Nestled in the heart of contemporary fashion lies a brand that penetrated the luxury sphere traditionally helmed by heritage brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermès. The Row, founded by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen in 2006, has established itself as a bastion of understated elegance since its inception. With a great focus on craftsmanship and a dedication to minimalist design, the label without any logo made its name in the headlines and was suddenly coveted by A-listers everywhere. The Row has been revered for its clean-cut virgin wool coats, tailored blazers, luxurious cashmere loungewear, and leather thong sandals—favorites among affluent shoppers and fashion insiders. Over the past year, the brand has ascended to new heights amid the trend of quiet luxury. Among its most-wanted offerings, the Margaux Tote is a testament to its ethos, seamlessly blending form and function in a silhouette that is on the road to becoming an heirloom piece.
The Art of The Row: A Modern Classic
Throughout the 2010s, the Olsen twins were often papped donning Hermès’ Birkin bag. Recently, however, they’ve introduced their potential classic: the Margaux bag. Known for their ultra-discreet branding—summed up by the phrase “if you know, you know”—The Row has made waves with this hit accessory. The Margaux instantly became a celebrity favorite, spotted on the likes of Zoë Kravitz, Jennifer Lawrence, and Kendall Jenner, and has now turned into a sensation on TikTok. On the platform, nearly 2 million views have gathered under the hashtag #Margauxbag, with users dubbing it the “new Birkin.” The fashion search platform Lyst declared Margaux the hottest product in fashion in Q4 2023.
Since its debut, The Row Margaux tote has seen various reinterpretations in color and fabric, securing its spot as a mainstay in The Row’s accessory line-up. Currently, it is available in many sizes (7.5, 10, 12, 15, and 17 inches) featuring a range of materials from buttery leather and soft suede to canvas and exotic skins in several color options, including black, mocha, cuir, cognac, muschio, marine, orange, ivory and more.
The Row Margaux tote boasts a chic silhouette reminiscent of a stylish bowling bag. Its open mouth makes accessing your belongings a breeze. You can carry it comfortably with the dual handles, which can be worn on the shoulder for larger sizes with a generous drop length. The Margaux bag boasts a stylish addition: belted gussets adorned with chic buckle details on the sides. This clever design element adds a touch of sophistication and allows one to tighten the bag’s sides for a more polished finish. Reminiscent of the iconic Hermès bags, the Margaux draws inspiration from the timeless elegance of the Birkin and Kelly bags, reflecting the twin sisters’ deep admiration for these classics.
Crafted in Italy using prime-quality leathers, The Row Margaux tote feels like an heirloom piece you pass down to your children, along with your life advice. The bag easily goes from boardroom to bodega, free of logos and embellishments. The larger iterations can handle a laptop and files, while the detachable strap lets you transition to crossbody cool for an evening out. Unlike its trendier counterparts, the Margaux Bag isn’t about seasonal gimmicks. Its desirability lies in its simplicity, making it a forever bag you’ll never tire of.
One of the hallmarks of The Row Margaux tote is its versatility. Whether paired with tailored separates for a day at the office or draped over the shoulder of a flowing maxi dress for a leisurely weekend brunch, this tote effortlessly elevates any ensemble. For a polished daytime look, pair the Margaux Tote with a crisp white shirt, tailored trousers, and classic pumps. As evening falls, swap out the trousers for a sleek midi skirt and add statement jewelry for an effortless transition to dinner and drinks. The understated elegance of the Margaux Tote ensures it complements any outfit, acting as the perfect finishing touch to elevate your style.
From its versatile styling options to its thoughtful design details, every aspect of the Margaux Tote speaks to The Row’s commitment to refined simplicity. Whether carried as a daily essential or reserved for special occasions, this tote will become a cherished wardrobe staple for years, a testament to understated elegance.
