October has brought so many beautiful new arrivals from some of my favorite French handbag brands! From rich autumn colors and soft suede to structured silhouettes and interesting new designs, there's been plenty catching my eye this month.
One of the things I enjoy most about following French leather goods brands is seeing how each approaches its collections differently. Some continue to reinterpret their signature styles through new colors and materials, while others introduce entirely new designs inspired by architecture, art, and traditional craftsmanship. I've also recently discovered a few French handbag brands that weren't previously on my radar, and I've really enjoyed learning more about their stories and collections.
For this month's edit, I've brought together a selection of pieces that stood out to me, including new releases, a few longtime favorites, and some lovely additions to my ever-growing wishlist. Whether you're searching for a new everyday handbag, considering something a little more special, or simply looking for inspiration, I hope you enjoy exploring some of my October favorites!
Founded in Paris in 2018 by two brothers with a shared passion for design and architecture, Ateliers Auguste is a French handbag brand known for its clean lines, structured silhouettes, and timeless approach to leather goods. Each collection is designed in Paris and handcrafted in Italy using Italian leathers.
Ateliers Auguste is easily one of my absolute favorite handbag brands. I personally own two of their styles, the Mini Marly and Monceau Baguette, and both have become staples in my collection. The quality and craftsmanship are incredible, and I especially appreciate how the brand creates bags that feel polished, elegant, and easy to incorporate into an everyday wardrobe.
I also had the opportunity to visit their flagship boutique in Le Marais during my last trip home to France. You can watch my boutique visit and learn more about the brand here!
Styles I'm Loving:
Ateliers Auguste recently introduced new silhouettes, along with seasonal colorways and materials for some of its bestselling designs.
Colette & Mini Colette: I'm absolutely obsessed with these new styles! I love their structured shapes and elegant proportions, which feel so true to the brand's minimalist aesthetic. The Mini Colette is particularly tempting, as I've always gravitated toward smaller, polished bags that can easily transition from day to evening.
New Colors & Materials: The brand has also introduced some gorgeous updates to its bestselling styles, including burgundy and black croc-embossed leather, chocolate brown suede, and blue suede. I'm particularly drawn to the deeper brown and burgundy shades, which would pair beautifully with the neutral pieces I tend to wear most often.
Founded in Paris in 2013 by Léo Dominguez and Violette Polchi, Léo et Violette is a French leather goods brand known for its refined silhouettes, thoughtful design, and timeless approach to handbags. Designed in Paris and handcrafted in family-run workshops in Italy, its collections feature beautiful leathers and signature styles that evolve through new colors, materials, and finishes.
One of my favorite details is the story behind the brand's signature Diapason clasp. Inspired by the shape of a tuning fork, it's a nod to Violette's background as a classically trained opera singer. I love how this personal detail has become such a recognizable part of the brand's identity, adding another lovely dimension to its designs.
I also had the opportunity to visit one of their Parisian boutiques during my last trip home to France, where I got to explore the collections and appreciate the craftsmanship up close. You can learn more about the brand, the story behind the Diapason clasp, and watch my boutique visit here!
Styles I'm Loving:
Le Canto: One of the brand's newest introductions, Le Canto was created in collaboration with the iconic Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris. Inspired by the theatre's architecture, its curved lines echo the famous ceiling and dome, while a leather charm references the design of its theatre boxes. I absolutely love the story behind this collaboration. It's such a thoughtful way to incorporate a piece of Parisian architecture into a contemporary handbag.
Le Daily Soft Laurence: Of course, I couldn't leave out one of my longtime favorites! The Le Daily Soft Laurence is still very much on my wishlist. Its relaxed shape has a beautiful, polished quality that I tend to look for in an everyday bag. I can easily picture it styled with a trench coat, knitwear, or simply jeans and a classic white shirt.
A recent discovery for me, Kassandre is a Parisian leather goods house that brings together art, architecture, and contemporary design. Inspired by Cassandra, the prophetess of Greek mythology, the brand explores the balance between structure and softness, strength and elegance. Drawing from Art Deco architecture, its collections feature geometric lines, sculptural shapes, and distinctive proportions that give each handbag a character of its own.
What I find particularly interesting about Kassandre is its connection to the world of art and design. The brand has collaborated with Galerie Marcilhac in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, presenting its handbags alongside works of decorative art and design. It also has a private residence at 219 Rue Saint-Honoré in Paris, dedicated to collection presentations, exhibitions, and creative conversations.
Styles I'm Loving:
Odyssée Large Hobo: The Odyssée has a beautiful, relaxed silhouette with elegant proportions and lovely leather detailing. It can be carried by hand using its interlocking metal rings or worn with its leather handle, offering two different ways to style the bag. Its generous size also makes it a wonderful option for carrying everyday essentials and a few extra items throughout the day.
Eileen Clutch: Named after architect and designer Eileen Gray, the Eileen Clutch brings a more geometric approach to evening dressing. Its graphic lines, metallic frame, and folded shape give it such a striking presence. I can easily picture it paired with a simple black dress or tailored evening look, allowing the design itself to take center stage.
Founded in 2017 by Agnès, Baubeau Paris is a French leather goods brand known for its understated silhouettes, timeless colors, and thoughtful approach to everyday handbags. Designed with both elegance and practicality in mind, each piece combines clean lines with functional details, creating handbags intended to accompany women through their daily lives. Handcrafted in Italy, the collections reflect the brand's appreciation for traditional craftsmanship, quality leathers, and contemporary design.
A recent discovery for me, Baubeau has caught my attention with its refined designs and an exciting new collaboration with French content creator Manon Laime. Together, they've created the Carolyn, a new handbag launching online on October 25, 2026.
Style I'm Loving:
Carolyn: Created in collaboration with Manon Laime, the Carolyn is a new Mum Bag designed with busy, everyday life in mind. Its generous proportions offer plenty of room for daily essentials and all the little extras, while its soft, feminine silhouette gives it an effortlessly chic feel. I especially love the idea behind this collaboration and how the Carolyn combines the practicality of a spacious tote with such a lovely design. The Carolyn is set to launch online on October 25, 2026.
Founded in Paris in 2015 by Jingjing Fan, Elleme is a contemporary French handbag brand recognized for its sculptural shapes, thoughtful details, and modern approach to everyday luxury. Its name comes from the French expression “Elle aime,” meaning “she loves.” Designed in Paris and crafted in Italy, the collections combine distinctive proportions, fine materials, and a refined, contemporary aesthetic.
Elleme has appeared in quite a few of my previous handbag edits, and it's a brand I continue to revisit. I'm especially drawn to the way it experiments with different shapes while keeping its designs relatively simple and easy to style.
Styles I'm Loving:
Ella Bag: I've always had a soft spot for east-west shoulder bags, and the Ella is a particularly lovely interpretation. Its curved shape and delicate hardware give it a polished, sophisticated finish. It's exactly the kind of bag I'd reach for with tailored trousers, a fine knit, or a simple pair of jeans.
Le Box Leather: The two gold-tone buckles are what first caught my attention. Paired with the rectangular shape, they give Le Box a slightly vintage-inspired character that feels both classic and contemporary. I particularly like the contrast between its clean lines and more decorative hardware.
Belt Bag Small: For something more relaxed, the Belt Bag Small offers a softer tote silhouette with an adjustable belt and signature buckle. It's a lovely interpretation of an everyday tote, particularly if you enjoy a more relaxed silhouette with polished details.
Founded by Mathilde and Maxime, Maison Rinceau is a French leather goods brand inspired by architecture, travel, and traditional craftsmanship. Drawing from Italian architecture, particularly the proportions, curves, and decorative details found throughout Rome, Florence, and Venice, the brand creates handbags that balance structured shapes with softer, flowing lines.
The name Rinceau refers to an ornamental motif often carved in stone, reflecting the brand's appreciation for architecture and decorative arts. Each piece is developed with an emphasis on beauty and functionality, with close attention to the leather, stitching, metalwork, and finishing details.
Style I'm Loving:
Le Gabriel: One of Maison Rinceau's newest introductions, the Gabriel is available for pre-order at the time of writing, and it's such a lovely addition to the collection! Its design begins with the brand's signature clasp, reinterpreted through a series of curves, repeating lines, and symmetrical details. The bag takes its name from Ange-Jacques Gabriel, the French architect behind the Petit Trianon at Versailles, whose work is celebrated for its sense of proportion and architectural harmony. What I find especially interesting is how this inspiration carries through the design, from the bag's overall shape to the clasp and coordinating short strap.
Founded in Paris in 1876 by Angèle Lancel, Lancel is one of France's historic leather goods houses, celebrated for its craftsmanship, recognizable designs, and distinctly Parisian approach to luxury. With nearly 150 years of heritage, the Maison continues to combine traditional savoir-faire with contemporary influences. Its collections are designed in Paris and primarily crafted in Italy.
Lancel is another French brand I've featured in previous edits, and I always enjoy seeing how it reinterprets its archives through new collections. From recognizable classics to more modern designs, there's a wonderful mix of styles to explore.
Styles I'm Loving:
Origami de Lancel: Inspired by the Japanese art of paper folding, the Origami features a clever construction made from carefully assembled leather panels. A concealed zippered gusset creates its curved, almost smile-like shape, while the supple leather gives it a relaxed feel. I particularly like that it comes in sizes ranging from mini to maxi, offering different options depending on how you prefer to carry your bag.
Swann de Lancel: Drawing inspiration from the Maison's archives and its iconic Premier Flirt collection, the Swann reinterprets familiar design elements in a more minimalist shopper shape. This is one I'd consider for an everyday bag, especially if you're looking for something with a little more room and a beautifully polished design.
Ninon de Lancel: One of the brand's signature collections, the Ninon is recognizable for its logo handle, curved details, and asymmetrical zipper. The combination of chain and leather straps gives it several carrying options, while the hardware adds a lovely touch of personality to the design.
Premier Flirt de Lancel: Another longtime icon, the Premier Flirt features the Maison's curved shape, twisted front pocket, contrasting stitching, and leather tassel details. It has a distinctly feminine, slightly playful character that makes it such a recognizable part of Lancel's collection.
Founded in Paris in 1834, Au Départ is a historic French luxury leather goods house with a heritage rooted in travel, craftsmanship, and refined design. Originally known for its luxury trunks and travel accessories, the Maison established its boutiques near some of Paris's most recognizable landmarks, including the Palais Garnier.
Today, Au Départ continues to celebrate its history through contemporary handbags and accessories featuring its signature L'Hexagon monogram, a geometric motif inspired by the hexagonal outline of France.
Au Départ sits at a more luxurious, investment-level price point, but it's a house I've been seeing more of lately, and its designs have really caught my attention. I'm especially drawn to its signature monogram totes. The geometric pattern feels distinctive, and I like that the collection offers both more structured pieces and relaxed everyday shapes.
Styles I'm Loving:
Tote No. 28: This is one of the designs that first caught my attention. I love the smaller tote proportions paired with the Maison's signature L'Hexagon print, which gives the bag a distinctive character. The accompanying leather card pouch is also a thoughtful addition, particularly for keeping smaller essentials organized.
Étoile: I particularly like how the design draws on the Maison's travel heritage, with beautiful proportions and details reminiscent of traditional travel cases. Its structured silhouette and elegant finishing make it such a lovely addition to the collection.
Céleste: For a softer silhouette, the Céleste features a gently curved profile designed to sit close to the body. Available in both leather and the signature monogram canvas, it offers a more relaxed way to incorporate the Maison's recognizable details into an everyday wardrobe.
Final Thoughts
There have been so many lovely new arrivals and handbag styles catching my eye this October! From familiar favorites introducing new colors and silhouettes to a few French brands I've only recently discovered, it's always exciting to see what's new and explore the different designs each season brings.
One of the things I particularly enjoy about French handbag brands is the variety, from timeless everyday pieces to more distinctive designs inspired by art, architecture, and traditional craftsmanship. There's always something interesting to discover, and quite a few styles have found their way onto my ever-growing wishlist this month!
I hope you enjoyed exploring some of my current favorites and perhaps came across a new French handbag brand or style to add to your own wishlist.
I'll continue sharing the handbags, new arrivals, and brands that catch my eye throughout the season. In the meantime, you can explore more of my current handbag favorites here, where I regularly share the styles I've been loving lately.
Looking for more handbag inspiration? You might also enjoy:
18 European Brands With Suede Handbags to Carry This Fall & Winter
Inside Fauvette Paris: Boutique Passage Doré, Favorite Handbags & the Parisian Atelier
With Amour,
M.