Bags

Why three labels rather than fifty

A bag is the single most-carried thing in a wardrobe and often the least considered purchase, so this edit is deliberately narrow. Strokes brings hand-painted canvas — brush-stroke florals and abstract work, painted in small batches in India by working artists, no two pieces identical. Lililo handles the everyday tote: roomy, structured, laptop-friendly. Charme covers the structured sling and crossbody side in clean neutral shapes.

What to buy

• Everyday totes — the Slate Grey Tote and Mocha Elegance Tote at INR 1,599, or the Mocha Elegance Box Tote and Periwinkle Blue and White Box Tote at INR 2,499 if you want a bag that holds its own shape.
• Mini baguettes — Emerald Elegance, Charcoal Chic, Crimson Crush, Citrus Burst and Rose Quartz at INR 1,799, sized for evenings rather than errands.
• Mini slings — Denim Dusk, Champagne Beige and Charcoal Chic at INR 1,999, plus the Cinnamon Cocoa Handbag at the same price.
• Clutch-wallet-cum-slings — Timeless Tan, Snow White and Charcoal Chic at INR 1,499, with card compartments inside and a detachable strap.

What to look for

Structure and capacity pull against each other here. The box totes at INR 2,499 keep their shape but weigh more empty and take less overstuffing; the softer INR 1,599 totes swallow more and slump when half full. Hand-painted Strokes pieces vary slightly from the listing photograph because the artwork is applied by hand, not printed.

Where to go next

Narrow down by shape in sling bags, totes and handbags or shoulder bags, or read the women's tote bag guide.