Malaysian bag brands for some arm candy
From handcrafted jewellery to fashion-forward footwear, Malaysians are falling head over heels for homegrown brands, and bags are next in line for the spotlight.
Perhaps you need a sparkly ‘lil purse for a night out, or a capacious chic tote to carry your work laptop and pilates gear. But alas, your bills will not allow you to splurge on a Louis Vuitton.
Clever craftsmanship, serious style, completely covetable, and also reasonably priced, these 11 Malaysian bag brands we’ve listed below are the ones you’ll want to be toting around with. They have pieces that’ll add the style and swagger to your everyday look.
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1. Saoi
Image credit: @saoi.my via Instagram
The secret to channelling that Carrie Bradshaw look as you strut along Bukit Bintang is to carry a Saoi bag as you do so.
Serving downtown NYC chic and bold for that cool girl aesthetic, the brand has shoulder bags, such as the Bel Air Bags (from RM229) with polka-dot prints for that classy, feminine vibe, and the earth-toned Carrie (RM249) and Soho (RM149) bags that ooze urban sophistication.
For something that gives your office ensemble some serious oomph – and also doubles as a coffee date companion – the suede Jane Bag (RM329) is a good pick with its ladylike silhouette and a timeless colour palette.
Shop at Saoi here.
2. Brik
Image adapted from: @by.brik via Instagram
There is always something different and exciting to choose from when you’re shopping for a bag at Brïk. Freshly launched in 2023 and fueled by the desire to create their dream wardrobe, the homegrown brand was founded by two sisters whose handbag creations have since become contemporary staples of many.
Their range of Chroma bags is the brand’s signature, including the Petite Chroma Astral (RM269) and mid-sized Chroma Astral (RM249), available in playful hues to make a statement wherever you go.
Shop at Brik here.
3. Ayaaya Studios
Image adapted from: @ayaayastudios via Instagram
If you’re not one for neutral tones and the less-is-more aesthetic, you’ll be a fan of Ayaaya Studios. The Malaysian bag brand oozes playful and flashy in a night-out glam type of way – think pops of colour, chain-link straps, and sparkly finishes.
The Hey June collection (RM269) has bags that make for great statement pieces for sure, with their stunning metallic finishes, silver carabiner clasp and loops, and irresistible colour palette.
Or amplify that ‘tude with the SKYNN collection (RM349) – ornamental handbags that feature snake-skin inspired sequined textures, perfect to elevate your workwear or for an evening glam.
Shop at Ayaaya Studios here.
4. Kesya Fatin
Image adapted from: @kesya_fatin via Instagram
To truly, truly stand out? Go for Kesya Fatin’s beaded bags. And we mean full-on-stitched-together-with-beads bags.
The eponymous Sarawakian brand handcrafts cool and unique assortment of handbags and accessories that are sure to turn heads with their bold colours and eye-catching designs. There are demure satchels, quirky crossbody bags in the shapes of fruits or animals, lanyards and phone cases, card holders, bottle bags, and even pet leashes.
Shop at Kesya Fatin here.
5. Nazifi Nazri
Image adapted from: @nazifinasri via Instagram
Renowned bag brand from Malaysia, Nazifi Nasri, may have made a name with its collection of men’s footwear, but its handbag collection is just as lauded. We’re currently obsessed with their 2000’s Denim bag (RM175) – A lil’ sleek shoulder bag that makes you feel like an It-girl even when you’re on a grocery run.
If you’re into currently trending silhouettes, the Barrel East West cylinder bags (RM170) will have others squealing and demanding to know where you shop.
Shop at Nazifi Nasri here.
6. DBLA
Image credit: @dbla__ via Instagram
Looking to dominate the street style? Look no further than DBLA – for a knotted affair, but in a very chic way.
The brand’s selection of bags is all completed with a signature knot on the strap, giving the sacks some sort of nonchalant and versatile charm. There’s a variety to choose from, including the adorable Mini Knot (RM114), the deliciously slouchy Baguette Knot (RM161), and the ultra cool Crossbody Knot (RM189).
Shop at DBLA here.
7. Nobat
Image adapted from: @nvb.at via Instagram
Nobat’s creations are as functional as they get, while remaining impossibly chic. At a glance, their line of totes, bowler bags, and crossbodies may look like your typical leather sack, but it’s the brand’s signature anyaman – Malay for handweaving – detailing that makes each item soulfully local and truly one of a kind.
From the functional and roomy Ultra Maxi Totebags (RM269) to the super-chic Classic Bowler Pham bags (RM220), these pieces are definitely made to go the distance in your wardrobe.
Shop at Nobat here.
8. Mui
Image adapted from: @official_mui via Instagram
There’s something about sporting a dazzling micro clutch or a sparkling sling during cocktail hour that feels particularly stylishly cheeky. The local bag brand, Mui, has just the accessory for you with their creation of glamorous bags to hang by your shoulder or by the crook of your elbow.
Their gorgeous DEMA bag (RM299) comes in a range of stunningly deep, bold colours, while the SEYA Satin bag (RM219) gives you an air of glam and mystique when you don one. To amp up the shimmer, there’s also the SEYA Classic bag (RM289).
Shop at Mui here.
9. Bonia
Image credit: @bonia via Instagram
Bonia is a bag brand that obviously needs no introduction. The brand boasts a rich archive of coveted bags, from classics such as sophisticated satchel bags to modern totes and structural backpacks.
Bestsellers include the Monogram collection, which features a vast variety of bags adorned with lettered motifs, including the Nadia Monogram Shoulder bag (RM1,3999) and Eterna Monogram Satchel bag (RM999). For a casual boho look, the Licia collection (from RM699.30) has effortless hobo bags that’ll pair well with any vacay ‘fit.
Shop at Bonia here.
10. Shals
Image credit: @shals.kl via Instagram
There’s no denying the appeal of Shals’s bags, whether it’s the cult-favourite Kourtney Crossbody (RM69) or the contemporarily sleek Ratu Shoulder bag (RM269). The styles of their handbag creations are pared down – but never boring – each a sensible and stylish piece meant for daily life and everyday wear, blending in beautifully with your other wardrobe essentials.
Shop at Shals here.
11. Comme Ca
Image credit: @saycommeca via Instagram
Comme Ca may be a relatively new name in the local bag scene, but their selection of bags has already garnered them a following. Available in six colours, their exquisite leather shoulder bag (RM379) has that street-style vibe which whispers “chic” wherever you go. It also looks just as good with a tank top and slip skirt as it would with a preppy loafer and casual blazer combo.
Shop at Comme Ca here.
Malaysian bag brands to have in your collection
It’s safe to say that locally-made is the new luxury, with Malaysia’s bag scene bursting at its seams and serving up beautiful pieces that turn heads and win hearts. These Malaysian bag brands may not have a Paris label, but they also do not come with an eye-watering price tag, which is a huge win considering the oohs and aahs they’ll bring.
Cover image adapted from: @saoi.my, @by.brik, @official_mui, @bonia via Instagram