Best autumn fashion investment: Aussie label behind ‘great quality’ Italian bags launches stylish autumn collection

There’s nothing like a crisp new month and the onset of a fresh season to make me want to update my wardrobe.

Which is why I was all ears when I heard that the Aussie label behind coveted Italian handbags Vestirsi was dropping a new collection on March 1.

The gorgeous collection features everything you’d expect from a new line on the first day of autumn.

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There are tonal colours including tan, chestnut, chocolate and beige.

And there is a host of wear-everywhere styles — whether you’re heading out for dinner and want a small bag, or you’re off to the office and need something to carry you through the day and into after-work plans.

My pick of the bunch from the collection is the Margot Chestnut Leather Woven Bag ($379).

Woven padded, pebbled Italian leather panels are the standout feature of the stunning statement bag.

But I also love the fact you can choose between a short shoulder chain strap or a long adjustable cross-body strap if that’s more your style.

Alternatively, you can remove the straps entirely and wear the bag as a clutch.

Elsewhere, I’m keen to get my hands on the Scarlett Milk Chocolate Leather Hobo Bag, $269.

The “hobo bag”, as it is called, has swiftly become the bag of the season, thanks to its relaxed fit and effortless look that is great whether paired with jeans and boots or a dress and heels.

“It is so great to see such an iconic bag back in trend, fuelled by many of our fave celebs sporting this slouchy tote,” Vestirsi founder Monica Upton previously told Best Picks.

“We are a locally owned Aussie brand but our bags are handmade in Italy from beautiful soft Italian leathers, which is what gives this hobo the effortless laid back look celebs (and Australian women) seem to love.

“As an Australian brand founder it is so exciting to be one of the only brands globally providing direct access to this Italian leather hobo trend, at an affordable price.”

There is much more to covet in the new Vestirsi collection.

The Allegra Bordeaux Knot Crescent ($329) will no doubt become a mainstay in your autumn/winter wardrobe, while the Chloe Dark Quilted CrossBody ($299) is also a chic investment.

A mother-of-two, Monica Upton launched Vestirsi in 2019 while working in beauty public relations for makeup conglomerate MECCA.

It’s a role that required her to work alongside the founders of the world’s largest and most successful makeup brands: NARS, Hourglass, Bare Minerals, Smashbox and By Terry.

While Monica wanted to dress to impress for her prestigious role, she found it difficult to do so on a small PR assistant salary.

And she couldn’t understand why a simple black handbag could set her back thousands of dollars.

“I wanted real Italian leather — not PU — and didn’t want the same non-leather bag as everyone else,” she said.

“I didn’t want in-your-face logos. I just wanted something simple but well made and it was impossible to find.

“So I forced my husband to spend our honeymoon visiting manufacturers and factories in Italy. Very unromantic.”

But her mission was a success and Monica returned from that trip with a manufacturing partner, a small run of samples and a vision — which has now resulted in her selling thousands of handbags every day.

The Bella bag is Vestirsi’s best-seller, with the classic convertible backpack tote ($329) selling every three minutes.

For those who need even more space in their everyday bag, the Bella XL ($379) in tan and black was designed and inspired by Monica’s first pregnancy.

The demand for Monica’s incredible bags — including the Margot, which she says sells every 20 minutes — is showing no signs of slowing down.

And this collection looks to be no different.

For more information and to shop the new Vestirsi collection, head here now.