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Unique Travel Bags

Michaela Atiae, Staff Writer

5 mins ago

You have your famous airport outfit down and luggage to match. But to perfect your polished travel look, you always need a bag. We’re talking a stylish accessory that functions as a carry-on, and transforms seamlessly into a day-to-day bag during your travels, and go-to pouch for your essentials. Does such a bag exist? Yes — in fact we’ve compiled a list of four durable and chic options that are just as glamorous as your destination.

For the Minimalist Traveler

The Brand: Polène

Claim to Fame:

The French House of Polène’s signature is in the draping of its leather. The hand-stitching creates the look of a fold and holds the shape in place, so you don’t have to. The minimalist leather bags are the culmination of workshop visits with local artisans in Ubrique. This southern region of Spain specializes in luxury leather craftsmanship. While manufacturing takes place in Ubrique, the designs are dreamed up in Paris.

The Polène bags are ideal for travel, with multiple inside compartments that allow you to organize your valuables. The Numéro Un is a medium-sized tote that’s large enough to fit your water bottle and a pullover without looking clunky. You can use it as a spacious carry-on, or during the day. The magnetic closure also ensures relief from the worry of pickpocketing. The Numéro Neuf is a good alternative for something a bit roomier.

For the Powerhouse

Brand: DeMellier

Claim to Fame:

DeMellier founder Mireia Llusia-Lindh is a boss. She is a Harvard Business School graduate and worked as a strategy advisor for major fashion houses like Burberry and LVMH, before creating her own brand. DeMellier bags embody Lindh’s personality: wearing one is like a badge of honor, symbolizing the strength of an empowered woman. All bags are crafted sustainably in Europe and proceeds fund vaccines and treatments for SOS Children’s Villages.

DeMellier bags tend to be oversized. Whether they are a longer model, like the New York Shoulder, or have a fanned out design, like The Midi New York, you’ll have more storage than your conventional purse. The durable small-grain leather has a smooth finish, ideal for monograms, (which are free with every order). The clasp and two side buttons of the Midi New York offers extra protection, and the winged corners allow for a 16′ inch laptop to fit during your business trip.

For the Creative

The Brand: Clare V.

Claim to Fame:

Clare V. offers a range of patterns that fall somewhere between laid-back California style and Parisian sophistication. The brand uses vegetable tanned leather, which means it’s eco-friendly because fewer chemical additives are used in the production process that preserves it. They also offer customizable straps, so instead of packing a day and night bag during your travels, you can switch your strap and get a completely different look.

The Weekender or Grande Fanny are your travel companions. If we’ve lost you at “fanny,” know that fanny packs are making their comeback. The Grande Fanny is larger than your average waist-pack and comes in 23 funky patterns. From checkered to polka-dots, while flashier than the other storage options, these patterns are timeless and unobtrusive. You can detach and adjust your strap, and for the fanny-curious, it can also function as a crossbody until you’re ready to accept that fanny-packs are in.

For the Overpacker

The Brand: Badura

Claim to Fame:

The Italian brand, Badura prides itself on handmade products with raw materials. Some of these materials are especially hard to find at Badura’s pricepoint. So, if you’re in the market for skins like alligator, ostrich, or python, Badura is a relatively affordable luxury option.

In terms of travel, their Weekender and camera bags are the most practical. You’re going to want to take photos during your travels, and a camera bag that considers style just as much as functionality isn’t common. In case you end up behind someone else’s lens, you’ll be camera-ready, and still have easy access to your own equipment. The Weekender, is the biggest of our bag suggestions and has two thick handles to keep up with luggage-stuffers (you know who you are). Unisex colors, like midnight blue and brick red, make these spacious bags universally appealing. They’re meant to last a lifetime, so this one is a forever investment.