Top 5: Designer Wallets

As much as we would love to splurge on designer treats all the time, our budget (and London rent) doesn’t exactly allow it. It’s more a case of carefully weighing up which pieces are really worth the money, and whether the cost-per-wear is really justifiable.

When it comes to clothes, you have to take into account whether it will last year after year, or whether it’s a one-season trend that you’ll never want to wear again. Equally, you need to consider how much of your current wardrobe it will work with – the best investments are the ones that will fit seamlessly with your personal style. So it’s accessories that we can really justify: pieces that you can use season after season, like a classic bag in a great colour.

But if that’s a little out of your reach, then a luxurious purse or wallet is a great choice. It will last forever, never date, and you’ll use it every day. We’ve chosen a few of our favourites, but which is yours? 

1. Comme des Garçons

We’ve blogged about our love for Comme des Garçons’s fluro pouches before, and our obsession hasn’t dwindled yet. But this ‘Luxury Group’ wallet is a more grown up take on the piece, which has developed its own cult following. Large enough to hold all your essentials, the Autumnal colour is complimented by subtle gold-tone hardware and a mesh-like texture.

2. Saint Laurent

Saint Laurent does great purses and wallets, whether you opt for a zip-around style or one that fastens with the iconic ‘y’ shaped clasp. This is our favourite from the current collection, with supersoft calf leather in a deep cherry colour. The gold logo detail is iconic, so it won’t fall out of fashion in the years to come.

3. Alexander Wang

This peroxide white leather biker wallet has nailed minimal, futuristic cool. The metal corners are recognisably Alexander Wang, but their iridescent sheen is something new. It looks like a simple cardholder but there’s actually a change purse and slots for all your cards inside – just make sure not to scuff the white leather if you want it to last.

4. Mulberry

Mulberry have updated their purses this season, bringing out new styles which feature a miniature tree detail instead of their traditional plaques or postman locks. It gives them a more minimal feel, but still harks back to the label’s British sensibilities. We love this rich blue colour: classic enough that you won’t tire of it, but still a little different.

5. Valentino

If you've been lusting after Valentino’s ‘Rockstud’ stilettos and bags, but can’t quite justify their price tag, then this zip-around wallet is the ultimate compromise. The tan leather is classic, but a border of square studs keeps it feeling current too. You could even re-purpose it as a tiny clutch on those days when you’re travelling light.