Mi Bolsa: Where Identity Becomes Luxury

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Mi Bolsa, meaning “My Bag” in Spanish, is not just a fashion brand; it’s a movement. Founded in 2020, the label blends London sophistication with Spanish vibrance, offering bespoke leather goods that speak to individuality, cultural richness, and emotional storytelling. In a world dominated by logos and price tags, Mi Bolsa shifts the narrative. Here, luxury is personal. Every handbag, every strap, every stitch is designed with intent, letting customers define value on their terms. Rooted in authenticity and shaped by global influences, Mi Bolsa is building more than accessories; it’s shaping identity.

In April, ahead of the brand's first flagship store opening in Westfield White City this June, we spoke to the brands founders to better understand the soul behind the brand and how its story came to life. What followed was a deeply thoughtful conversation about culture, confidence, and creativity, an inside look at what truly fuels this rising name in fashion…

Theonikii Dribusch: Let’s start with the brand's creation. The name means “my bag.” Is there a story behind that that shows the brand’s identity?

Mi Bolsa: I was born in China and raised in a traditional Chinese family, where cultural values and expectations were deeply ingrained. At 17, I moved to the UK on my own. That shift between East and West left me searching for a sense of belonging. At first, I looked for external validation. Over time, I realised that to adapt truly, I needed to embrace who I was. Mi Bolsa is about that moment of realisation. In today’s world, we are surrounded by judgments that don’t always reflect who we are. Mi Bolsa stands for individuality and diversity. It’s not about status or price, it’s about meaning. Our bespoke service allows customers to create pieces that reflect who they are. That’s what luxury should be.

TD: Before launching in 2020, was there a turning point that sparked Mi Bolsa?

MB: Absolutely. It happened during the pandemic. Life paused. I had been working on a luxury resort in South Korea, and before that, I was at Morgan Stanley. Both felt secure and stable. But COVID made me question everything. What is security? What do I want from life? I remembered the girl who left home at 17 to chase something bigger. She was still there, full of ideas. That’s when Mi Bolsa became more than a concept. It was a way to channel my creativity and build something meaningful.

TD: Your designs reflect a beautiful mix of London and Spanish style. How do these cultures influence your work?

MB: London is classic and modern all at once. It’s where tradition meets bold new ideas. I find inspiration in galleries and architecture every weekend. Spain, on the other hand, is full of warmth and energy. The people, the food, the light, it’s impossible not to feel something. Both cultures influence us profoundly. Our designs are a conversation between timeless elegance and vibrant flair. That mix is what defines Mi Bolsa.

TD: Are there any designers who influenced your journey or creative process?

MB: Tory Burch stands out. Her journey as a founder and mother resonates with me. I’m also raising three children while growing this brand; seeing someone balance both is encouraging. My father, who was both an artist and a businessman, shaped much of my early creativity. Books like Shoe Dog by Phil Knight and stories of founders like Sam Walton inspire me too. They show that challenges are part of the path, and embracing them is key.

TD: Since your bags use genuine leather, how do you approach sustainability and ethics?

MB: We’re very conscious of what sustainability means. “Vegan leather” often sounds ethical, but is usually made from plastics like PU. Genuine leather, when sourced responsibly, is more durable and sustainable. That’s why we partner only with LWG Gold Certified tanneries. These meet the highest environmental standards. We don’t cut corners, and we believe our customers care about that. We aim to create long-lasting pieces that respect the environment and the people who make them.

TD: What is your go-to piece from Mi Bolsa that you’d recommend to everyone?

MB: If you're looking for something chic and practical, the London collection is perfect. It’s designed for everyday use but with serious style. For something personal, I’d recommend the Mi Collection. Each bag can be custom-designed and engraved with a personal message. It’s more than a fashion item, it’s a story you carry.

TD: You’ve expanded into shoes and jewellery. What inspired that move beyond handbags?

MB: Jewellery has always been close to my heart. I’ve loved it since childhood; I even have seven piercings to prove it! It’s more than decoration; it’s expression. We’re also testing a small shoe collection. We aim to help people complete their look in one place. Eventually, we hope to offer apparel too, but only when the pieces truly reflect our brand vision.

TD: I’m loving the Monaco collection. What’s your favourite and why?

MB: The Monaco collection is my favourite, too. It’s the first one I designed myself without a design degree, which is a personal achievement.The inspiration goes back 20 years, when I was 21 and missed a bus to Nice. We ended up in Monaco by chance, and it was magical. That memory shaped the whole collection. It’s a reminder that sometimes unexpected moments create the most beautiful stories.

TD: What excites you most about the future of Mi Bolsa? Any new projects coming up?

MB: So much. We’re opening new shops in London including Covent Garden and King’s Road. And we’re expanding globally to places like Hong Kong and South Korea. Each store will have its own personality. For example, in Korea we’re thinking of combining art, fashion, and coffee in a gallery café setting. I’m inspired every day by the people around me. That keeps our future bright.

TD: If you could see anyone in the world wear a Mi Bolsa design, who would it be?

MB: Lady Gaga. She’s creative, fearless, and unapologetically herself—exactly what we stand for. Her artistry encourages us to push boundaries and be bold. That’s the energy we want our bags to carry.

TD: What has been the hardest part of building this brand?

MB: Starting a fashion brand with a background in math and finance wasn’t easy. I had to learn everything. But the hardest part was dealing with doubt, especially from others. People told me not to open a physical store, especially during tough economic times. But I trusted my instincts. I did the research. I stayed grounded. Confidence doesn’t mean ignoring advice; it means knowing when to follow your own voice.

TD: With over 40,000 Instagram followers, can we expect a fashion show soon?

MB: Yes! We’re hoping to join Paris Fashion Week next year. We’ll be showcasing our full range, bags, shoes, and jewellery. It’s going to be a big moment.

TD: What would you say is something uniquely Spanish about a Mi Bolsa bag that sets it apart?

MB: We infuse every design with art and cultural storytelling. Spanish influence shows in the bold use of colour and emotion. Unlike some brands that focus purely on prestige, we focus on connection. We want people to feel something when they carry our pieces. And we keep it accessible without sacrificing quality.

TD: Finally, how would you describe a woman carrying a Mi Bolsa bag?

MB: Independent. Confident. Beautiful, in her own way!

Find Mi Bolsa's most recent collection, Monaco, here.

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All Images Courtesy of Black PR

Written by Theoniki Dribusch

Edited by Daisy Packwood, Fashion Editor