It’s been a while since a bag took the luxury world by storm. And even longer still since it was from a brand that, until fairly recently, wasn’t in the mainstream. The Row, owned by the Olsen Twins, has been sitting quietly in the shadows of high-end fashion, waiting for its moment in the spotlight. It’s one of those brands that’s been doing everything exquisitely well from the get-go but it never felt the need to make a song and dance about it. Perhaps that’s why their more recent offering, The Margaux Bag, has gotten everyone talking. Simple in design yet still stylish and practical, the Margaux is sold out almost worldwide but fear not, a few other luxury brands have taken note and decided to create their version of the bag it would seem. So, in the battle of the bags, who came out on top?

The Margaux lends its popularity to its minimalist design, with no big logos, it’s a bag for the ‘if you know, you know’-ers. The bag itself comes in four different sizes (10”,15”,17” and the east-west style). With a range of six colours total, all in muted tones, it’s perfect for quiet luxury lovers. A big draw is its top handle, which offers a hand-held style but is also deep enough to fit over the shoulder. If that’s not enough, the bag also boasts an adjustable cross-body strap. No wonder it’s a sell-out!

But as other brands caught on to The Row’s success, a few very similar bags started to appear in the high-end market. Whether these are copies or they just happened to design these ‘doctor’ style bags that can fit everything and the kitchen sink in, is up for discussion. Either way, if the Margaux isn’t quite for you but you want something similar, at least you have options!

Prada recently released their answer to the Margaux, the Large Leather Tote Bag. Granted, the name isn’t quite as charming but it does what it says on the tin. Somehow this bag seems even more minimal. The bag only comes in one size, 15”, perhaps taking note of the more popular Margaux size and arguably the most practical size for a bag of this shape and purpose. Prada only offers this bag in two colours, black and caramel so you do have less choice. Plus, on top of that, there’s no crossbody strap although, I think that’s allowed seeing as the bag goes over the shoulder and would be incredibly bulky to wear crossbody.

Finally, we have the huge bag by Ferragamo. Already winning in the name game, this bag comes not only in 10 exciting and bright colours but also in various prints, offering the biggest colour range out of all three bags. The colours range from muted neutrals to vibrant shades. The top handle doesn’t fit over the shoulder but the bag does provide a detachable adjustable crossbody strap. Meeting in the middle with two sizes, small (12.4”) and medium (14.9”), I feel this bag covers all areas! Perhaps the least minimal of all three, however, its unique design is still on the simple side, just with a twist.

So which would you choose? Are you sticking with the crowd favourite or perhaps taking the alternatives? Either way, big totes are back and I for one love them.