Love Da Milano's Leather Bags? Check Out These Alternatives

The minute you walk into a Nappa Dori store, or visit their website, you're bound to notice how seamlessly the brand tends to blend aesthetic, contemporary craftsmanship, and minimalism, while making all their products most functional. They are known for bags, trunks, luggage, footwear to even stationary, and Cafe Dori is where they celebrate the love for coffee in every flagship store. At the moment, we're loving their Odyssey collection in which everything is made up of great quality Vachetta Italian leather that is durable and functional. When it comes to prices, Nappa Dori is steep but similar to Da Milano in its design sensibilities, but with more of a contemporary twist to it. 

LBB's Pick: Crusader

Hidesign as a brand is known for its strong heritage when it comes to craftsmanship, sustainability, and innovative design. Established even before Da Milano, Hidesign is still one of the top brands that come to mind when we think fine, top quality leather goods. Each bag is handmade by craftsmen with an average of 17 years of experience and expertise, which is super fascinating. What we also love about Hidesign is how most brands, to keep up with demand over the years, switched to cheaper chrome tanning while they stuck to vegetable tanning, using natural seeds and barks native to South India, creating and designing fashionable leathers that get better as they age. 

LBB's Pick: Watson Tote Bag

When it comes to work totes, and mom bags, this Kalki Kochelin-approved brand has our hearts. We love how the bags are mostly all neutral or bright coloured with fuss-free, minimal designs. When it comes to the price tags, Irth is much lower down the scale compared to Da Milano. They're all about elevating your everyday looks and being around 'for the long haul', which we appreciate. When it comes to their collections, we're big fans of their totes, especially of how almost all of them look different and sway away from the basic boxy tote look. They also have a couple etched design ones, which look fabulous and are trending at the moment. Their totes also come with detachable organisers that are great if you're someone who likes to carry their world in their bag. 

LBB's Pick: Moon Tote

When it comes to designs and silhouettes, we feel Miraggio comes closest to Da Milano because of how sleek and modern, yet timeless their handbags look. Their structured totes look great for work and for folks who love carrying oversized bags in general. We also love how they tend to play around with colours, especially trending ones that you usually don't see when it comes to the 'older' brands. Miraggio also does a great job when it comes to smaller handbags in contemporary designs that look luxe as well. 

LBB's Pick: Lyla Handbag 

When it comes to mid-level luxe bags and shoes, Aldo ranks on top of our list. We're in love with their latest Spring Collection, 2023, that is all about comfort, durability, fashion and being trend-setters. When it comes to handbags for both men and women, you'll spot a lot of quilted, two-tone, structured bags that are great for the price point when it comes to fine leather goods. 

LBB's Pick: Oleritha Women's Tote Bag 

Women led and homegrown, Gusto is a brand that is making big waves in the accessory and bag industry with their super oversized bags that are specifically designed for working individuals who love carrying their entire world in their bags (Or don't have an option but to carry their laptops with them everywhere they go). They have etched design and solid-coloured bags with detachable straps. All their products are made of vegan leather and are super lightweight. Spotted on the likes of actor Ahsaas and actor Saloni Chopra, this brand definitely gets a thumbs up from us. 

LBB's Pick: Celeste Tote