8 French Brands With Iconic Bags to Inspire Your Wardrobe
French fashion has always been about more than just the clothes! Many of the country’s most beloved clothing brands are celebrated not only for their timeless ready-to-wear but also for the bags that have become icons in their own right. From sequined totes carried by generations of Parisian women to minimalist cross-bodies worn worldwide, these labels prove that true French chic is about the complete look: outfit and accessory together!
If you’re looking to curate a French-inspired wardrobe, these 8 brands offer the best of both worlds: effortless clothing and purses that instantly elevate any outfit.
Meet the 8 French brands with iconic bags to inspire your wardrobe:
1. Soeur
Founded in 2007 by sisters Domitille and Angélique Brion, Soeur was created with the idea of building a wardrobe that borrows from the masculine while enhancing the feminine. What began as a single boutique on rue Bonaparte in Paris has since grown into an international brand with over 50 standalone stores and a presence in department stores like Le Bon Marché and Galeries Lafayette.
Soeur has built its reputation on tomboy-chic tailoring and understated staples: oversized coats, crisp shirts, and soft knits designed to feel timeless and inclusive. Their philosophy is rooted in creating clothes for every woman, at every stage of life, with Domitille Brion noting, “I want everyone who dresses with us to feel understood and valued.”
Why we love: Soeur is French chic with a grounded edge, modern yet timeless, and designed to feel authentic for every woman. Their accessories complement the clothing seamlessly, completing looks without overpowering them.
Born in France to a Danish mother and Italian father, Vanessa Bruno grew up surrounded by the world of fashion. At just 25, she launched her eponymous label in Paris, quickly establishing herself as a designer of effortless sophistication. A few years later, she introduced the Cabas Tote, a sequined canvas bag that became the emblem of her brand and a beloved staple for women everywhere.
More than 20 years on, Vanessa Bruno continues to expand her collections of clothing and accessories, blending chic and relaxed silhouettes that capture true Parisian allure. Her designs embody comfort and romance, always with an ease that makes them timeless. The woman she dresses is free, modern, and naturally beautiful, whether in Paris, New York, or beyond.
Why we love: Vanessa Bruno represents the heart of French femininity: clothing that feels both dreamy and wearable, paired with the iconic Cabas tote that has become a symbol of effortless chic!
3. ba&sh
Founded by lifelong friends Barbara Boccara and Sharon Krief, ba&sh was born from a simple idea: to create their dream wardrobe and share it with other women. Since its beginnings, the brand has embodied a style that is distinctly Parisian, joyful, feminine, and always effortless. What started as a passion project between two best friends has grown into an international label with more than 400 stores worldwide.
The ba&sh aesthetic blends freedom with elegance, offering chic dresses, sharp tailoring, and versatile separates that women reach for season after season. The brand is also deeply committed to inclusivity and equality within its teams, reinforcing its vision of fashion made by women, for women.
4. Sandro
Founded in 1984 by Evelyne Chetrite and her husband, Didier Chetrite, Sandro began with a first boutique on rue Vieille-du-Temple in the Marais. Evelyne’s vision was shaped by a childhood in Morocco, surrounded by vivid colors, elegant caftans, and her grandfather’s tailoring shop. When she moved to Paris, she refined those early influences into a masculine-feminine aesthetic with unmistakable French elegance.
What started as one address has grown into an international house known for sleek tailoring, modern dresses, and a polished urban edge. Today, Evelyne continues to direct the women’s collections, while their son Ilan Chetrite leads Sandro Homme. The family spirit anchors the brand’s commitment to quality, accessibility, and increasingly responsible design.
Why we love: I personally have several dresses from Sandro that are my go-tos whenever I want to feel polished. The quality has held up beautifully over the years, making them staples in my wardrobe. And I have always had my eye on one of their purses, especially their suede bucket bags which are timeless yet modern.
5. Rouje
Founded in 2016 by model and creative director Jeanne Damas, Rouje is the embodiment of modern Parisian romance. Jeanne grew up in the Bastille neighborhood, inspired by the women she saw dining and laughing in her parents’ restaurant and later by the timeless style of her mother. She honed her eye through photography, modeling, and working alongside designer Nathalie Dumeix before channeling those experiences into her own label.
Rouje was created as a wardrobe by women, for women, built on Jeanne’s dream of clothes that feel personal, feminine, and a little retro. The brand is best known for its romantic wrap dresses, vintage-inspired denim, and softly structured blouses, each piece designed to make the woman shine first and the outfit second. Alongside ready-to-wear, Rouje has expanded into accessories and beauty, with bags like the Bibi and Le J Bag becoming cult favorites for their compact, Parisian charm.
The brand also carries a sense of responsibility, supporting women’s rights charities since its founding, with Jeanne personally serving as an ambassador for La Maison des Femmes in Saint-Denis. Most recently, Rouje partnered with J.Crew on a capsule collection that introduced its French-girl aesthetic to a wider audience, you can read more about that collaboration and view my try-on here!
Why we love: Rouje feels like a love letter to Parisian women, effortless, feminine, and full of character. The brand’s bags echo its clothing perfectly, romantic and timeless yet designed for everyday life!
6. Sézane
Founded in 2013 by Morgane Sézalory, Sézane holds the distinction of being the first French fashion brand born entirely online. What began as a curated selection of vintage pieces reworked and sold from Morgane’s Paris apartment has since evolved into a global name synonymous with modern French style, conscious production, and timeless design.
Sézane is beloved for its signature balance of everyday wearability and romantic, vintage-inspired charm. Think embroidered blouses, perfectly cut denim, statement buttons, and effortless knits. Designed in Paris and produced in ethical workshops across Europe, every piece is created to be worn, re-worn, and treasured.
The brand follows a no-overproduction model and avoids traditional sales cycles. Instead, it focuses on monthly drops and twice-yearly archives, with limited quantities that sell out fast, creating excitement around each release. In recent years, Sézane has also launched Petit Sézane, a children’s line inspired by French classics, and Demain, a philanthropic initiative supporting access to education, health, and culture worldwide.
Why we love: Naturally, Sézane had to make this list! The brand nails that effortless Parisian look: elegant, wearable, and never overdone. With thoughtfully made wardrobe staples, seasonal must-haves, and timeless accessories like the Milo bag and Justine basket, Sézane offers pieces that carry you through every season.
7. Maje
Founded in 1998 by Judith Milgrom, Maje was created as a brand for women like her: women who are constantly evolving, who want to be elegant but never constrained, and who express different sides of themselves every day. The name itself is a family tribute, formed from the initials of her loved ones, and the brand remains infused with that same family spirit.
Maje quickly became known for its playful yet polished Parisian style. Its collections balance whimsy and sophistication, from bold dresses and chic tailoring to standout coats that feel both youthful and timeless. The brand reflects the image of the Parisian woman: cosmopolitan, confident, and free.
Accessories naturally followed, with the M bag becoming a signature design. Recognizable for its fringe details and versatile shape, it embodies the same energy as the clothing: feminine, modern, and designed to move with you. You may have even spotted the M Mini Bag in suede leather making a cameo in Emily in Paris, season 1, worn by Camille, a perfect nod to its status as a playful yet chic French essential!
Why we love: Maje brings a playful edge to French fashion. The clothing feels fresh and expressive, while the M bag has become one of the brand’s most recognizable icons, offering the perfect balance of style and function.
8. A.P.C.
Founded in Paris in 1987 by Jean Touitou, A.P.C. (Atelier de Production et de Création) has become synonymous with minimalist French style. Built on a foundation of simplicity, quality, and durability, the brand appeals to those who value timeless design over fleeting trends. Its clothes are impeccably cut and discreet by nature, allowing the personality of the wearer to shine through.
A.P.C. first rose to cult status with its raw denim, beloved for its craftsmanship and longevity. Over the years, the brand expanded into a full ready-to-wear collection, offering tailored coats, understated dresses, and essential separates that embody quiet confidence.
Accessories complete the picture, and A.P.C. has designed some of our favorite understated bags. The Demi-Lune, with its curved silhouette, is effortless and versatile. The Grace adds structure with a flap design that feels timeless, while the Ana brings a softer, more casual touch. Each reflects A.P.C.’s ethos of classic simplicity and thoughtful design.
In addition to its core collections, A.P.C. has introduced its “Interactions” project, a series of collaborations with musicians, designers, and cultural icons that bring fresh creative energy while staying true to its minimalist DNA.
Why we love: A.P.C. is the ultimate expression of quiet French luxury. From impeccable denim and tailoring to bags like the Grace, Ana, and Demi-Lune, the brand proves that simplicity is always in style.
Final Thoughts: French Style, Head-to-Toe
From minimalist A.P.C. to romantic Rouje, the dreamy femininity of Vanessa Bruno, the playful edge of Maje, the polished confidence of Sandro and ba&sh, the effortless charm of Sézane, and the tomboy chic of Soeur, each of these brands shows that French style is about harmony. Clothing and accessories are designed to complement each other and to be worn with ease.
The beauty of French fashion is that you do not need much. Even adding one thoughtful piece can shift how you feel getting dressed and bring a sense of effortless elegance to your everyday. These brands remind us that true style is not about having more, but about choosing well and letting every detail feel intentional!
Looking for more French finds? You might also be interested in:
3 French Handbag Brands You Need to Know: From Sculptural Minimalism to Poetic Design
If You Love Effortless French Style, You’ll Adore These 3 Brands
With Amour,
M.