Sorry Radley! These dated handbag brands will make you look mumsy - here's where stylish A-listers and Royals are shopping instead

Sorry Radley! These dated handbag brands will make you look mumsy - here's where stylish A-listers and Royals are shopping instead

Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn moreTote bags might have had their moment, but still there's nothing as chic as a good handbag. Unfortunately, there are a few brands that are bound to make you look a little mumsy, no matter how great the rest of your outfit. So, hold on to your hats, ladies, because what I'm about to say might not be well-received; particularly if you're still clutching the straps of a certain 2010s staple.If you continue to rely on that trusty Radley handbag this might be the sign to update your 'bag-drobe'. While their bags were once a symbol of style and success, the brand no longer carries the same fashion kudos and can even feel a little dated.As for other formerly 'It' handbags, it's bad news for Michael Kors, whose bags feel just as relevant as a CD. Nostalgia has little place in your outfits; why not keep it in the back of your wardrobe instead?And while the Marc Jacobs tote bag still has its moment, the less said about other bags, including 'Marc by Marc Jacobs', the better. If you're now wondering what you should be carrying all of your daily essentials in, don't worry. We've compiled a list of the 'In' handbag brands and styles that have been royal and A-lister approved. European label DeMellier is loved by the celebs including The Devil Wears Prada trio, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Meryl Streep who have all been pictured carrying a bag from the brand. Aspinal of London is a brand not only adored by the royals – Zara Tindall owns a healthy collection of their handbags – but also supermodels Gigi Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski as well as Selena Gomez.Fairfax & Favor is another royal-approved brand known for its chic country heritage style often sported by the likes of the Princess of Wales and Duchess of Edinburgh. The little-known Dragon Diffusion is a quiet achiever with its Bottega Veneta-style bags and purses that fashion-lovers ought to explore, while Mulberry remains a strong favourite with its timelessly elegant designs. Another royal-loved handbag brand to keep an eye on is Scottish-designed bags of Strathberry that can elevate almost any outfit. DeMellierLondon-based brand DeMellier has caught the attention of not just supermodels Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Emily Ratajkowski, but the Princess of Wales and Zara TindallDeMellier is a London-based handbag brand that A-list celebs and royals cannot get enough of. The brand was founded in 2017 and has since been worn by the likes of Anne Hathaway, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Emily Ratajkowski. Kate Middleton has been a long-time fan of the brand, having worn the DeMellier Nano Montreal bag since 2021. Most recently, she was spotted carrying the bag at Wimbledon over the summer. The princess also wore the DeMellier Small Hudson bag in mocha brown suede at the Christmas Day service at Sandringham in 2025.Some of its most popular styles include 'The New York Tote', with a structured shape and spacious inside. And, with prices starting at £395, DeMellier's handbags feel like a more accessible option to a well-made and beautiful bag.The brand's six most popular styles... Aspinal of London Gigi Hadid wearing the Aspinal of London Mayfair bag in October 2021Zara Tindall is no stranger to Aspinal of London handbags. In fact, the royal has almost 50 styles in her wardrobe, including the Mini Mayfair handbag in burgundy as well as more practical styles that include the Soho Crescent and City Holdall.Princess Kate is another firm fan of the brand and has been seen carrying the Mini Mayfair in black five times between 2018 and 2022. But it's not just the royals who are obsessed with Aspinal. Across the pond, Hollywood A-listers have been seen carrying Aspinal bags. Even megastar Taylor Swift was spotted with the Trunk clutch bag while out with Travis Kelce in 2025.Fairfax & Favor Fairfax & Favor is quintessentially British, known for its country-to-town lifestyle wear. It's also quintessentially royal, with Zara Tindall appointed as an official brand ambassador in March 2025.Unsurprisingly, she wears their bags a lot. Some of her favourite styles include the Connie bag, the Mini Loxley in brown croc and perhaps the most aptly named, the Mini Windsor. So, in royal dressing 101, Fairfax & Favor would appear top of the list. Zara Tindall in a Fairfax & Favor campaign wearing the Mini Aviemore bagStrathberry Strathberry is another brand that has received the royal stamp of approval, recently worn by the Princess of Wales and Zara TindallStrathberry is another 'In' handbag brand that has received the royal stamp of approval. The bags, designed in Scotland, have been worn on multiple occasions by the Princess of Wales, who particularly favours the Strathberry Multrees Chain Wallet. Zara Tindall has also worn the brand, recently carrying the Strathberry Mosaic Nano bag at Wimbledon this summer.Exuding grace, style and elegance, it's easy to see why the brand is a favourite of the royals. Strathberry is timeless and is sure to royally elevate any outfit.Dragon Diffusion Dragon Diffusion Luna Mezza Woven Leather Shoulder Bag in dark brownSpecialising in woven leather handbags, Dragon Diffusion's selection of gorgeous totes and bags are easily wearable but will definitely make you look like you know more about fashion than you otherwise do (or don't!).The bags can be dressed up and down as has been showcased by the celebs and royals who have carried them. Dakota Johnson, on the other hand, was spotted wearing the Santa Croce Woven Handbag in 2022 with a much more casual, monochrome black look.Mulberry Princess Kate wore the Mulberry Amberley satchel on a royal visit to Belfast earlier this monthMulberry is a classic brand that is still just as relevant (and stylish) today. Princess Kate has worn a selection of Mulberry handbags, including the Mulberry Amberley satchel she wore during a visit to Northern Ireland earlier this month.In fact, Kate's relationship with Mulberry predates that of the Royal Family. The Princess (before she was a princess) frequently wore the Mulberry Araline Satchel and Mulberry Hellier Tote.The Mulberry Amberley clutch was also Zara Tindall's choice for the Royal Ascot in 2025 and 2026. Our takeaway? Royal or not, Mulberry has continued to stand the test of time.

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