Best satchels that exude retro charm
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No accessory has a broader target market than the satchel. This may seem surprising considering the silhouette’s schoolgirl associations and twee appeal. But in reality, the satchel is a dark horse of the fashion industry which has dominated trends for decades.
The bag is easily one of the most distinctive in style. Featuring a sturdy leather construction, a box-like shape, a fold-over flap and perforated straps which mirror that of a briefcase, the satchel is functional to its very core.
This was certainly the case for Roman soldiers who used satchels to carry personal items and rations. Fast forward to 300 AD and the same goes for Scottish monks who would carry tier bibles in satchel bags. Satchels only gained their ubiquity among pupils around the 1700s, when children used them to transport books to and from the classroom. Preferably paired with white knitted ankle socks and Mary Janes.
The bags remained a go-to school staple for the next 250 years, with children religiously slinging their trusty satchels on their backs throughout pre and post-war Europe.
So how did we go from kidswear clutch to celebrity must-have? Think back to the 2010s, a divisive time for fashion. From neon tights to graphic Topshop tees and skinny jeans, fashion faux pas epitomised the decade. Kitsch ruled and that brought ditsy print florals, owl necklaces and red lipstick à la Zoey Deschanel to the forefront. Satchels neatly slotted into the cutesy category of library chic and were snapped up by those known for their girlish aesthetics.
Taylor Swift is the first satchelista that springs to mind. Stepping out with Beara Beara’s Santa Anna vintage leather satchel on multiple occasions, the singer sparked satchel mania among her legion of fans and fellow 2010 poster girls. Close friends Emma Stone and Cara Delevingne both added classic renditions to their elevated preppy archives. Sophia Bush and Rita Ora also fell prey to the purse, sporting colourful Cambridge Satchels for festivals and shopping sprees alike. Satchels became kryptonite for any beret-bearing star of the time.
As evidenced by low-slung jeans and polka dot prints, fashion loves a comeback. But fashion loves a challenge even more. In an attempt to reimagine the arguably passé satchel, luxury brands took to the drawing boards. Heritage houses such as Mulberry wholeheartedly embraced the satchel, injecting the prim silhouette with luxury connotations to covet. Gucci, Balmain and Etro debuted sleek recreations of the once-quaint piece. Snow leopard print and crimson horsehair detailing encouraged the FROW to fall once again for satchel fever.
Add a touch of timelessness to your winter wardrobe with a satchel to see you through to spring. Discover our edit below.
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Cambridge Satchel The 15 Inch Batchel
For a true heritage piece, look to Cambridge Satchel. The brand was founded in 2008 with a frugal £600 budget and evolved into the kingpin of satchels, worth over £40 million by 2014. Its iconic satchel design is a classic. Crafted from luxurious materials, the brand only uses leather which is a by-product of the food industry.
Beara Beara Santa Anna Vintage Brown Leather Satchel
Beara Beara’s Santa Anna best-seller comes celebrity-approved. Owned by Taylor Swift, the medium-sized satchel is a practical companion for your daily commute. Antique push straps adorn a patent leather backdrop, radiating quintessential British charm. Marvel at the red tartan interior as you pop your laptop and your daily essentials inside.
Polo Ralph Lauren Polo ID Croc-Embossed Leather Satchel
Ralph Lauren’s Polo ID Croc-Embossed Leather Satchel is the epitome of elegance. Gold hardware is set on a croc-embossed exterior to form a timeless heritage piece to pass on to future generations. Make use of the dual-compartments and supple suede interior that adds a luxe and hard-wearing finishing touch.
Dr. Martens 11 Inch Kiev Smooth Leather Satchel
The schoolgirl satchel is given a punk revamp with this sturdy Dr. Martens leather offering. The brand is known for its failsafe leather goods and the Kiev satchel is ideal for those wanting to bring some edge to their wardrobe. It features heavy-duty metal hardware, strong buckle fastening and the brand’s insignia stitch detail.
Mulberry Pimlico Satchel
Splash out on a satchel to last a lifetime. Heritage Brit brand Mulberry is celebrated for its elevated designs, so it only seems natural there should be a satchel or two among them. The Pimlico Satchel offers a smaller bag for the essentials. Made from buttery black leather, the piece is a must for suave evening outings or day-to-day use. If it is good enough for the Princess of Wales, it's good enough for us.
Zatchels Handmade Leather Satchel
See by Chloé Saddie Leather Satchel Bag
Loewe Paseo Leather Satchel Bag
Seasalt Cornwall Penarven Leather Satchel Backpack
Louis Vuitton Diane Satchel
Louis Vuitton is making a convincing case for adding a wildly opulent satchel to add to your wishlist. The lavish piece is an investment, with the brand’s insignia monogram, contrasting trim and an archival-inspired gold buckle adding to its 90s aesthetic. The selling point? An exclusive wide jacquard strap which reverses from a bold Louis Vuitton signature to a subtle Monogram Flower motif.
Verdict
Given its heritage status, it would almost be rude not to cast our vote for The Cambridge Satchel Co. However, if you’re searching for a smaller everyday piece, we’d look to See by Chloé’s Saddie Leather Satchel Bag. With its flirty cowgirl fringing and gold hoop detailing, we’d never take it off.