We Tried Them — These Artisan Bags Are Worth Carrying Now and Forever

In partnership with Cambridge Satchel

The new Artisan Collection at Cambridge Satchel is craftsmanship in its truest sense - the kind you invest in, wear daily and keep for years.

Editor approved and built to last — Nicola and Emma share the Cambridge Satchel Artisan styles and core classics they carry on repeat.

There’s something quietly reassuring about a bag that has been properly made. Not rushed, not trend-led, but thoughtfully considered. Cut, stitched and finished by hand, with the kind of care you can feel every time you reach for it.

That is exactly what Cambridge Satchel has always done so well, and with the launch of its new Artisan Collection, it feels like a return to, and a celebration of, everything this British brand stands for.

The Artisan Collection by Cambridge Satchel Company celebrates true craftsmanship — from hand-cut leather to carefully finished edges, designed to be worn and treasured for years.

Crafted in England, the collection shines a light on the skilled makers behind each piece. From the first cut of leather to the final hand-finished edge, every stage is rooted in time-honoured technique and genuine expertise. It’s craftsmanship in the truest sense - the kind you invest in, wear daily, and keep for years.

The Artisan collection reimagines familiar silhouettes with a softer, more relaxed feel. Made from smooth split leather, each piece has a sleek finish while still holding its shape. This balance of polish and practicality which feels very Hood.

Alongside the return of The Artisan, the collection introduces new styles including the Artisan Backpack and the Artisan Binocular Bag, designed for real life. The kind that starts with emails on your phone before you’ve even got up and ends somewhere between a launch and a lastminute dinner.

And that’s where this edit comes in, bringing together the new Artisan styles alongside the core pieces that both Emma and I rely on every day.

Nicola’s Edit: The Artisan Collection

These are the pieces I’ve found myself reaching for most from the new Artisan Collection — refined, considered and designed to slot effortlessly into everyday life.

The Artisan in Oxblood elevates your look as well as holds everything you need for day or night.

The Artisan IN Oxblood

This is a keeper. The oxblood leather is rich, glossy and quietly confident, and the softer structure gives it a more relaxed feel than a traditional satchel. It still looks polished, but there is an ease to it that works just as well during the day as it does in the evening. It holds everything I need without feeling bulky, and instantly elevates whatever you are wearing. For days when you want to feel sleek and pulled together with minimal effort, this is the one to grab as you go.

This failsafe is the perfect on-the-go bag for busy days in the city going from meeting to meeting.

The Artisan Binocular Bag In Black

This is the bag I reach for when I only want to carry my on-the-go essentials. Phone, keys, cardholder and a few beauty bits — nothing more, nothing unnecessary. It sits neatly crossbody and feels light, which makes it perfect for days when I’m moving around the city or heading into back-to-back meetings. Despite its size, it is surprisingly practical and has quickly become a favourite failsafe.

This structured backpack holds everything for a busy day - laptop, notebook and all the extras and looks super-polished too.

The Artisan Backpack in Racing Green

This is the one for those packed diary days when I need to carry more but still want to feel put together. A backpack can easily feel too casual, but this one doesn’t. The structure keeps it looking polished, and the leather feels properly luxe. It fits everything I need for a full day — laptop, notebook and all the extras that inevitably come with it. I use it when I know I’ll be out all day and need something practical without compromising on style. Functional, comfortable and completely hands-free, which, on those days, is everything.

Emma’s Edit: Core Classics That Earn Their Place

Beyond the new collection, these are the core styles I return to again and again — the ones that carry me through working days, events and everything in between.

This elegant bowling bag is for those day in the diary when you’re out in the evening but can’t head home first.

The Bowls Bag in Oxblood

This is the bag I reach for when the diary says you’re out this evening and won’t have time to head home first. Think dinners, launches, theatre nights or drinks after an event. It has a sculptural quality that feels considered without trying too hard. The oxblood leather gives it depth, and the shape makes it a conversation starter, something I always appreciate at industry events. It holds the essentials — phone, lipstick, keys and glasses — but still feels elegant in the hand. One of those rare bags that works equally well with tailoring or a dress.

The perfect tote is the holy grail for editors and this one hits the mark as a super-stylish serious working bag.

The Tote In Black

Every editor needs a proper tote. This is mine. On most days I’m carrying a laptop, notebook, a couple of magazines for reference, sunglasses, and whatever else has accumulated during meetings. The structure keeps everything upright rather than disappearing into a black hole. I use it for office days, coffee meetings, and quick visits to retailers or showrooms. It is understated, which I like. It doesn’t shout for attention but quietly does the job of a serious working bag.

Need to look pulled together? This bag is classic, structured and purposeful.

The Leather Brief in Bordeaux Calf Grain

This is the bag that comes out when I need to look properly pulled together. Meetings with partners, advertisers or venues where first impressions matter. The shape is classic and purposeful, comfortably carrying a laptop, documents and everything else required for a working day without losing its structure. The Bordeaux leather has warmth without feeling flashy. Professional, but still stylish — exactly right for the kind of work I do.

A crossbody bag is the practical choice for when you needs handsfree for meeting and greet, taking photos or makin notes.

The Traveller Crossbody in Racing Green

This is my practical choice. Small enough to stay out of the way but large enough to carry what you actually need. I use crossbody bags like this when I’m working at events or moving quickly between locations. Having both hands free makes everything easier when you’re greeting guests, taking photographs or juggling phones and notes. The racing green leather gives it character, and the classic satchel closure keeps everything secure. It’s the sort of bag that becomes part of your everyday routine very quickly.

Because while craftsmanship draws you in, it’s how these bags work in real life that makes them indispensable. From the first meeting of the day to whatever the evening brings.

Where to Find Cambridge Satchel

23 Fredrick Street,

Edinburgh,

EH2 2ND