When it comes to investing in a great designer handbag, it's always best to stick to the classics: those styles which will go with pretty much everything in your wardrobe. That's why it is no surprise that Aspinal's Mayfair bag has been such a hit, even with the A-list (it has been carried by everyone from Jennifer Lopez and Gigi Hadid to the Princess of Wales).
The top-handled design – which launched a decade ago, and now comes in various sizes and styles – makes the perfect ladylike addition to any wardrobe, whether you want to style it for the office or for an event.
Here, we celebrate a decade of the Mayfair, a bag beloved by royalty and Hollywood royalty alike.
The story behind the Aspinal Mayfair bag
Thanks to its timeless design and trend-free aesthetic, the Mayfair bag is great for transitioning between work meetings and then on to an evening cocktail, which partly explains why it has been such a hit for the brand. First launched in 2013, the design is handcrafted from leather, and can be carried by the top handle or worn across the body, depending on your preference.
Ahead of the 10-year anniversary of the beloved original, Aspinal announced the launch of the Mayfair 2. The 2023 update sees its classic silhouette reworked for the first time with a sleeker silhouette, chunkier chain handle, and a host of statement-making colours and patterns. Despite having a more contemporary feel, the Mayfair 2 retains Aspinal's timeless vintage-inspired DNA – and, of course, the instantly recognisable Shield lock hardware.
Both the Mayfair and the Mayfair 2 come in various sizes and colourways. Striking materials include crocodile-embossed leather, embroidered velvet and a metallic dogtooth which will invigorate both party looks and everyday capsules, while remaining seasonless enough to ensure years of wear.
Who has carried the Aspinal Mayfair bag?
The Princess of Wales is perhaps the biggest fan of the Mayfair. Royal watchers will recognise that it's a firm favourite for Kate – she has the style in several different colours and has carried them on multiple occasions, and it has become something of a trademark for her. She has carried the design in black, lavender and emerald green.
Lily James, Zara Tindall, Jenna Coleman, Jennifer Lopez, Simone Ashley, Jessica Alba, Selena Gomez, Gigi Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski have also been seen carrying the bag. Whether styled with floral dresses (a la Lopez) or with leather like Hadid, the bag is undeniably a versatile piece.
Where to buy yours
Want to add this celebrity-loved handbag to your arsenal? Shop the Aspinal Mayfair bag – which comes in many different colours and sizes, the smallest starting at just £275 – and all its elegant siblings, below.
