The Devil may wear Prada, but according to our Insta feed, the youth—Hailey Bieber, Gigi Hadid, and Emily Ratajkowski included—all wear Miu Miu.
However, as à la mode as the label may be, Miu Miu is nothing new. Prada’s younger, more rebellious sister brand has been charming the fashion world since its inception in 1993. Named after the Creative Director of Prada, Miuccia Prada, Miu Miu represents a coming of age in the high fashion industry, celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2023.
Climbing the ranks of the most popular luxury brands year by year, Miu Miu has continued to capture the hearts of the young and restless with its y2k-inspired designs, whimsical pieces, and of course, its signature matelassé effect—what has become the ultimate brand signifier.
The muse of the moment, Miu Miu is not just a label; it’s an attitude, a statement of independence and boldness. It’s a narrative where fashion is forever young, and so is its fanbase.
We’ll save you some Google searches and let you know: here are the best Miu Miu bags—the ones that are as timeless as they are trend-setting.
Why you can trust Luxe Digital? We at Luxe Digital are luxury enthusiasts and sartorial investors. There’s probably nothing more satisfying to us than unearthing the world’s finest luxuries. For this article, our expert, unbiased team of editors evaluated the best Miu Miu Bags, focusing on things like design and craftsmanship, functionality, versatility, and timelessness.
For more on how we test luxury products and brands, see our HAPPY philosophy for buying luxuries.
Miu Miu Wander Bag
The Wander bag, launched as part of Miu Miu’s Autumn/Winter 2022 collection, has quickly become an iconic accessory. Celebrated for its unique blend of retro inspiration and contemporary elegance, the cult-favorite Miu Miu bag is a symbol of modern femininity.
Its distinctive hobo shape, crafted in luxurious matelassé nappa leather, features a three-dimensional design and iconic metal lettering, showcasing simplicity and sophistication.
Available in various sizes and materials—including shearling, faux fur, satin, and velvet—the Wander bag is a testament to Miu Miu’s playful spirit and attention to detail, resonating with those who appreciate high fashion with a youthful twist.
Best for: A celebrity-adored sartorial wander.
| Release: | 2022 |
| Retail price: | $1,250—$3,850 |
| As seen on: | Gigi Hadid, Hailey Bieber, Yasmin Finney |
Miu Miu Arcadie
Introduced in June 2023, the Arcadie bag is the accessory on every it-girl’s radar. Openly appreciated and endorsed by prominent influencers like Gigi Hadid and Alexa Chung, the Miu Miu purse has become a symbol of sartorial prowess and A-list status.
Distinguished from other Miu Miu bags, the Arcadie’s elongated, horizontal silhouette is unmistakable. While gold accents, leather luggage tags, and matelassé materials are a nod towards the brand’s playful personality.
The Arcadie crossbody comes in an array of colorways—from Barbie pinks and Gen Z greens to versatile browns and blacks.
Best for: An arcade for it-girls.
| Release: | 2023 |
| Retail price: | $2,150—$3,300 |
| As seen on: | Emily Ratajkowski, Gigi Hadid, Alexa Chung |
Miu Miu Pocket Bag
Released in Spring 2023 alongside the brand’s collection of miniskirts and utility jackets, the y2k purse is a subtle nod to the noughties.
The Pocket bag is characterized by—yes, you guessed it—a plethora of exterior pockets, which are as much style statements as they are utility compartments.
Made in Italy from the brand’s premium nappa leather, the compact shoulder bag only comes in four colorways: black, brown, white and an attention-grabbing lemon yellow (but we’ll leave that for the youth.)
Best for: Youthful style is in the pocket.
| Release: | 2023 |
| Retail price: | $3,050—$3,650 |
| As seen on: | Emily Ratajkowski, Hailey Bieber, Sydney Sweeney |
Miu Miu Ivy
Perhaps the simplest bag in Miu Miu’s collection, the Ivy bag is engineered for everyday wear. The exaggerated slouchy tote is made from incredibly soft, supple leather. While the spacious interior has ample room for all the daily essentials.
Coming in black and brown, the modern minimalist silhouette is void of flashy details and gold hardware. It’s the kind of bag you don’t have to think twice about popping on your shoulder—whether it’s a long day in the office or a spontaneous ladies’ brunch.
Best for: Adding a subtle edge to your everyday ensemble.
| Release: | 2023 |
| Retail price: | $2,150—$2,850 |
Miu Miu Matelassé
As the most recognizable element of the brand’s DNA, Miu Miu’s matelassé bags have become somewhat of a brand signifier, with countless celebrities adopting the padded leather effect. And while the French technique is incorporated into many of the most popular designer bags, Miu Miu’s zig-zag pattern is undeniably distinctive and desperately desirable.
From the iconic Wander and Arcadie to leather totes and shoulder bags, Miu Miu matelassé bags come in many shapes and sizes, all with one thing in common—their unquestionable cult-favorite status.
Best for: A Miu Miu hallmark.
| Release: | 2006 |
| Retail price: | $1,250—$4,100 |
| As seen on: | Rihanna, Hailey Bieber, Gigi Hadid |
A brief history of Miu Miu
Founded in 1993 by Miuccia Prada, Miu Miu, named after her nickname, quickly distinguished itself from its parent brand Prada with its avant-garde, youthful aesthetic. Renowned for blending eclectic, retro influences with contemporary styles, Miu Miu gained early acclaim. The brand’s iconic ‘Miu Miu Coffer bag’, launched in the Spring/Summer 1996 collection, epitomized its luxury-meets-bohemian style, setting a precedent for future collections.
Miu Miu’s evolution is marked by provocative, high-energy advertising campaigns and high-profile celebrity endorsements, bolstering its image as a daring, youthful fashion powerhouse. Transitioning in the 2000s to a more polished yet eclectic style, Miu Miu maintained its edge, appealing to a modern, fashion-forward audience.
In recent years, the brand has embraced sustainability, incorporating upcycled materials, reflecting a commitment to environmental responsibility. Today, Miu Miu remains a trendsetter, its continuous reinvention and loyalty to its original ethos securing its place as a dynamic player in the luxury fashion industry.
How much does a Miu Miu bag cost?
Miu Miu bags, while still luxury items, are generally more attainable price-wise compared to their parent brand, Prada, as well as other affluent labels like Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Dior and Chanel. Instead, it falls into the more accessible luxury category, alongside brands like YSL, Celine, Loewe and Valentino.
The cost of a Miu Miu bag varies depending on the style, size, and material, but typically, prices range from approximately $1,000 to $3,000. This makes them a slightly more affordable option for those seeking high-end fashion with a unique, avant-garde twist.
This pricing strategy positions Miu Miu as an appealing choice for a younger, fashion-conscious audience looking for luxury designer labels with a more approachable price tag.
Frequently asked questions about Miu Miu
Miu Miu handbags are crafted from a variety of high-quality leathers, including classic calfskin, luxurious lambskin, and textured patent leather. These materials are chosen for their durability and elegance, ensuring each bag embodies Miu Miu’s commitment to luxury and distinctive, avant-garde style.
Yes, Miu Miu bags are predominantly made in Italy (but some models are also made in Turkey), adhering to the country’s long-standing tradition of exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail. This Italian heritage is central to the brand’s identity.
Yes, Miu Miu is generally considered more affordable than Prada. This difference reflects Miu Miu’s target audience of younger, fashion-forward consumers, seeking high-end style with a more approachable price tag compared to Prada’s more traditional interpretation of affluence.
Miu Miu’s popularity stems from its unique blend of avant-garde and playful designs. Its distinct style, high-quality craftsmanship, and slightly more accessible pricing compared to ultra-luxury brands, make it a favored choice among those seeking trendy yet sophisticated high-end fashion.
