Fallen for The Row? 13 Elegant Handbags That Give Big Margaux Energy
The Margaux bag has been discontinued, so I've tracked down the handbags that also strike that specific balance of understated and luxurious.

- 1. The Row Marlo
- 2. The Saint Laurent Sac De Jour
- 3. The Prada Large Tote
- 4. The Ferragamo Hug
- 5. The Métier Market
- 6. The Gucci Softbit Maxi Shoulder Bag
- 7. The Bottega Veneta Arco
- 8. The Mulberry Small Soft Bayswater
- 9. The DeMellier New York Tote
- 10. The Toteme T-Lock
- 11. The Jacquemus Turismo
- 12. The Balenciaga Rodeo
- 13. The Stella McCartney Ryder

It’s been an exciting time in the world of investment bags recently, as a new icon has entered the arena: the Margaux. Created by super-luxe minimalist brand The Row, the bag embodies the designer's aesthetic of logoless pieces that focus on quality and construction over all else. The Margaux excels in timelessness, and with an understated silhouette, refined lines and a range of sizes and colourways, the bag is a clear example of the pure luxury for which The Row has become known.
Naturally, as soon as it was first showcased, the bag dubbed "the new Birkin" flew, and soon became harder to track down than its decades-old predecessor. Without the bold branding of other designer bags, the Margaux tends to feature on the arms of those in the know (as well as the Pinterest boards of many). Whilst the bag has always proved to be somewhat elusive, it now seems that the brand has ceased making it altogether. So, it's time to look for alternative bags that are able to strike that specific balance of understated and luxurious.
Amy Julliette Lefévre carries the Ferragamo Hug Bag (£2530)
Thankfully, I’m an expert in all things handbags. Deciding which iconic shoulder bag will work the hardest? I've got you. Need a new work tote? Easy. So, finding bags that embody the feeling of the Margaux in refinement and craft but stand on their own for impeccable design is all in a (very enjoyable) day's work for this editor.
Marina Torres carries the Bottega Veneta Arco Tote (£2600)
Now, we're not looking for copies of the Margaux. We're looking for handbags that exude the same quiet-luxury feel and understated polish that The Row has encompassed. I'm focusing on perennial designs, useful tote shapes, refined construction and ease of wear—essentially, elegance and effortlessness together in harmony. It's a big ask, but after an extensive search, I've found 13 handbags that fit this very specific mould, and I've rounded them up for you below.
Keep scrolling to explore the bags that give big Margaux energy, and of course, the bag itself.
SHOP MARGAUX ALTERNATIVES THAT ARE JUST AS LUXE:
1. The Row Marlo
Heralding from the same brand and modelled on the beloved Margaux, the Marlo tote is quickly become serious competition. Much like its predecessor, the Marlo has all the hallmarks of a The Row piece—it's understated, refined and void of even the buckled sides that accented the Margaux. If possible, it's even more refined than the original. Naturally, it's a still that also moves fast, but if you keep an eye out there are a few style yet to be snapped up.
2. The Saint Laurent Sac De Jour
With a plethora of bags that feature on every fashion person's wish list, I naturally had to look to Saint Laurent's collection, and am so pleased I did. The Sac de Jour is exactly that: an ideal everyday bag with a no-nonsense feel. You'll find smooth leather, gold accent hardware and two compartments separated by a zipped pocket. The only hint of branding can be found on the Saint Laurent foil logo, as well as the padlock on the zips. Plus, the style comes with a removable longer strap for various ways to wear.
3. The Prada Large Tote
It should come as no surprise that Prada has also perfected the minimalist handbag. Whilst its runway collections may be bold, the accessories continue to channel an understated elegance. Think the Cleo or the Galleria, featuring smooth lines, impeccable leathers and expert construction, and the large leather tote is no exception. With a roomy shape, easy tote handles and simple buckle detailing on the sides, this is a bag that could easily give the Margaux a run for its money.
4. The Ferragamo Hug
An icon in its own right, the Hug handbag is a recent addition to Ferragamo's impressive accessories collection. Starting as a footwear brand, Ferragamo has made a name for itself in excellent accessories, bringing an elevated appeal to each piece. The Hug makes for the ideal tote, be it for work or everyday, with a roomy interior and sweet side closures that are both unexpected and understated. With a small brand logo, the construction and quality leather are the most eye-catching details on this bag.
5. The Métier Market
Born in London and handcrafted in Italy, Métier is all about beautiful, well-made leather goods. Spacious without looking bulky, the Market Weekend tote is the ideal size for a treasured companion. There's a particular balance of a structured and slouchy silhouette that both this and the Margaux have perfected.
6. The Gucci Softbit Maxi Shoulder Bag
Gucci knows all about an It bag; from the Dionysus to the Marmont and the Jackie, the list goes on. As such, the fashion house has channelled excellence in creating this spacious tote, with the Horsebit closure, which is both stylish and functional. The iconic hardware is just a nod to the bag's designer origins. Supple, grained leather brings a softness to the style, making for an easy everyday bag that will move with you through every season.
7. The Bottega Veneta Arco
Even without logos and branding, each of Bottega's pieces is instantly identifiable. The Intrecciato leather is iconic to the brand, and the Arco enlarges the woven detail for an even more understated silhouette. The structured shape brings an extra element of polish, whilst the delicate bow closure sits as the cherry on top of a truly exquisite bag. It also comes with a detachable strap and a removable interior pocket.
8. The Mulberry Small Soft Bayswater
I truly believe that this is one of the most underrated designer bags around right now. The Bayswater has been an iconic style since its creation, and now the newly updated style is ready to define the decade. The feel of the original is kept true via front panel details and the flap closure, but an updated silhouette rejuvenates the style for the current day. This style comes in three sizes and a variety of shades, making it even harder to decide which one to add to your forever collection
9. The DeMellier New York Tote
DeMellier has earned itself cult status over the last year or two, and that is mainly down this stunning tote. The New York bag now comes in multiple fabrications, including classic leather, suede and rattan, along with elegant hues from black and brown to olive and cream.
10. The Toteme T-Lock
Last but far from least, Toteme offers the T-Lock handbag. With an appreciation for long lasting design, the brand has crafted an enduring silhouette that moulds to the body through the soft grained leather. The subtle T closure nods to the bag's maker whilst keeping the craft and design front and centre.
11. The Jacquemus Turismo
Whilst the brand may be known for its fantastical creations and extravagant runways, the Turismo proves that the pieces themselves translate easily into the everyday. The bag itself has been gaining popularity over the past few months, an incredibly sleek finishing touch to elegant looks with just a hint of joyful infusion via the bow-tied handle. Spacious and sleek in equal measure, this is a bag ready to take on all your daily essentials, plus last-minute extras.
12. The Balenciaga Rodeo
I've heard plenty of whispers that the Rodeo is set to fill the Margaux-shaped hole in the handbag world, and its easy to see why. At first glance, this bag has all the makings of a polished style, with a single top handle and classic shape. But Balenciaga has a way of pushing these pieces forward, here in the softening of the silhouette which instantly brings a sense of ease to the style.
13. The Stella McCartney Ryder
Much like the Margaux, the Ryder has a distinct in-the-know feeling about it. There's no great logos, no bold monogramming, just a striking silhouette that also looks to perfectly fit over the shoulder. A sleek silhouette, long straps and gold hardware nod to the luxurious creation of this bag. Inside, you'll also find practicality meeting style with roomy pockets and a zipped pocket for your most treasured possessions.

Florrie embarked on her fashion journey whilst studying in Aix-en-Provence, she began to write her dissertation on the history of fashion and landed her first role at Harper’s Bazaar. Following this, she interned for various publications including Elle, Grazia and Marie Claire before joining the fashion team at Conde Nast Traveller. There, she contributed to international photoshoots, styled pages and covers, and produced engaging digital content. Over eight years of fashion industry experience, Florrie has honed her skills from styling e-commerce photoshoots to personal shopping. Florrie first joinedBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK as a freelancer before becoming the Commerce Writer. Now, as the Shopping Editor, she monitors current trends, new-in styles, wardrobe heroes and how best to style them.
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