Since Kallmeyer’s spring 2025 New York Fashion Week debut, the brand that specializes in modern suiting and soft tailoring has transcended from IYKYK status to one of the most prominent independent labels shaping fashion in New York City. Kallmeyer has a Nike footwear collaboration under its belt, two flagship stores (one on Madison Avenue and one on Orchard Street), and a devoted fan base of downtown “It” girls. At the spring 2027 show in September, founder Daniella Kallmeyer (who was nominated for CFDA Womenswear Designer of the Year in 2025) sent ornate fabrics and fluid silhouettes down the runway alongside elevated closet staples; the show felt like both an expansion for the brand and a celebration of what it does best.
Also spotted on the runway (and on the arms of guests in the front row): Kallmeyer’s first hero handbag, the Magazine Bag, which made its debut during the fall 2026 runway show in February and came to market last month. The glossy shoulder bag — which is available in black and dark brown and will return season after season in new iterations — is undeniably gorgeous, but it’s also $1,600. I got my hands on it to see if it’s worth the hype (and the steep price point).
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Kallmeyer Magazine Bag
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How many times did I wear it?
I went out with my Magazine Bag twice during my one-week testing period. She made her debut on a very important night in my life: night 25 of Harry Styles’s Together, Together residency at Madison Square Garden. I styled the bag with a neon Adidas track jacket (not available in yellow, but you can shop the pink version below), blue taffeta pull-on pants, and zebra-print boots. Anytime I’m going to be out and about for longer than a few hours, I stuff my bag with a ridiculous amount of stuff. So when I’m going to a concert, I need a bag that’s spacious enough to hold all my essentials (and nonessentials that are coming with me anyway) but is also compact enough to fit under my seat — and this one fit the bill. I was able to pack my wallet (with several chunky key chains attached to it), five lip products, my trusty Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Powder and a powder puff, a comb, deodorant, and a travel-size perfume without having to jam the zipper shut or distort the shape of the bag in order to get it to close properly.
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I also wore it to a casual Sunday breakfast date with black capris, a white T-shirt, a gray sweater tied around my waist, ballet flats, and a Leset trench coat. (It’s out of stock, but you can shop a similar one below.)
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This is the ideal lunch-to-bar-to-dinner bag; it’s perfect for bopping around the city on a Saturday afternoon. The inside is surprisingly spacious, but it’s sleek and small enough to wear at night for a dinner or date night. Next time I have one of those days that turns into a very late night (or even a day with plans that are still up in the air), this is the bag I’ll be reaching for. I know she’s well equipped for anything the day throws at her.
This is the type of bag I’ll continue wearing through the winter months because, thanks to the extra-long straps, I’ll still be able to sling it over my shoulder, even when I’m wearing a heavy coat or puffer jacket. And even though it’s way too small for a laptop, it does comfortably fit my beloved Kindle.
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How does it wear?
It has a subtle triangle shape, so it fits very comfortably under the arm, which I love — I can’t get behind a chunky bag that protrudes out from the body and feels awkward to carry. It’s stiff and structured, and it holds its shape. Inside, you get the best of both worlds: a zipper pouch to secure valuables like your cards and keys, plus open space on each side of the pouch. If you’re type B like me, that means there’s room to throw random stuff you probably don’t need into your bag.
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How does it feel?
The glossy exterior, handmade in Italy from 100 percent full-grain patent leather, looks and feels luxurious and expensive. Each bag is individually dyed, stitched, and assembled, and they are finished and polished by hand. But it also feels a little precious. If you’re hard on your bags (guilty), you will need to be extra careful with this one. I have yet to scratch it, but I’ve noticed that it tends to attract fingerprints and smudge marks. The suede interior lining feels soft yet durable, and the custom hardware is nice and sturdy. It also has four brass feet, which I appreciate; I can set it on the end of my table at dinner or at my desk without it flopping over.
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Is it worth the splurge?
If you want to treat yourself to a brand-new bag, then yes, it’s worth the splurge. Even if you’re a maximalist, I think you will get your money’s worth; it goes with everything and works for any occasion. Plus it’s more spacious, versatile, and — yes — affordable than similar shoulder bags from comparable brands like Khaite and Jil Sander.
If you prefer to shop secondhand, you can skip the Kallmeyer Magazine Bag. Even though the extra-long straps and soft curves make the Kallmeyer bag unique, you can find many similar designer options on theRealReal or eBay for under $500. I would also be remiss not to mention these dupes from Reformation and Verified. I’ve never tried these specific styles, but I do own other bags from both brands and can vouch for the quality: The leather is soft and smooth, and it looks expensive.
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