If you're into bags with architectural shapes, technical fabrics, and seriously smart design, then you probably already love Cote et Ciel. The brand is a master at creating innovative and sculptural bags that are as functional for city life as they are visually striking, blending Parisian design with futuristic utility.
Their pieces feel less like simple accessories and more like wearable art. But if you’re looking to expand your collection with some other brands that nail that same forward-thinking, design-first approach, we've found 18 alternatives that will definitely catch your eye.
Danish brand Rains is your go-to for all things minimalist and weatherproof. Known for its signature waterproof fabric, the brand offers a range of backpacks, totes, and travel bags in clean, simple silhouettes. Their aesthetic is a bit more stark and utilitarian compared to Cote et Ciel's sculptural forms, but they share a deep commitment to high-quality technical materials and functionality.
If you love the practical, all-weather appeal of innovative fabrics but want a more understated, Scandinavian vibe, Rains is a perfect choice. Pricing is also quite similar, with most bags falling in the $90 to $150 range.
Shop now at rains.com
Based in San Francisco, Aer creates highly functional, minimalist bags designed for city dwellers, commuters, and travelers. Their look is clean, structured, and modern, using durable Cordura ballistic nylon to create sleek carry solutions for everything from your laptop to your gym gear. The brand's obsession with smart organization is obvious in its clever pocketing and dedicated compartments.
While Cote et Ciel's designs lean towards the avant-garde, Aer offers a similar tech-focused utility in a more understated and professional package. It's the perfect brand if you need a bag that transitions seamlessly from the office to the gym while looking good.
Shop now at aersf.com
For those who love a minimalist aesthetic but want an eco-conscious angle, Matt & Nat is a must-know. The brand specializes in high-quality vegan leather bags and accessories, using sustainable and recycled materials wherever possible. Their designs are clean, structured, and modern, focusing on timeless shapes like backpacks, totes, and crossbody bags that are perfect for everyday use.
Compared to Cote et Ciel's fabric-focused innovation, Matt & Nat’s innovation lies in its sustainable materials. You still get that same sleek, urban appeal, but with the added bonus of cruelty-free craftsmanship.
Shop now at mattandnat.com
Incase is deeply rooted in the world of creative professionals and tech, designing bags specifically to protect your gear. Their backpacks and slings are engineered with padded sleeves for MacBooks and iPads, durable materials like ballistic nylon, and tons of organizational pockets. The look is sleek, modern, and highly functional.
Think of Incase as Cote et Ciel's extremely tech-savvy cousin. While both brands champion innovative design, Incase places a heavier emphasis on tech protection and rugged construction, making it an ideal choice for digital nomads and creatives on the move.
Shop now at incase.com
Bellroy is obsessed with making life simpler through clever design. Starting with slim wallets, they now offer a full range of bags, from backpacks to totes and slings, all designed with unbelievably smart organization in mind. They use eco-tanned leathers and weather-resistant recycled fabrics, giving their products a premium yet approachable feel.
Bellroy shares Cote et Ciel's dedication to function, but with a less architectural, softer aesthetic. If you're looking for innovative features like hidden compartments and intuitive access in a slightly more relaxed form, Bellroy backpacks and bags will totally impress you.
Shop now at bellroy.com
While known for its rugged car racks, Thule makes some of the most durable and thoughtfully designed backpacks out there. Their bags are built for performance, catering to travelers and adventurers with weather-resistant materials, secure laptop compartments, and smart organization. The aesthetic is clean and modern but leans more technical and outdoorsy.
Thule is the more rugged, action-ready alternative to Cote et Ciel. It’s for the person who needs their bag to withstand the elements and a packed travel schedule while still maintaining a sharp, contemporary look.
Shop now at thule.com
Hailing from Sweden, Sandqvist blends classic Scandinavian minimalism with a touch of rugged heritage. Their bags, often made from organic cotton canvas and recycled polyester with leather details, are stylish yet incredibly functional. The design ethos is Nordic simplicity meets functional and utilitarian silhouettes that would make you feel right at home in nature and in the big city as well.
It’s a great choice for those who love the clean lines and high-quality materials of Cote et Ciel but prefer a more classic look with timeless Scandinavian accents. They have options that could almost be labeled “preppy-tech-student-core.”
Shop now at sandqvist.com
Master-Piece is a Japanese brand that defines "functional beauty." Known for impeccable craftsmanship and innovative materials, MSPC bags mix technical fabrics like high-density nylon with refined leather accents, creating pieces that are both incredibly durable and distinctively stylish. They are famous for their interesting shapes and intricate detailing, like custom hardware and unique pocket systems.
Like Cote et Ciel, Master-Piece pushes the boundaries of bag design, but with a uniquely Japanese sensibility that blends urban utility with meticulous detail. If you appreciate the art of construction and love discovering cool, hidden features, this brand is for you.
Shop now at master-piece.co.jp
French brand A.P.C. is the epitome of Parisian cool, offering minimalist essentials with a focus on clean lines and premium materials. Their bags, crafted from smooth leather or durable canvas, are all about understated elegance. You won't find avant-garde shapes here, but you will find classic, sophisticated bags perfect for a range of styles.
If you love Cote et Ciel’s minimalist spirit but want something more timeless and less technical, A.P.C. offers a refined alternative. Their pieces are investments in everyday understated chic.
Shop now at apc.fr
Knomo expertly combines tech and style, creating beautifully organized bags for modern professionals. Every Knomo piece includes a padded laptop compartment and smart pockets for chargers, headphones, and more.
Knomo is all about their tech-first features, including their signature RFID-blocking pocket to protect your information. Their aesthetic leans more polished and office-ready. It's a brand that provides sophisticated, perfectly organized modern bags you'll love.
Shop now at knomointernational.com
Mismo is Danish design at its best: simple, functional, and durable, using heavy-duty industrial quality fabrics. Their minimalist bags are crafted from premium materials, mostly canvas fabrics with exquisite leather trims.
Where Cote et Ciel’s designs are futuristic and avant-garde, Mismo provides a more classic and refined sophistication. It’s an investment piece bag, but a worthy one for years of use.
Shop now at mismo.dk
This ongoing collaboration takes Eastpak’s iconic, ultra-durable backpacks and injects them with Raf Simons' boundary-pushing high-fashion perspective. With Raf’s help, the most simple Eastpak backpack becomes a must-have edgy accessory.
We love this collaboration since it feels special and high-end but still accessible price points because, after all, this is Eastpak we're talking about. Expect Eastpak staples reinvented with a dark edgy fashion sensibility.
Shop now at eastpak.com
Known for its legendary messenger bags, Timbuk2 is a favorite of urban bicyclists and commuters. Their brand emphasizes tough, weatherproof materials, smart organization, and many customizable choices.
Timbuk2 shares Cote et Ciel’s commitment to functionality but offers a much more casual, customizable urban messenger vibe focused on urban utility.
Shop now at timbuk2.com
Vanso is an eco-warrior brand creating eye-catching bags from recycled ocean plastics and upcycled fishing gear. These bags have unique textures with a strong utilitarian aesthetic and modern silhouette.
Besides its modern style, their unique value proposition is their business model, designed to create social impact. Sustainability starts at their home base where they operate out of Brooklyn, NY.
Shop now at vanso.co
A household brand name in North America, Herschel is known worldwide for their vintage and Americana styles with a modern and accessible brand positioning.
Their focus on modern design from day one for modern times has made them a popular choice. They deliver innovative partnerships every season to stay always cool and relevant.
Shop now at herschel.ca
Like Incase and Knomo, Everki is a tech-focused brand offering solution-driven bags. Their bags are sleek, roomy, and filled with travel-friendly innovations.
Their backpacks are great for digital nomads, offering high-performance designs that stand out for comfort during long travels.
Shop now at everki.com
CabinZero offers customizable and durable packs in bright colors and fun prints. Their bags let you swap out front pockets to match your outfit or mood, which is so much fun.
They offer a playful aesthetic with innovative designs that provide a more personal and less serious vibe compared to Cote et Ciel.
Shop now at cabinzero.com
Baggu is famous for its simple yet stylish and versatile reusable tote bags, often in fun colors or cool prints. They also offer minimal smaller bags for everyday use.
Baggu's price point is one of the most affordable on the list, adding a more playful, stylish vibe compared to Cote et Ciel’s futuristic style.
Shop now at baggu.com
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