While the Duchess of Sussex was working as a Senior Royal stationed in London, she often dressed in formal attire and subscribed to the royal dress code of prim and proper dresses, compact clutches and even pantyhose. Still, Meghan experimented with her ‘royal restrictions’ and found that she could put her own style stamp on her conservative Crown closet. One way Meghan added a bit of fun to her ensembles was by way of trendy purses including unique shaped handbags like round crossbody purses, front flap bags and cylindrical clutches.
Meghan is especially partial to the House of Herrera’s inspired designs and owns two Metropolitan Insignia clutches from the brand. The barrel shaped bags pay homage to the label’s 35th anniversary bracelet as well as the architecture of the Metropolitan Opera House in New York.
While the duchess has carried an Insignia Clutch in white and recently yellow jasmine, she’s only ever carried one tote from the brand — the Matryoshka Locked L shopping bag. Spotted on the duchess while visiting New York City, this roomy leather bag has a front lock fastening, leather handles and one central interior pocket with zip closure. The padlock bag in the shade ‘trench’ was spotted being worn by Meghan on three occasions in the Big Apple including for her baby shower as well as a US Open Finals tennis tournament.
Still, it was surprising that Meghan, as a lover of Carolina’s couture fashions, had only showed off just a few handbags from the Venezuelan fashion maker. But alas, Netflix revealed the truth of Meghan’s trove of handbags from the award winning womenswear designer. In episode 5 of the popular ‘Harry and Meghan’ series, Meghan is perched next to a sofa with a collection of Herrera handbags on display.
Whether given to the duchess for a fitting or offered to her stylist for a chance to review, Meghan revealed four new Herrera bags on her Netflix docuseries. The four bags included the following pieces which have now been identified.
Charro Insignia Hobo Large Shoulder Bag
The word charro means Mexican horseman or cowboy — this structured shoulder bag was inspired by equestrian fashion and pays homage to charrería — the sport arising from livestock traditions used in the haciendas of old Mexico. The beige bag has handcrafted stitching and edging, CH initials on the base, two interior patch pockets and magnetic fastening. The bag retails for $1915
Carolina Herrera Doma Insignia Medium Satchel
The duchess already owns this bag in brown thus, it would be no surprise if she also was given or purchased the bag in vanilla or grey (due to lighting in the documentary its hard to confirm the color). The chic trench top handle bag is handcrafted in Mocán leather, with subtle and regular grain, and detailed with the raised Insignia Seal on its flap, replicating House of Herrera’s 35th anniversary bracelet and initials. The bag retails for $1995
Carolina Herrera Badge Charro Crossbody in Beige
Meghan appears to have also viewed this bag during a stay in New York. The elegant crossbody is crated of Baobab leather, with an almost imperceptible natural grain, and presents the Insignia Seal in embossed leather on its structure and metals, evoking the 35th anniversary bracelet of Casa Herrera. The bag retails for $940
Carolina Herrera Madeleine Bag
The duchess appears seated next to this supple square bag for filming her streaming show. Featuring a padlock, this sleek sequoia pebbled leather bucket bag can be carried by the shoulder or on the arm. The bag is no longer available for purchase
The duchess also is spotted near the couch in the New York high rise hotel wearing a cashmere crewneck from Lingua Franca with the inscription “Nolite Te Bastardes Carborundorum.” Featured in a Handmaid’s Tale, the mock latin phrase means: “don’t let the bastards grind you down.”
Shop these Beloved Bags Worn by Meghan that are Currently Still Available
Cuyana Classic Structured Leather Tote//DeMellier Mini Venice//Giuliva Heritage Bag//Cesta Bucket Bag//Strathberry Midi Tote Tan//Valextra Iside Bag
