Dear Frances Adds Handbags to Existing Footwear Offering

Dear Frances, the British luxury footwear brand best known for its Balla knitted ballet flats, has added handbags to its product range for the first time.

They are available directly from its own online store with prices ranging from £495 to £1,250.

Founder and creative director Jane Frances said: “Expanding into handbags feels like a natural progression right now, (with) silhouettes that can be worn season after season and get better with age.

“We strongly believe in returning to quality and sustainable models. This collection is a reflection of this vision.”

The launch is the result of an 18-month collaboration with “one of the best factories in Italy” and unfolds across two mini collections aligned with seasonal textures.

It features six silhouettes, including the Arturo box bag, Gio small tote bag, Como medium tote bag, Mari small crossbody bag, Celo medium crossbody bag and the Dante multi-faceted woven bucket bag.

The company described the pieces as “minimalist luxury.”

He added that “each style has a thoughtful function behind its design. Hidden magnetic closures, silky leather linings and understated hardware allow for day-to-night versatility with effortless elegance.” There are also decorative gold chain options.

The brand was founded in 2016 by Frances and her husband Scott O’Connor, with the goal of “understated integrity and the conscious production of styles designed to last, both physically and aesthetically.”

He draws inspiration from “the world of fine art, the human form and sculpture.”