, these European handbag brands each carry a story shaped by craftsmanship, purpose, and artistry. Together, they represent a quieter, more intentional approach to luxury, one defined not by excess, but by clarity, longevity, and design that truly means something.

Whether you are drawn to sculptural minimalism, Mediterranean craftsmanship, or the timeless elegance of Italian leather, may this list inspire you to explore new designers and discover pieces that feel meaningful, personal, and truly yours.

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With Amour,

M.

10 European Handbag Brands to Know: Mid-Range Luxury You’ll Fall in Love With - Part Two