A growing pattern of Chinese-owned bag brands has noticeably came into play amongst the street style set. Of the lot, Songmont, one of China’s biggest bag labels, has been spotted on the arms of fashion influencers, models and editors worldwide. What started out as the founder’s desire to create a day bag, has now led to many favoured silhouettes like its bestsellers, from the Tofu satchel, to the sleek and chic Luna. The brand is also known for embracing inclusivity; despite its bags being well-loved by the younger folk, one of Songmont’s most beloved campaigns to date features 86-year-old actress Wu Yanzhu as its ambassador. Notably, the brand has since gone on to find its way onto the arms of style savants like Kelly Rutherford and Alexa Chung. Its latest ambassadors include famed Chinese actress Zhang Jingyi and Thai sweetheart Tontawan.
Songmont might be most people’s introduction to Chinese bag brands, but it certainly doesn’t end there. With Shanghai progressively seen as a fashion capital over the past few years, coupled with the increased interest in Chinese fashion and its heritage, there’s no surprise that there’s been a recent discovery of more and more Chinese-owned brands which are producing quality bags and accessories. Each one teeming with specific flair, be it fun, feminine details or clean, elegant lines that has been refined for the modern day woman. With a strong focus on artisanal craftsmanship as well as the use of quality leather and materials, the concept of ‘Made in China’ has been reclaimed and redefined.
Below, spy all of Vogue Singapore’s favourite Chinese-owned bag brands.
1 / 16
Songmont
The most established brand of the lot, Songmont has come a long way since it first found its way into the fashion insider crowd across global fashion weeks. The brand is centred by a philosophy of slow, disciplined craft, something which they had set out to emulate from day one. Since then, it’s also made its way into the wardrobes of an army of fashion folks, from Kelly Rutherford to Alexa Chung, both of whom were tapped by the brand in the past year as well. As for its most popular designs? The casual, pared-back nuance of the Song bucket and Luna bag stays winning, but there’s something about the newer Lattice tote that certainly feels chic.
5 / 16
Muva
Think fun, youthful and playful. Bringing unique, confident pieces to the table, Muva celebrates life in technicolour. With its range of quality leather designs across top handles, totes and shoulder bag styles, the bags at Muva are also often infused with feminine details that feel very girlcore. It’s fun arm candy, waiting to be owned.
9 / 16
Cafuné
Luxury feels simple and refined with Cafuné. Founded by Hong Kong-based Queenie Fan and Day Lau, the former—who is head designer for the brand—has honed her craft during her time working for brands such as 3.1 Phillip Lim and Coach. Urban, contemporary sensibilities ring through her designs, with materials that feel lush and details that are timeless. From the newer Cadence bag that is shapely and supple, to the minimal yet elegant lines on the more structured Stance pick, it’s a whirlwind of options for the modern woman at Cafuné.
13 / 16
Amazing Song
Started by a trio of sisters, Amazing Song reflects the hopeful and fresh approach that the brand has always embraced—since it was named after the perennial hymn ‘Amazing Grace’. Filled with lovely and practical designs that have been dreamed up for various personalities—much like the three sisters themselves—the label’s range of products feel less like just an accessory, but the necessary companions one brings with you to take on your day to day affairs.
