Treesje

"We always like to be a bit more over the top than with your normal handbag but in a very subtle, chic way," explain Laura Darrah and Sheila Nazarian, the designers behind the California-based brand, which launched its first collection in 2005. Laura and Sheila met as bridesmaids at a mutual friend's wedding - the name Treesje is the bride's middle name - and since then the brand has gone from strength to strength.

The bags were a sensation with the fashion press in AW07 and can already count fashionistas such as Sarah Jessica Parker and Kate Winslet as fans.

Austique is the sole stockist of Treesje in the UK.