Fabrique Expands into Handbags with Valeria Massai’s “Beach to City” Collection
New York-based collective designer brand Fabrique has unveiled its first-ever handbag collection, “Beach to City,” in collaboration with acclaimed Italian designer Valeria Massai.
New York-based collective designer brand Fabrique has unveiled its first-ever handbag collection, “Beach to City,” in collaboration with acclaimed Italian designer Valeria Massai. Launched on April 8, 2025, the three-piece lineup—priced from $458 to $658—bridges luxury and accessible pricing, catering to modern women seeking multifunctional accessories for work, travel, and leisure.
The collaboration marks Fabrique’s expansion into accessories, leveraging Massai’s expertise from her tenure at Prada and Bottega Veneta. Known for its collaborative model with over 300 global designers, Fabrique aims to replicate its success in apparel by tapping into the booming $78 billion handbag market, which grew 9% year over year in 2024 (Statista).
“This collection embodies the fluidity of contemporary life,” said Massai, who drew inspiration from Milan’s architectural landmarks and coastal landscapes. “Each piece transitions seamlessly from boardroom meetings to sunset beach walks, reflecting the dynamic roles women navigate daily.”
Design Philosophy: Italian Roots, Global Appeal
The “Beach to City” collection features three styles named after Milanese districts:
- Brera: A reversible tote with dual suede and smooth leather finishes, offering three carrying styles—structured bucket, compact crossbody, or sleek shoulder bag.
- Duomo: A trapezoidal work bag inspired by the Gothic ribs of Milan Cathedral, designed to hold laptops and documents while maintaining a relaxed silhouette.
- Isola: A crescent-shaped crossbody with adjustable straps, ideal for minimalist travelers.
Each design incorporates Massai’s signature “golden bean” studs—a nod to Fabrique’s hand-stitched clothing details—and uses lightweight, full-grain leathers to balance durability easily.
Strategic Pricing in a Competitive Market
Priced between $458–$658, the collection targets the “affordable luxury” segment, undercutting luxury rivals like Tory Burch ($600–$1,200) while surpassing fast-fashion alternatives in material quality. This strategy aligns with 2025 consumer trends, where 63% of shoppers prioritize versatile, investment-worthy accessories (McKinsey).
“We’re democratizing high design,” said Fabrique co-founder Elena Rostova. “Our customers want pieces that transcend occasions without compromising on craftsmanship.”
The Rise of Hybrid Fashion
Fabrique’s launch capitalizes on two key trends:
- Convertible Designs: A 2024 WGSN report highlighted demand for “transformative” accessories, with searches for “reversible bags” up 140% YoY.
- Designer Collaborations: Brands like H&M x Mugler and Target x Diane von Fürstenberg have driven buzz through limited-edition partnerships, a model Fabrique has mastered since its 2022 launch.
The collection also taps into the “quiet luxury” movement, emphasizing minimalist aesthetics and premium materials over logo-centric designs.
Omnichannel Rollout and Consumer Response
Available via Fabrique’s website, flagship stores, and global partners like Nordstrom and Mytheresa, the collection has already seen pre-orders triple projections. Early adopters praise its practicality, with social media influencers showcasing the Brera bag’s reversible feature in “work-to-weekend” transition videos.
Future Outlook
As Fabrique plans to expand its accessory line, industry analysts predict increased competition in the mid-luxury handbag sector. “Consumers crave storytelling and versatility,” said Lyst’s editorial director, Emma Chiu. “Collections like ‘Beach to City’ set a new standard for functional elegance.”
With its blend of Italian artistry and modern pragmatism, Fabrique’s debut bags signal a bold step into the accessories arena, promising to redefine how women carry their lives—one convertible tote at a time.
