The last thing my wardrobe (or my boyfriend) wants me to invest in is yet another handbag. Turns out, it's their unlucky day as DeMellier's Siena Hobo bag is now on my radar, and there's no point in stopping me until I manage to get my hands on said bag. We're currently in the middle of a vintage bag revival, if you will, and that isn't only characterised by my own research, aka the shocking amount of Chloé Paddington bags I saw on the train this morning. Wider fashion knowledge suggests that bags we haven't seen in decades; the Celine Phantom, Balenciaga Le City and Louis Vuitton's Alma are, once again, flying up wish lists. Who'd have thought? It's all part of a cultural zeitgeist that values longevity in designer items (how much will it actually be worth in a decade) over throwaway trends that end up on the likes of eBay, Vinted, Depop - or all three.
That's where DeMellier comes in. For those unfamiliar with the brand, Llusia-Lindh launched it (originally in 2010 under the name Milli Millu) with the mission to 'create handbags with no compromises.' In short, that means keeping the prices attainable and not unrealistic for most, as well as its pieces being ethically made in factories in Europe. Lo and behold, soon after its rebrand to DeMellier in 2017, its designs were spotted hanging from the arms of celebrity royalty, Kendall Jenner and Katie Holmes, and actual royalty, Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle. Back to the present day, it's the New York Midi Tote (particularly its chocolate brown suede iteration) that's stolen the spotlight, with its trapezoidal style inspired by the city. But, what I'm about to tell you might come as a surprise - I don't think the New York Midi Tote is the bag to watch this autumn/winter, my guess is on The Siena Hobo.
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DeMellier's Siena bag is designed in an oversized crescent shape to provide that perfect everyday size - where you don't have to pick and choose what essentials to carry with you on a daily basis. On the outside, there's a brushed gold-plated magnetic padlock, as well as a central zip closure. On the inside, there's an interior zip pocket, cotton lining and a foil embossed DeMellier logo.
The Siena Hobo bag is understated (dare I say quiet luxury) in all the right ways. It's made from soft, sustainably-sourced grain cowhide and has an easy slouch thanks to both its material and crescent silhouette. Its gleaming gold-plated magnetic padlock nods to the icons of handbag history - although I know what you're thinking. A padlock? In 2025? This isn't a Chloé Paddington or a Hermès Kelly, but that's exactly the point. DeMellier's bags channel that same sense of timelessness (and practicality with a working padlock), without the five-figure price tag or the inability to put it down anywhere. The Siena Hobo bag is also one that's created for everyday use, with interior details like a roomy main compartment, anti-scratch zip and a small interior pocket.
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The lightest of the four colours, the off-white shade is the perfect colour for seeing out the end of summer. Whether you choose to pair it with a mini dress or jeans and a tee, just know this bag will have people asking you where it's from.
The four-choice colour selection available in the Siena style is also impeccable. In black, it's the ultimate failsafe bag - sharp with tailoring by day and just as chic slung over your shoulder with a mini dress and kitten heels for the evening. The tan colourway brings that seventies-tinged polish, perfect for pairing with denim and a white button-down shirt. Off-white feels somewhat more summery, and is the kind of neutral that lightens up midi dresses and monochrome without ever being impractical. Then there's the bright red for those who prefer to dress boldly - a colour that can easily turn a simple pair of jeans and a white t-shirt into something more vibrant.
If you're looking for a designer bag to invest in that feels timeless but not predictable (and won't leave you without groceries for the foreseeable), DeMellier's Siena Hobo bag makes a strong case. With its soft leather construction, gold padlock detail and roomy shape, it has all the hallmarks of a forever bag, and will quietly set you apart from a sea of suede totes this autumn/winter - I think it's time to start clearing some room in my wardrobe.
Shop: DeMellier's Siena Hobo Bag In Alternative Colours
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Tan makes for the perfect transitional shade, and, quite frankly, the Siena Hobo bag looks fantastic in it. With a gold lock that stands out on the caramel brown, style the bag with similarly coloured accessories.
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The brightest colour of the bunch, if you're someone who enjoys a pop of red in their outfits, DeMellier has made this bag for you. Wear with contrasting shades of red and burgundy, or add to a more pared-back outfit for a statement look.
Main image credit: Instagram/@michellelin.lin
Gemma Lavers is a fashion commerce writer at Grazia, where she tracks down viral pieces and is as comfortable navigating the M&S new-in page as she is dissecting the latest celebrity look. When not writing, shopping or at Reformer Pilates (a cliché but she's hooked), Gemma will likely be planning her next holiday (and what she's going to wear). For a glimpse into said travels, outfit inspo and life as a journalist, follow her on Instagram or TikTok.