Another day, another street style icon emerges. That’s how it can feel sometimes, and usually it’s a mind-bogglingly rich woman with an unpronounceable name and a shoe collection that would leave Christian Louboutin envious. But not today, and not on my watch! Today’s rising street style star breaks that mould: welcome to the stage, Spanish handbag label M2Malletier (yeah, ok, the name is still pretty unpronounceable).

The moniker might not ring any bells, but if you’ve looked at a street style blog over the last few months then chances are you’re familiar with the brand’s work. Recently, M2Malletier bags have been seen slung enticingly over Natasha Goldenburg’s shoulder, nestled cosily in the crook of Caroline Issa’s arm, and dangling jauntily from Miroslava Duma’s hand. On the blogosphere they’re the luxury leather equivalent of a Rover Mini (bear with me here...): distinctive in design, and you think there aren’t many around, but once on your radar you see the little critters everywhere. I’m overstating a little - they’re hardly ubiquitous - but as the current trophy accessory of choice to the who’s who of style at fashion weeks, they’re cropping up on websites the world over. And even Kate Bosworth is toting one round these days (the Fleur Du Mal style in ivory, if you’re interested). 

You’re probably thinking ‘yeah, so what?’, but here’s why that’s impressive: they only launched in September last year. M2Malletier have gone from zero to cult fashion hero in little more than a single season. Some designer brands spend years (and millions) trying to cultivate this level of buzz and genuine affection. 

Caroline Issa, Executive Fashion Director at Tank Magazine, puts their quick success down to their unique design.“I like the M2 simple aesthetic and it's really the handle that defines and differentiates them - it's a functional and beautiful piece of design, and when you can hit on that balance between form and function - well, you're onto a winner like them!”

Sasha Sarokin, Buying Manager at Net-a-Porter, agrees.“I love how Melissa Losada and Marcela Velez [M2Malletiers designers] take inspiration from medieval armour to create their signature bags using classic colors and clean lines which perfectly strike the balance between modern and minimal style.” She goes on to add, “All of the SS13 styles sold out in just over a month and we've shipped to customers in nearly 20 countries. We’re now eagerly anticipating the arrival of the fall collection”.

Confirming that these girls ain't no one hit wonder is Indre Rockefeller, Director of Moda Operandi, who says they're "looking forward to a longstanding relationship with M2Malletier". It was clearly love at first site for Indre too, who fondly recounts the moment she first discovered the brand "I remember when the first M2malletier look book hit my desk. Marcela had sent it over asking me to take a look at her collection.  By the second page, I was on the phone telling her to come in.  I was immediately won over by the minimalist sophistication and exceptional quality. Not only were we the first retailer to sign them on, but I also started my personal M2Malletier collection on the spot."

If all this gushy leather handbag talk has piqued your interest (you actually want to see the designs that have gotten industry insiders hot under the collar, right?), then make sure you click through our gallery to see M2Malletier's SS13 collection, learn a little something-something about the brand, and see how Caroline Issa and co. are personally styling up theirs.