Kurt Geiger Handbags - History and Style Tips for the Iconic British Brand's Bags

The History of Kurt Geiger

Kurt Geiger is a leading British luxury footwear and accessories retailer founded in 1963 by Kurt Geiger himself along with his wife. Based in London, the brand has become globally renowned for its high-quality leather goods and innovative shoe designs that fuse contemporary trends with timeless style.

Kurt Geiger's Humble Beginnings

Kurt Geiger first opened his eponymous shoe store on London's fashionable Bond Street in 1963. At the time, the brand offered a small selection of women's shoes crafted from fine leathers and exotic materials like leopard prints and crocodile skins. The shoes quickly gained attention for their originality and quickly became popular with prominent socialites and celebrities in swinging sixties London.

Expansion in the 1970s-1990s

The 1970s and 80s saw Kurt Geiger expand into new shoe styles like knee-high boots and sandals as trends shifted. Kurt also recognized the growing demand for men's designer shoes during this time period. He launched Kurt Geiger's first men's shoes collection in the 1970s.

In the 1990s, Kurt Geiger continued to cement its reputation for innovative, fashion-forward footwear by collaborating with young British designers to create capsule shoe collections. It also expanded its presence by opening stores globally in the United States, Canada, Australia, South Africa, and more.

Kurt Geiger Introduces Handbags & Accessories

Although Kurt Geiger made its name with women's and men's footwear initially, it has since expanded into a full-scale accessories brand.

Vintage Inspired Metalic Handbags

In the 2000s, Kurt Geiger began introducing complementing accessories lines for both women and men, including small leather goods like wallets and belt bags as well as jewelry. One of its most popular lines is its range of vintage-inspired metallic handbags for women. These stylish bags channel retro shapes like rounded bowlers and dainty top handle satchels crafted from patent leathers, metallics, velvet, and canvas prints.

Cara Delevingne Collaborations

In recent years, Kurt Geiger has focused on youthful, playful accessories collaborations with it-girls like British model and actress Cara Delevingne. These capsule lines offer backpack styles, crossbodies, and purses often featuring bold prints, quilting, patches, pins, and pragmatics aimed at Gen Z consumers.

Key Kurt Geiger Bag Styles & Materials

Satchels

From large carryalls to miniature lady bag satchels, Kurt Geiger offers elegant top handle structured satchels across a wide variety of colorways and materials like camel leather, black quilted nylon, or metallic silver. These polished satchels transition seamlessly from day to night.

Totes & Shoppers

Kurt Geiger totes come in handy, durable canvas fabrics as well as buttery leather perfect for work or shopping. Many feature playful prints, colors, and straps that add a lively pop.

Crossbodies

For hands-free wear, Kurt Geiger has an array of softly structured crossbody bags with detachable chain straps that are both functional and chic. Miniature rectangular camera bag styles offer just enough room for essentials.

Backpacks

Channeling street style, backpacks are a Kurt Geiger specialty, like lightweight nylons and canvas packs featuring metallic panels, bows, and pins for added flair. These allow women to stay practical yet fashion-forward.

How to Wear Kurt Geiger Bags

Kurt Geiger bags are versatile accessories that add polish and a playful pop to everything from jeans and tees to office ensembles. They also make thoughtful gifts for birthdays, holidays, graduations, and more thanks to the wide variety of prices ranging from budget options under $100 to luxury leather goods over $400.

Casual Daytime Looks

When running errands on weekends, lightweight backpacks and colorful totes pair perfectly with casual attire like joggers, sweaters, and sneakers. Top handle satchels also beautifully complement floral dresses or fitted t-shirts with jeans.

Office Ensembles

From meetings to commutes, Kurt Geiger leather satchels, camera crossbody bags, and nylon laptop backpacks make workhorses for the office. Their refined silhouettes pull together business casual looks like blazers with slacks or pencil skirts.

Evening Events

Sparkling minaudieres, velvet clutches with dainty straps, and beaded crossbodies make glam evening bags to pair with everything from maxi dresses to jumpsuits. Kurt Geiger's embellished styles shine at cocktail hours, gallery openings, and dinner dates.

Kurt Geiger offers playful, youthful handbags that become beloved accessories season after season. With innovative collaborations and new takes on classic silhouettes, the British brand continues growing its effortlessly elegant yet cool accessories lines for modern women and men.

FAQs

What materials are popular for Kurt Geiger bags?

Kurt Geiger uses high-quality leathers, canvas, nylon, and metallic materials for its handbags. Signature fabrics include quilted leather or nylon, patent shine trims, and canvas prints featuring the brand's "KG" logo.

What is the price range for Kurt Geiger bags?

Prices typically range from affordable under $100 for simple nylon backpacks and totes to over $400 for luxe structured leather satchels with elegant hardware details.

Where are Kurt Geiger bags made?

While Kurt Geiger shoes are still made in Spain and Italy, most of the brand's accessories like handbags are manufactured in China to make them accessible at lower price points.

Does Kurt Geiger sell men's bags?

Yes, Kurt Geiger offers sleek backpacks, briefcases, messenger bags, and weekenders for men featuring polished leathers and canvas styles with subtle branding.