Elevate Your Accessory Arsenal With Serapian’s Ultra-Chic Handbags

When it comes to heritage, few fashion houses can boast a history as glittering as Italian accessories label Serapian. Founded in Milan almost a century ago, it was in 1928 that Milanese local Stefano Serapian first discovered his preternatural passion and talent for leatherwork, experimenting with the leftovers from a local workshop. From these humble beginnings, Serapian built an eponymous label that was immediately adopted by the Milanese elite and went on to be a favorite of enduring Hollywood icons such as Audrey Hepburn, Ingrid Bergman and Bette Davis. Unsurprisingly, the label, which up until then was the reserve of the most ardent fashion fans, exploded in popularity. Flash forward to 2021 and Serapian is firmly entrenched in the fashion canon; and, as life returns to some semblance of normality, and handbags become an essential part of our wardrobes once again, the brand has never been more relevant.

For many women, the pandemic was a time when personal style took somewhat of a backseat. Whether you fall into this camp or not, a luxe handbag is a fail-safe way to elevate your daily look in an instant. With many of us returning to the office and once again juggling jam-packed dairies, there has never been a better time to invest in a capacious holdall with room for the essentials, and then some. Enter: Serapian’s ‘Secret’ tote. This understated canvas bag, complete with leather trim, is the ultimate on-the-go piece to add to your accessory arsenal. Roomy enough to carry everything from a laptop to workout gear, you’re guaranteed to have it on constant rotation.

When Stefano Serapian brought his signature ‘Mosaico’ leather to life in 1947, he created a speciality so unique that it would become one of the maison’s hallmarks. As part of the ‘Mosaico’ process, strips of lamb nappa less than a centimeter wide are painstakingly handwoven together by skilled artisans to create a geometric, hypnotic effect somewhere between Byzantine mosaics and Japanese origami.

Of course, a major part of Serapian’s appeal is impeccable craftsmanship, of which the brand’s ‘Lorelei’ tote in ‘Mosaico’ leather is a perfect example. The perfect finishing touch to everything from oversized suiting to lived-in denim and this season’s must-have sweater dress, this piece boasts endless style mileage, not least because it can be worn as either a top handle or cross-body style, depending on your mood. You’ll find yourself reach for this bag season after season.

If it’s your evening capsule that needs updating, then Serapian’s ‘Secret’ clutch is the style for you. Masterful leatherwork is, of course, the brand’s calling card, and this butter-soft woven leather design is utterly delectable. Like all good leather it gets better with age, and whether you opt for a playful pink hue or a classic monochrome color combination, this exquisitely crafted piece is sure to only improve – and get more supple – with each and every use.

It’s easy to think that, in a fashion context, heirlooms are limited to the likes of fine jewelry and watches. However, Serpaian’s unwavering commitment to quality means that the label’s handbags are more than worthy of the title.