On Instagram earlier this week, a meme went viral that said, “The last time the New York Knicks won the championship, a Chanel flap was $350.” The thought of a luxury handbag being under $400 seems inconceivable in 2026 given that prices, on average, tend to be 10 or 20 times that amount for the big names. It can be disheartening if you’re looking for an elegant, well-made, and functional style without a hefty budget to match. That was the predicament Vera G. Wang faced and it led to her starting Verafied, a New York-based accessory line consisting of leather and suede totes, crossbodies, and evening-appropriate styles, all clocking in at less than $500. 

“The idea existed long before the brand launched. It came from a very personal frustration. I loved beautiful, well-made handbags, but I felt that many luxury houses had stopped reinventing themselves, yet they kept raising prices. On the other hand, fast-fashion brands have too big of a variety but the quality and craftsmanship simply weren’t there,” explained Wang, of what drove her to strike out on her own. Verafied formally launched in 2021 with a hobo style that quickly went viral.

“I wanted to create designs that felt timeless, but with an innovative twist — pieces with thoughtful functionality for modern lifestyles. Every detail is considered, from the proportions and organization to the materials and craftsmanship, so the bags are both beautiful and genuinely practical to use every day,” she said. Besides ensuring her line was made with quality in mind, price point was also top of mind. As such, even five years later it remains a direct-to-consumer model.

Since releasing that initial viral hobo style, Wang has steadily expanded. The Club bag, a roomy tote that can easily fit a laptop, is, unsurprisingly, a top seller. Inspired by her friend’s grandfather’s vintage 1950s bag that featured a waterproof insert pocket, the Verafied version has the same detail, ideal for stashing swimwear, tech, or dirty shoes. “We refined the proportions, softened the structure, and paid close attention to how the bag sits on the body so it feels effortless from day to night,” said Wang of the tweaks. 

Another recent launch was equally as successful. Dubbed the Café Mini, it was inspired by the ease of carrying a small bag to a café or restaurant. “I realized my collection was missing a compact, easy style that can be worn with jeans or dressed up for dinner,” Wang said. Measuring at just under 7.5 inches by 3.5 inches, the design plays with proportion with what she lovingly calls “a big belly,” a.k.a. ample internal room, to keep it functional. Available in an array of textures and colors, the $228 style has turned into a cult item with customers buying it in multiples. 

Despite this initial success, Wang isn’t ready to expand beyond her means quite yet. “I’ll continue to be rooted in slow fashion and intention. I want to build something that lasts, in the same way every one of my bags is designed to last — through both design and construction.”