You Need to Know About These 2-in-1 Leather Bags

Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.

Words like “timeless,” “versatile,” “minimalist,” and “handmade” have become buzzwords over the last few years, thrown around somewhat carelessly in a marketing context. But for brands like London-based Alfie Douglas, there really isn’t a better vocabulary to explain its offerings. The bags made by the family-owned and -operated company are simple both visually and in the way that they’re made, crafted with a busy, ever-changing lifestyle in mind.

While Alfie Douglas has been around since 2014, it was the launch of its Zero Collection late last year that got the British line on our radar. Why? Because the pieces in this collection just might be the most perfect everyday bags we’ve seen — all crafted in vegetable-tanned Italian leather and with prices starting well under $200.

Offered in both small ($150) and large ($250) sizes, the design allows you to switch up from shoulder bag to backpack in seconds without sacrificing style. Once you’ve picked an ideal size, you’ll pick from three different versions, each with unique detailing designed to make your life easier. The Base style comes with a special raw-edge finish, Plus features an internal zip pocket and magnetic closure, and Top is designed with a versatile flap and concealed magnetic closure.

The products outside of the Zero Collection are worth a shout-out, too. Collection One, named after the first bag the line had ever produced, is a really thoughtful selection of clean, structured silhouettes. Here, you’ll find a mix of styles, including the great day-to-night mini zipper bag ($270), and premium briefcase totes ($470) in multiple colors.

Collection Two really shows an organic evolution from the first, offering the same minimal look with more stylistic details, like just the right slouching of the leather. Throughout this collection, you’ll find more affordable options, like the minimal ($160) and simple ($185) totes, and accessories, including the $30 mini moon coin pouch and the $80 swivel waist pouch.

Like other direct-to-consumer brands, Alfie Douglas cuts out the middleman, which is why these gorgeous, supple leather bags don’t break the bank. (In fact, the family single-handedly designs, hand-stitches, and sells all Alfie Douglas goods out of its London studio). At such a prime price point and premium quality, (not only in the materials but in the intimate ways that each product is made in the Alfie Douglas studio), you really can’t go wrong. Shop the full collection here.