By Janice Sim - published
The tides have shifted. For the most part, everyone’s journeying to East Asia for their share of fun, food and ultimately, fashion. Early signs were hinted a few years ago when a stream of fashion week regulars toted around a foreign name known as Songmont, as the Chinese brand then went on to open its first exhibition during Paris fashion week in 2024.
Songmont isn’t the only player in the ‘Big 4’ fashion capitals. Back in 2019, Shanghai label Icicle opened its doors on 35 Avenue George V and is now a season regular on the Paris fashion week calendar. Today, the label continues to garner global attention with its apparel and bags—spotted on fashion influencers, models and editors worldwide.
Related article: 10 Thai Bag Brands To Check Out On Your Next Trip To Bangkok
What’s Special About Chinese Bag Brands?
There is a Chinese idiom, 饮水思源, which translates to: “when drinking water, think of its source”. Often, Chinese bag brands honour Chinese heritage and culture through their designs. From porcelain-inspired colours to traditional craftsmanship, you’ll find beautiful accents that tell a deeper story within the bag itself. For instance, Songmont’s Song range heeds the construction of a swallow kite that implements bamboo frames to hold up its light shape.
Is The Quality of Chinese Bag Brands Comparable to European Brands?
Contrary to what many might assume based on their affordable price points, craft and quality both sit as the focus of Chinese bag brands. In the production process, which is carried out in small-batches, there are artisans that work meticulously using full-grain leather and natural fabrics.
Related article: 8 Chinese Skincare Brands You Need To Know—And Where To Buy Them
Chinese Bag Brands To Shop Now
1. Cafuné
Its name refers to the emotional connection between the wearer and an item, and the brand has a sizable collection of bags to show for it. Cafuné’s styles range between modern and vintage designs, with quality as a guiding principle. While that might mean slower production cycles, the brand is devoted to putting forth true craftsmanship in its products, often utilising sustainable leather and recycled polyester.
Where to buy: Cafuné
2. Songmont
From a Shanxi-based start-up to a global name that has made its way to Paris fashion week, what began as founder Song Fu’s vision to design the perfect everyday bag has since evolved into a range of beloved silhouettes, including bestsellers such as the Tofu Satchel and the Wonton Purse. Subverting conventional ideals while still staying true to its roots and lineage, Songmont’s influence continues to grow with innovative activations while incorporating materials that are sustainable and durable.
Where to buy: Shopee | Songmont
3. Oleada
Chinese-owned and based in Manhattan, Oleada consists of work-friendly leather bags that are functional, sturdy and versatile for any occasion. The Wavia remains the brand’s bestseller, one that can be adapted into a nifty shoulder bag or backpack.
Where to buy: Oleada
Related article: 9 Chinese Makeup Brands You Need To Know—And Where To Buy Them
4. Icicle
Icicle was founded in Shanghai in 1997 by husband-and-wife pair Ye Shouzeng and Shawna Tao. Now, it has over 200 stores across China and France, and Kering recently acquired a minority stake in Icicle Fashion Group. The brand primarily designs clothing using the finest natural fabrics like cashmere, linen wool and silk. This ethos has naturally extended to its accessories, such as its Hobo Bag crafted in supple bovine leather within a perforated design.
Where to buy: Icicle is available at various locations in China and France, including Beijing, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, and Paris. Visit Icicle’s site for the full list of boutiques.
5. Qiuzhen
One thing’s for sure: Qiuzhen has librarian-chic in the bag, weaving in elements of quality leather, vegetable-tanned finishings and roominess in most of its designs. Preppy and versatile as they come, the messenger styles easily fit an iPad, document or a 15-inch laptop. And for something off-duty, the bucket style features a quirky top handle that fits perfectly in the palm of your hand.
Where to buy: Taobao
6. Grotto
Abiding by the philosophy ‘Born for Freedom’, Grotto’s designs reflect a vitality of their own, led by founder Huang Boqing, who is drawn to leather that is continuously evolving—able to stand the test of time, while ‘wearing out’ gracefully. From functional hobos to cushy soft collar silhouettes, the bags are all made from premium leather sourced from Tuscany, finished with the brand’s signature emblem of an upward-pointing arrow.
Where to buy: Grotto is available at various locations in China, including Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Shanghai. Visit Grotto’s site for the full list of boutiques.
Related article: 15 Best Affordable Luxury Handbag Brands, According To An Editor
7. Dissona
If you’ve been to China, you might have seen a Dissona store—a household brand peppered around Yunnan, Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Shanghai. Stacked with a generous catalogue of multi-use tote bags, soft leather hobo styles as well as smaller bucket bags, Dissona’s offerings are designed for everyday use. But if we had to pick a clear standout, it would have to be the crossbody that features a distinct Chinese weaving pattern.
Where to buy: LazMall
8. Kunogigi
Here’s a name that most Gen Zs would be familiar with. Known as Guliang Jiji in China, this bag brand has solidified itself s as a favourite amongst the young and stylish in its homeland, with over 120 stores across 60 cities in China. Boasting trendy silhouettes and eye-popping designs, you can opt for its classic Playball style, which uses a draped bag cutting technique or have a little fun with the Gigi, which features a puffy and futuristic shape that looks like an accessory right out of a virtual game.
Where to buy: Amazon.com
This article contains products independently selected by our team of editors and writers. If you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. All prices listed are accurate at the time of publishing.