Bags of style: Wandler
The Dutch fashion brand that's going places
Amsterdam is a city at the forefront of European design. In recent years it has produced some of the most exciting brands to come to market and is now firmly competing with global labels in fashion, art and interiors. One design house that is certainly leading the way in the fashion world is Wandler. Founded in 2017 by Dutch native Elza Wandler, the brand launched with a core collection of elegant handbags (all named after Elza's inner circle of friends) in architectural shapes. Success quickly followed, and it was only two years later that Wandler expanded into footwear under the same unique aesthetic.
This season, two key designs are Georgia (named after stylist Georgia Tal) and Isa boot. The Georgia bag is clear in function and shape. Timeless but with unexpected dimensions, it’s available in three colourways: classic tan leather, beige zebra print and black leather with subtle white stitching. It’s compact in size, fitting just the essentials, with a short strap that can be tossed over the shoulder. The fixings are detachable so can be interchanged with the accompanying cross-body strap, or the bag can be carried on its own as a clutch. Suede-lined, with a magnetic closure and gold hardware, the design is the epitome of sophistication. When it comes to styling, the Georgia bag ticks countless boxes. It adds a ladylike air to a white T-shirt and blue denim, is smart enough to complement your work wardrobe, and is a flawless accompaniment to a metallic party dress, as shot in the campaign.
New this season are the Isa boots, with clean lines, slim profile, square toe and a block heel at the perfect mid-height. They are a wardrobe essential and the ideal update for the new season. The boots are available in four dynamic colourways – deepest black, earthy olive, tonal tan shades and, for the more adventurous, leopard print. They finish perfectly at the lower calf for an ultra-flattering silhouette. Styling options are endless, as the boots pair equally well with flowing midi skirts, wide-leg culottes and cropped, straight-leg jeans to name just a few.
The brand says it is “committed to sincere quality”, and therefore every single piece is made at carefully selected factories in Italy. The designs in each collection are thoughtfully considered, embodying modern femininity and conceived to be a reflection of the brand’s founder and designer. Elza designs accessories that she herself wants to wear, which is why each piece works on a visual but also practical level. A small team based in the Dutch capital works tirelessly to ensure the look and message is timeless, elegant and contemporary.
Trends, by their very nature, come and go. What Wandler is achieving is an aesthetic that runs deeper, producing accessories that transcend seasons for the modern, style-conscious woman. So watch out for Wandler during the coming Fashion Weeks for eye-catching street style your closet will covet.