Documented By: Brie Leon
Hulking behind the obvious and all-important question—does it look good with my outfit?—there are other, challenging elements at play when it comes to picking the right handbag to leave the house with on any given day: Will it be big enough to fit commuting essentials, such as a book, an extra sweater and a water bottle? Perhaps even a laptop? Will it survive the weather if it unexpectedly turns? Can it be worn crossbody for ease of mind in a crowd? Does it have a strap in case I want to have my hands free? Is it the right size for the event, or will it risk drawing the ire of people who’ll disdain its ludicrous capaciousness?
Thankfully, Brie Leon’s latest collection comes with an answer—in bag form—to all your needs. The Sydney-based brand’s considered and ever-chic designs are fast becoming cult pieces, both globally and in their home country of Australia — so much so that getting your hands on its sold out Croissant Bag in black has become a feat in itself (a hint: they just came back in stock on RIISE). Each style is guided by naturalistic elements and vintage-inspired, fluid shapes, and, the majority of Brie Leon’s pieces are made from recycled and sustainable materials. This includes an apple-waste based ‘leather’ and rPVB, a material that reuses glass originally made for use in cars and buildings.
Without further adieu, see our top picks for any occasion below.
The bag that means business
The bag that means business
The Everyday Croissant Bag is one of Brie Leon’s most popular pieces (and one of RIISE’s best sellers) for a reason. It’s roomy and practical, which makes it the perfect piece to grab on your way out the door for work or a Saturday spent schlepping around the city, and its design is simple enough to suit every outfit with its buckle detail adding an unexpected, vintage-inspired edge. This season, it comes in an on-trend dark denim nubuck shade for easy, business-cool.
The everyday hardworker
The everyday hardworker
The Alma is the kind of bag that you’ll find yourself reaching for in thick and thin, in good times and bad. A quick pop to the grocery store? Take Alma. Need to fit all the essentials in for a coffee date? Alma’s your girl. With a roomy interior and a crossbody strap that means that you’ll have the freedom to go about your day while she’s around, Alma is reliable and dependable—and she doesn’t compromise in the looks department, either. With a delicate ruching at the opening and a gorgeous buttery finish, Alma is available on RIISE in black, chocolate and cashew: the only problem will be picking which one you like best.
The wedding date
The wedding date
Who needs a plus one when you have this beauty on the crook of your elbow? The Alma Mini is the best kind of arm candy. It’ll fit everything you need when it comes to event dressing, while still being compact, sleek and subtle—letting you, the main event, really shine. Our favourite? The buttery soft paw paw hue, which looks like a tropical smoothie. The ‘90s-inspired silhouette fits perfectly under the shoulder and its medium-size means you have a bit of wiggle room for sunglasses, lipglosses and, perhaps, a similarly ‘90s-era digital camera.
The street style hero
The street style hero
Sling the Tie Knot Mini over your shoulder and watch heads turn. Its asymmetric shape is perfectly attuned to the season, while simultaneously being something timeless that you’ll reach for year upon year. The Tie Knot Mini make an otherwise simple look—a collared knit and slacks, for example, or a jeans-and-trainers moment—elevated (and isn’t that what we really want from our accessories a lot of the time?) and for work events and cocktail parties, she’s primed and ready to go before you are. The black and cashew shades are go-to neutrals, but the denim nubuck is surprisingly versatile too. For more room, opt for the Knot Bucket bag—same, avant-garde design, but with even more space for the necessities.
Brie Leon
Brie Leon
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Brie Leon