A Star is Born
An Instagram hit turned cult fashion favorite, Wandler is the accessories label taking over stylish wardrobes everywhere
Towards the end of 2017, a bag started cropping up on repeat across Instagram. A sleek leather trapeze shape, it was quietly elegant – an irresistible, wear-with-everything hybrid of classic style and modern details that had eagle-eyed women around the world trying to track it down. By fashion month the following February it had become a street-style staple, carried by a swathe of big-hitting influencers from Thora Valdimars and Linda Tol to Camille Charrière and Loulou de Saison. The label behind the bag in question? Wandler.
The Dutch label is the creation of Elza Wandler, a savvy Amsterdam-based designer who started her career at Levi’s before striking out on her own. The fact that she’s propelled her label from non-existence to cult-level status in less than two years is testament to her instinct for what women want from the perfect bag right now. Yes, her designs look seriously good – all androgynous, subtly sculptural shapes; luxury finishes courtesy of the factories in Italy where they’re crafted; and off-kilter shades alongside tan and black offerings – but they tick off the all-important boxes for day-to-day functionality, too.
That break-out shape – now instantly identifiable at 20 paces by those in the sartorial know – was the Hortensia bag. If you’re looking for an elevated everyday bag then this is it: roomy with multiple compartments to help keep you organized, it will be hard-working and reliable while making you and anything you care to wear with it look good in the process. You’ll probably recognize the label’s Anna belt bag, too, with its narrow strap and gold clasp. Small but perfectly formed, it will accommodate all your essentials and leave you hands free; this season, look out for the brown and tan snake print iteration and wear it across your body underneath your coat or jacket.
“The Dutch label is the creation of Elza Wandler, a savvy Amsterdam-based designer who started her career at Levi’s before striking out on her own
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You’ll also want to get on first-name terms with other shapes. Take the Billy, for example: a half-moon shoulder bag that’s as equally sophisticated in black mock-croc or tan. There’s the mini Corsa tote, conjured in everything from charcoal to sky blue and just the thing to swing alongside your favorite summer dresses over the coming months. The ultra-versatile Luna bag comes in retro tan corduroy or an unashamedly feminine shade of pink. And not forgetting the Al leather shoulder bag, which opens to three compartments so you can neatly organize your essentials. So, whether you err on the side of statement-making or stealth dressing, there’s a bag for you.