About Us

In June 2023, I sat in an interview for position with an elite sports club in Melbourne. I was convinced I was a shoe-in for the job. The CEO asked several questions that had nothing to do with the sport, one of them being, "If you were to receive a grant to start a business that wasn't in our industry, what would you create?" 

I stared at my two interviewers and thought, 'there's no way these guys will understand, but let's give them the honest answer anyway.' I responded that I would start a luxury fashion rental boutique, which would offer designer handbags for hire so people could have the opportunity to express themselves through luxury in a sustainable way without needing to buy the item. After all, fashion is art, and the world needs art as much as we need sport. 

I wasn't offered that job. 

But every cloud has a silver lining. Mine presented itself as a silver chain on a purple Bottega Veneta Padded Cassette. 

I founded Once Upon a Handbag later in 2023 with the objective of providing everyday Australians access to exclusive luxury designers. Having borrowed luxury bags myself in the past, I wanted to build a service that would provide customers the opportunity to use exquisitely made handbags without purchasing them outright. For most of us, it is unrealistic to own a different designer bag that fits an outfit every time - or even unrealistic to buy one designer bag, ever.   

As someone who has always been passionate about art and all things beautiful, I want to share the magic that wearing designer bags can make you feel.

Whether you want to stand out with a show-stopper, or just fit in when you know everyone else at your function will be carrying a designer bag, we at Once Upon a Handbag have got you covered. We are here to bridge the gap between access and exclusivity. 

It is also our hope that over time, we can reduce the resources that are used to make designer items that are seldom worn and just end up gathering dust in wardrobes. Environmental consciousness has become more important in the 21st century than ever. Buying less and sharing more means we can leave our world in a better place for future generations. 

Let our wardrobe become your wardrobe. Hire a bag to perfectly fit your occasion, then let another person have their turn. We're here to share the luxury love!

Adrian xx