Germany isn't the first region that comes to mind when people think of designer handbags. Yet, some of the best-known German handbag designers and brands have carved out a sizable piece of the industry pie. Get to know the up-and-comers and old-world stalwarts tearing up the continent.
12 German Handbag Brands and Designers to Keep an Eye On
These central European brands marry folk influences, leatherwork, and international market trends to create unique styles for every season. And if you've never had the pleasure of flipping through these designers' catalogs, you're in for a treat.
Liebeskind Berlin
Liebeskind Berlin was founded in 2003 as a more casual fashion brand. With their headquarters located in Berlin, Liebeskind Berlin's bags are made of leather — mostly cowhide and sheepskin. Some of the bags feature a mock croc or mock snakeskin pattern embossed on the leather, and styles include hobo, shopper, crossbody, and clutch, to name a few.
Average prices can range from about $89.94 to $644.78.
Braun Buffel
Braun Buffel is a fourth-generation family business that has been in the fashion industry for over 100 years. Many of its bags are made of Nappa leather, and some feature cool geometric patterns and unique colorways.
The company offers all styles of handbags, such as clutch, crossbody, shoulder, tote, messenger, and postman bags. Average prices range from about $280 to $770.
Braun Buffel's golden buffalo logo represents their products' durability and strength.
Dorothee Schumacher
Designer Dorothee Schumacher began her career working in knitwear fashion with an Italian knitwear manufacturer. After spending some time working in France, she launched her own label in 1989 with a t-shirt collection.
Today, her different fashion collections include handbags, with embroidered totes, pouches, mini bags, and more. Her handbag prices range from around $60 to $2,570.
Karin Suchanka
Karin Suchanka launched her fashion and accessories label in 2003. She designs high-quality leather and fabric bags with a discerning eye, and all of her bags are made in-house.
Though she highlights a new small series each year, certain handbag styles, including the bucket, crossbody, tote, and hobo, return each year. Unfortunately, Karin Suchanka's bags aren't priced on the website, so there are no price point estimates available.
Abro
Abro is a family-owned company founded in the 1930s. Originally launched as a belt manufacturer, over time, the company branched out into timeless leather handbags.
Some of their bags include totes, satchels, crossbody bags, pouches, and clutches. Average prices range from $128 to $487.
Picard
Picard is a family-owned German brand that produces leather products, including handbags in the styles of shoulder, clutch, backpack, belt, satchel, camera, and crossbody bags. Their bags depart from typical German stylings with bright colors and large sizes.
Average prices range from $43 to $379.
Karl Lagerfeld (Karl)
Karl Lagerfeld's brand still marches on after his death in 2019. In 1982, Lagerfeld took on the failing Chanel brand and resurrected the company from its near death.
His own brand of luxe bags includes totes, clutches, purses, and handbags. Prices range from about $85 to $599.
Related: 26 Most Expensive Purse Brands for Runway-Ready Style
Michalsky
Michalsky might not have many handbags for sale, but the ones they do have sell in seconds. Among their small stock are leather bags with distinctive multi-tassels.
Their handbag styles include a drawstring bucket, pouch, top handle crossbody, and small duffle. Average prices range from around $313 to $487.
Olbrish
Olbrish creates stylish handbags with a futuristic flair. Their handbags are made of Nappa leather and are designed to contour and cling to your body, thanks to a truly sensual design.
The stylized bags feature top handle, crossbody, tote, and clutch designs. Prices range from about $282 to $618.
AIGNER
In 1965, designer Etienne Aigner partnered with businessman Heiner H. Rankl to found the Munich-based AIGNER fashion brand. A luxury German brand, AIGNER focuses on creating timeless and innovative accessories.
They sell a variety of handbag styles, from crossbodies to clutches and satchels. Prices range from around $293 to $1,649.
JOOP!
Hamburg-based JOOP! is German fashion designer Wolfgang Joop's 80s brainchild. They sell an array of products, including luxury handbags. JOOP!'s bags are understated, with pops of color and interesting patterns giving standard bag shapes some pizazz.
JOOP! offers many different bag styles, including crossbody, tote, shoulder, weekender, and bucket. Prices range from $76 to $541.
lala Berlin
Iranian-born Leyla Piedayesh is the creative genius behind the German brand lala Berlin. Though lala Berlin isn't strictly a handbag brand, they do have an expansive collection for sale. Their handbag styles have a distinct folk flair and use interesting fabrics and patterns to create a unique brand handprint.
Crossbodies, shoulders, shoppers, totes, and clutches are among the many handbag styles lala Berlin offers. Prices range from $86 to $380.
These Brands Reek of German Sophistication
German handbag brands might not have been at the top of your mind before, but now they're edging their way up the list. Whether you love the dark, slick, and slippery styles of Berlin or the more traditional shapes from Munich, there is a German purse brand tailor-made to match your tastes.
