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I love bags held in the hand. There’s something very proper about a clutch or top-handle satchel that says, “This bag completes my outfit and I’m going to hold it out for all to see gosh darn it!” Of course the only thing better than a perfectly shaped accessory is the versatility to attach a crossbody strap and throw it over your shoulder when the occasion calls for it. Such is the design of the beautiful DeMellier Nano Montreal mini bag and Florence pouch (April 2024 update; sadly this style has been discontinued but Demellier’s new The Cannes style is similar and just as lovely). Read on for my full DeMellier bag review.
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Both are crafted from Spanish leather, the Nano Montreal in a crocodile print and the Florence pouch in an off-white snake print. I love styling lizard prints with monochromatic looks (like the heels in this post), or neutrals, like the two dresses here. The low-contrast palettes really let the textures of these bags shine.
About the brand
All DeMellier’s handbags are handcrafted in the south of Spain by local artisans using the finest Italian and Spanish materials with meticulous attention to detail. They claim to not only be of the highest quality, but beautiful, functional, and socially conscious.
This comes through in DeMellier’s permanent giving initiative, A Bag, A Life – for every bag purchased, they fund a set of lifesaving vaccines and treatments aimed to save the life of a child in need.
The Nano Montreal
The Nano Montreal is the smallest of DeMellier’s Montreal bag line, and is their nod to the micro bag trend. It’s a cute alternative to a clutch, with a covered top handle and a removable and adjustable strap that easily turns it into a crossbody. It fits my iPhone 11+ as well as essentials like keys, cards, and lipstick, plus a little more.
It achieves this magic trick by being a little wider than you would expect a bag this small to be – 3.5 inches – which looks slightly disproportionate in profile, but is completely forgivable given the added space. In this perfectly neutral stone crocodile finish, I can see myself wearing the Nano Montreal during the day with jeans and crisp button-down, or in the evenings with a cocktail dress.
The Florence Pouch
The Florence Pouch is a chic medium-sized clutch with a metal chain strap that can be worn over the shoulder or as a crossbody. Its soft pleated shape feels modern and is a nice alternative to the many structured bags du jour. While the Florence is easily held in the hand, it fits more than your average clutch.
I love the elegant pleating around the top of the bag and its delicate form, but the downside is that the Florence doesn’t hold its shape well unless it’s full. This isn’t too noticeable when the Florence is held in the hand or by its metal chain strap, but it will sag when you set it down, especially if the bag isn’t full. That said, Demellier’s new style, The Cannes, looks much more structured with a similar silhouette. Consider it added to my wishlist!
I’m very happy with both the DeMellier Nano Montreal and Florence pouch. I love that both come with crossbody straps so they can be held on the hand or over the shoulder, and that each is beautifully crafted in embossed leather. They’re easy to style and wear different ways, and add a touch of class to any look. I hope this post helps you decide which bag (or bags) are right for you!
Follow me on Instagram @theprimpysheep for more product reviews and style inspiration. And if you enjoyed this DeMellier bag review, you might also like:
Styling Lizard Print Shoes: The Inez Sophia & Mia Heels
What did you think of the quality of the bags? I’ve had my eye on a DeMellier bag myself!
They look and feel very high quality – especially the metal closures. I’ve only had them for 6 months so it remains to be seen how well they hold up over time to scratches and scuffs. I was a little worried the snake finish on the Florence Pouch would be delicate, but it’s not – so far it still looks like new. I hope that’s helpful!
Hi! Is the chain strap of the Florence sturdy? How has it been holding up?
Hi! No issues with it so far–feels sturdy as long as you aren’t putting 10lb weights in the bag. It is thin so it won’t be comfortable to wear if the bag is too heavy either. Hope that helps!