Toteme’s belt buckle bag is timeless, elegant and priced under £1,000

For me, a handbag is a key feature in any outfit I put together, not only is it a practical addition to keep my essentials, but it’s the finishing touch that often elevates a high street outfit or a last minute look to something new high. Toteme’s newest fanny pack is one I would personally save up for.

This drawstring bucket bag adheres to Toteme’s timeless silhouette design philosophy and still feels fresh after many years. The lasting appeal of scarf jackets or the continued presence of striped knitwear are testament to the brand’s commitment to classic designs that have become mainstay pieces in the best wardrobes. As a brand that forgoes big logos and bold monograms, quality, texture and design make it as recognizable as Toteme.

Drawstring bag from the SS/25 show.

Toteme makes its first foray into the handbag category with the launch of the T-Lock bag. The soft leather makes the bag malleable, allowing it to be tucked under the arm, carried by the short handle, or slung across the body via the long shoulder strap. It was an instant success upon launch, favored by celebrities and fashionistas, and is still a regular sight to this day. Now that the drawstring bucket bag is available, I predict this will also become a mainstream accessory and prove its worth for many years to come.

The bag has a bucket shape that’s roomy enough to hold essentials and more, and features modern flares and drawstring details. Since appearing on the SS/24 Spring/Summer runways, we’ve seen the drawstring pattern become more and more popular. The waistband adds structure to the look and can be tightened or loosened and left open for added space. On the bottom, you’ll find hardware to protect the base when you put it down, as well as an interior slip pocket to keep essentials close at hand. The one-hand handle can be carried by hand or slung over the shoulder perfectly like the designer.

As a designer piece, it’s definitely an investment piece, with prices ranging from £920 to £970, but compared to other designer pieces that range from £1,000 to £4,000, the Toteme’s prices do feel more Affordable.