Skip to content
Compare products

Comparison Top-handle bags

Delvaux Brillant MM vs Strathberry Midi Tote: which one should you buy?

Quick answer

Buy the Delvaux Brillant MM if you want heritage craft outside the usual names. Buy the Strathberry Midi Tote instead if you want a structured bag under $800.

By Opulique Editorial Team Updated 1 min read

We research products independently. When you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How we earn money

Delvaux Brillant MM
Buy

Delvaux Brillant MM

Best for Oldest luxury house

Typically $6,800–$7,800

Check Price on Amazon Paid link
Strathberry Midi Tote
Buy

Strathberry Midi Tote

Best for Value structured

Typically $600–$750

Check Price on Amazon Paid link

Quick comparison

FeatureDelvaux Brillant MMStrathberry Midi Tote
VerdictBuyBuy
Typical price$6,800–$7,800$600–$750
Best forOldest luxury houseValue structured
Key featureBelgian house since 1829, with the D claspMusic-bar hardware top handle
MaterialBox calfCalfskin
Size27 x 20 x 13 cm28 x 21 x 13 cm
HardwarePalladium DGold-tone bar
Made inBelgiumSpain
Where to buyCheck Price Paid linkCheck Price Paid link

Main differences

Material

Delvaux Brillant MM: Box calf; Strathberry Midi Tote: Calfskin.

Size

Delvaux Brillant MM: 27 x 20 x 13 cm; Strathberry Midi Tote: 28 x 21 x 13 cm.

Hardware

Delvaux Brillant MM: Palladium D; Strathberry Midi Tote: Gold-tone bar.

Made in

Delvaux Brillant MM: Belgium; Strathberry Midi Tote: Spain.

Why buy it

Delvaux Brillant MM: Belgian house since 1829, with the D clasp; Strathberry Midi Tote: music-bar hardware top handle.

Made for

Delvaux Brillant MM: oldest luxury house; Strathberry Midi Tote: value structured.

Usual price

Delvaux Brillant MM: $6,800–$7,800; Strathberry Midi Tote: $600–$750.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Delvaux Brillant MM if you

  • you want heritage craft outside the usual names
  • value heritage
Check Price Paid link

Choose the Strathberry Midi Tote if you

  • you want a structured bag under $800
  • value fair price
Check Price Paid link

If neither feels right

Neither is the only answer. See every piece we would buy (and the ones we would skip) in our list of the best top-handle bags.

Not sure about either? Consider these

Loewe Puzzle Bag Small

Loewe · Top-handle bags

Loewe Puzzle Bag Small

Buy it if you want a design-led bag you can carry by hand, shoulder or crossbody.

Verdict
Buy
Best for
Versatile design piece
Typical price
$3,800–$4,300

Pros

  • Four ways to carry
  • Folds flat to pack

Cons

  • Edge paint needs care
Check Price on Amazon Paid linkRead our review
Lady Dior Medium Bag

Dior · Top-handle bags

Lady Dior Medium Bag

Buy it if you want a recognizable top-handle icon that works for weddings, work and evenings.

Verdict
Buy
Best for
The modern icon
Typical price
$6,900–$7,600

Pros

  • Instantly recognizable
  • Holds shape well

Cons

  • Lambskin marks easily
Check Price on Amazon Paid linkRead our review

Frequently asked questions

Delvaux Brillant MM or Strathberry Midi Tote: which should I buy?

Buy the Delvaux Brillant MM if you want heritage craft outside the usual names. Buy the Strathberry Midi Tote instead if you want a structured bag under $800.

Is the price difference worth it?

The Delvaux Brillant MM usually costs $6,800–$7,800 and the Strathberry Midi Tote $600–$750. Pay more only if the differences above matter to you.

Opulique Editorial Team

Part of the Opulique research team. We compare specifications, documentation and real-world trade-offs so you can decide faster.

How we research products Editorial policy

Delvaux Brillant MM or Strathberry Midi Tote: the full reasoning

Delvaux Brillant MM or Strathberry Midi Tote? Both are strong top-handle bags, which is exactly why the choice is hard. The short version first: buy the Delvaux Brillant MM if you want heritage craft outside the usual names, and buy the Strathberry Midi Tote if you want a structured bag under $800. The rest of this page explains why, with usual US prices.

Where they differ

The Delvaux Brillant MM wins on Belgian house since 1829, with the D clasp. The Strathberry Midi Tote answers with music-bar hardware top handle. Material: Box calf on the Delvaux Brillant MM, Calfskin on the Strathberry Midi Tote. Size: 27 x 20 x 13 cm on the Delvaux Brillant MM, 28 x 21 x 13 cm on the Strathberry Midi Tote. Hardware: Palladium D on the Delvaux Brillant MM, Gold-tone bar on the Strathberry Midi Tote. Made in: Belgium on the Delvaux Brillant MM, Spain on the Strathberry Midi Tote.

Reasons to buy the Delvaux Brillant MM

Heritage, Superb leather, Discreet. What to accept: hard to find, pricey. Usual price: $6,800–$7,800. Our verdict: buy. Read the full Delvaux Brillant MM review.

Reasons to buy the Strathberry Midi Tote

Fair price, Good leather. What to accept: less prestige. Usual price: $600–$750. Our verdict: buy. Read the full Strathberry Midi Tote review.

Neither one?

Our list of the best top-handle bags has every other piece with its own call. Leather: calfskin and grained leathers (Togo-style, Saffiano, grained calf) hide scratches far better than smooth lambskin, which marks quickly.

Also consider the Loewe Puzzle Bag Small ($3,800–$4,300): geometric panels that fold flat, carried four ways from top handle to crossbody. Buy it if you want a design-led bag you can carry by hand, shoulder or crossbody.

Also consider the Lady Dior Medium Bag ($6,900–$7,600): cannage-stitched lambskin with D.I.O.R. charms and a structure that keeps its shape for years. Buy it if you want a recognizable top-handle icon that works for weddings, work and evenings.

Buyer tip

Luxury houses raise bag prices once or twice a year, usually in January and in spring, so buying before an announced increase saves more than waiting for a sale that rarely comes.

Buying in Europe: European prices include VAT (around 20%), while US prices exclude sales tax, so a bag can look cheaper in Paris or Milan than it really is. Visitors from outside the EU and UK can often claim a VAT refund on purchases made in the EU, which is why many Americans buy Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermès while travelling.

Luxury prices move in a different rhythm from everyday shopping. The great houses (Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Rolex) raise prices once or twice a year, often in January and in spring, and almost never discount their icons. Seasonal pieces, colors and many shoes, coats and knitwear drop 30–50% in the end-of-season sales in January and from late June. Watches from brands such as Omega, TAG Heuer, Longines and Breitling, and most fragrance, see the best prices around Prime Day and Black Friday. Judge any deal against the usual price we show.