Even before "quiet luxury" became a thing, The Row has already been championing understated elegance sans any branding. A joint venture between twins Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, the label has made it a mission to elevate wardrobe staples such as the humble white T-shirt.
Within their repertoire is a selection of bags that excel in both form and function. Over the past few years, stylistas have directed their attention to the Margaux, a handheld carrier that has found its way to the clutches of it-girls Kendall Jenner and BLACKPINK's Rose.
Unassuming at first, as all of The Row's creations are, the Margaux has infatuated many with its versatile shape and timeless appeal. Some would go as far as to say that it rivals the ultra-covetable Hermès Birkin, the titan of all designer bags. But how exactly did this new kid on the block end up being the new it-bag? Ahead, we do a deep dive into the Margaux and its similarities (and differences) with its elusive big sister.
What Is The Row's Margaux Bag?
Debuted at The Row's Fall/Winter 2018 presentation, the Margaux was an instant scene-stealer thanks to its capacious silhouette. This was around the time that teeny-tiny totes (we're looking at you, Jacquemus' Le Chiquito!) were gaining popularity, so its extra-large appearance already set it apart.
The trapezoidal piece boasted nothing more than rounded edges, metallic side buckles, and a slightly elongated handle. Since then, the only makeovers it experienced were different size iterations and the seasonal use of exotic skins.
How The Row's Margaux Bag Is Made
Most, if not all, of the brand's offerings are made in Italy. High-quality leather—which ranges from grained calfskin to polished lambskin—is cut, folded, and stuck together to form a slouchy compartment that can be expanded through its sides.
Minimal pieces of gold or silver hardware are used for its buckles and bottom clous. To stay true to its stealthy branding, the label's name is engraved on the side in an extra small font. The result is as simple as it is chic.
Why Are People Calling The Row's Margaux Bag the "New Birkin"?
The Margaux has been in the game for about six years now, and yet it's only being bestowed the title of "the new Birkin" now. As with many of this generation's style cues, this arose after users on social media—mostly on Tiktok—recognized its stature as a sac du jour.
From an insider perspective, the Margaux's popularity can be seen as a confluence of many trends. While it rides the quiet luxury wave, it also aligns itself with the ongoing reign of oversized bags. One could argue that today's fashion enthusiasts have become more discerning, foregoing logomania for a more pragmatic approach to dressing up. Proving this is a report by The Lyst Index which states that the Margaux was the hottest fashion item in the last quarter of 2023.
Its comparisons to the Birkin also stem from its aesthetic appeal. The Margaux is the kind of bag you can lug around for errands, but also bust out for a fancy evening affair. It possesses that "messy-chic" quality akin to the Hermès piece's original purpose as a workhorse bag. The Jane Birkins of today could very much be seen carrying a Margaux and lovingly overusing it.
However, likening the Margaux to Hermès' hallmark piece is a tricky ordeal. For one, the two undergo vastly different production methods. Like the older brand, The Row's pieces are crafted from expensive materials and often older techniques. But while it certainly doesn't experience a rapid production line, the Margaux is made in considerable quantities, whereas the Birkin is known to be crafted one by one.
This meticulousness also informs their price points. The most expensive Margaux currently available on their official website goes for about P400,000. Meanwhile, Birkins are known to have a starting price tag of at least P1 million. That's only if you're deemed worthy to purchase one by Hermès themselves, or if you're lucky enough to chance upon a reseller. The French luxury giant is notorious for its exclusivity, after all.
Both pieces speak to different demographics, each with their own intentions and purposes for purchasing a bag. Perhaps the Margaux is experiencing a Birkin-esque spike in popularity, though it's not necessarily a reincarnation of it. After all, the Birkin is not "dead" and therefore, does not require a successor.
The Birkin became the Birkin because of its storied history and all of the fashionable ladies who were smitten by it. There's no telling if The Row's current MVP can hold the same gravity, but then again, it's also building a reputation and following of its own. In the end, the Margaux will always just be the Margaux, too.
How Much Is The Row's Margaux Bag?
Having said that, the Margaux firmly situates itself as a chic carry-all that can carry it all. The model comes in four versions, ranging from 10 to 17 inches in width. The only differentiation between pieces comes from the materials used, which also affects its prices.
Soft Margaux 10 Bag in Naturally Grained Leather in Black, $4290 (approximately P239,763.81), THE ROW, therow.com
Soft Margaux 15 Bag in Matte Grained Leather in Taupe, $4390 (approximately P245,352.71), THE ROW, therow.com
Soft Margaux 15 Bag in Polished Saddle Leather in Cuir, $5190 (approximately P290,056.12), THE ROW, therow.com
Soft Margaux 17 Bag in Polished Saddle Leather in Black, $5890 (approximately P329,195.05), THE ROW, therow.com
EW Margaux Bag in Matte Grained Leather in Black, $5300 (approximately P296,206.40), THE ROW, therow.com
EW Margaux Bag in Smooth Saddle Leather in Dark Chocolate, $6810 (approximately P380,597.28), THE ROW, therow.com
Soft Margaux 15 Bag in Suede in Black, $4550 (approximately P254,288.12), THE ROW, therow.com
Soft Margaux 17 Bag in Suede in Mocha, $4990 (approximately P278,878.62), THE ROW, therow.com
How to Style The Row's Margaux Bag, As Seen on Celebrities
1. Kendall Jenner
Kendall Jenner has always been one of The Row's most consistent patrons, toting not just one but two versions of the Margaux. A caramel-hued tote served as her errand companion as she made her way around the city.
When it was time to dress things up, she clutched the smallest version, a Margaux 10, in black.
2. BLACKPINK's Rose
When we say that the Margaux can take you anywhere, we mean it! Case in point: BLACKPINK's Rose uses the extra-large model as her flight carry-on.
3. Jennifer Lawrence
Remember what we said about the "messy-chic" look? Jennifer Lawrence totally nails it with a chocolate-toned Margaux in one arm and her adorable pup in the other.
4. Heart Evangelista
Heart Evangelista's carry-on of choice for one of her flights was a Margaux 15 in a timeless beige hue. Teamed with a white trench and jeans combo, she was the chicest passenger on her plane.
5. Marian Rivera
Currently caught in the Labubu craze, Marian Rivera decorated her petite Margaux with a Fall in the Wind edition of the plush doll.
6. Justin Soriano
Makeup artist Justin Soriano embraced his Margaux 15's downtown-chic vibe with his autumn-ready OOTD in New York. He donned all-neutrals by way of a gray trench coat, a crisp white button-down, and wide-legged trousers.
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