With The Row’s Margaux bag effectively discontinued, fans of the quiet luxury fashion brand founded by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have understandably sought other options to populate their bag collections. The Row has plenty of them. The Olsen twins themselves were just spotted in New York City with alligator versions of The Row’s Lady and the Agnes bags. You could go for the India bowling bag if you appreciate the gentle curves of the Margaux but prefer something structured. There’s the Marlo bag, a spacious, minimalist tote considered by fans of The Row to be Margaux’s successor. Or, for something a little different, you can consider the Marcel.
The Marcel bag is as timeless and elegant as any of The Row’s designs: the top-handle bag is crafted in Italy from either polished saddle leather or grained calfskin leather. It also has a distinctive silhouette: the Marcel bag is rectangular and longish (although not wide enough to be considered an East-West bag, this season’s trendiest accessory). The bag is soft, but it’s not quite structured or super slouchy, either. And, unlike the Margaux or the Marlo, which are best worn as open tote bags, the Marcel features a concealed top zipper that, when closed, makes it look like you have business to attend to.
Interestingly, though, the Marcel bag isn’t as massive as the Margaux or the Marlo, both of which can be used as work bags. Instead, the Marcel bag, which currently comes in one size, is just roomy enough to fit the things you would need while running around the city throughout the day. Think: your wallet and phone, your AirPods, your makeup pouch, a book and your iPad.
The Marcel isn’t big enough to fit a laptop, which is probably the point: the accessory is meant as a more versatile alternative to The Row’s most popular bags, ideal for when you want something casual yet polished. For example, you can wear the Marcel bag to a party, but not the Margaux. The Marcel bag even seems to be as petite as Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s favourite patent Prada handbag, which, to us, is the perfect size.
The Marcel bag was introduced in The Row’s Winter 2025 collection, making it a newer addition to the brand’s line-up of bags compared to the beloved styles mentioned above. Still, it already has the approval of tastemakers. Hailey Bieber chose the smooth black leather version of the bag when celebrating Justin Bieber’s birthday in Japan in March (the leather, which is untreated, will develop a beautiful patina over time, if that’s your thing). And fashion content creator Neelam Ahooja, who has mastered the much-coveted ‘90s minimalist look, has been incorporating the Marcel bag in her outfits.
We won’t be surprised if the Marcel bag is eventually spotted on the arms of The Row devotees like Zoë Kravitz or Kendall Jenner. You don’t want to wait that long, though: the New York label’s accessories are known to sell out. Currently, the Marcel bag is offered in the two aforementioned leathers, and in black or brown colours.
While waiting for The Row’s Bangkok flagship store to open this year, those of us residing in Southeast Asia can purchase the Marcel bag on The Row’s website.
Note : The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.