While 2018 might not immediately conjure up images of quiet luxury and timeless dressing, it was a landmark year for fashion. Not just because of Blake Lively’s heavenly Versace gown at the Met Gala (a look I’ll happily think about forever), but because it also marked the arrival of what would go on to become one of the industry’s most coveted handbags: The Row’s Margaux.

Created at a time when fashion was still obsessed with logos, bold colours and animal print, the Margaux felt almost refreshingly understated. It didn’t become an It-bag overnight—in true The Row fashion, it played the long game. First it appeared on the arms of editors and those impossibly chic women you spot during fashion month, then came the quiet luxury boom. Almost overnight, the industry’s obsession shifted from obvious branding to impeccable craftsmanship, buttery leather and beautifully pared-back design. The Margaux, with its softly structured silhouette and barely-there hardware, became the handbag every fashion person wanted. From Kendall Jenner to Jennifer Lawrence, the Margaux was suddenly everywhere—except on the shelves. Waiting lists ballooned, resale prices climbed and securing one became something of a fashion-person badge of honour.

The good news? The Row has never been short of beautifully understated handbags. Whilst the Margaux may have reached icon status, the brand’s current collection is filled with equally elegant alternatives. The Marlo Tote feels like the Margaux’s chic younger sister thanks to its structured silhouette and minimalist design, whilst the Park Tote and other beautifully crafted leather styles offer that same timeless appeal fashion people have fallen so hard for.

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