If there’s one accessory on everyone’s wishlists right now, it’s the midi New York by DeMellier. The slightly more compact, younger sibling of DeMellier’s New York bag, it has been spotted resting on the arms of A-listers from Katie Holmes to Reese Witherspoon.
It’s no surprise that the style is favoured by so many, available in a range of different fabrics and colourways, including a timeless black leather and a more on-trend mocha suede. But beyond the tones and textures, it is the neat and polished silhouette of the midi New York that really captures attention, exuding a timeless elegance while remaining versatile.
But while the midi New York bag is a great investment, you do have to invest if you want to add one to your handbag collection. It’s not the most expensive designer bag out there by a mile, but its £475 price tag means I've been looking for one of the best designer lookalikes. And I’ve found it in the form of JW PEI’s Hana medium tote bag, which is currently 20% off in the Amazon Prime Day sale.
Shop Affordable Alternative to DeMellier's Midi New York
Thanks to the DeMellier sale, The Midi New York is made all the more enticing by its currently reduced price tag. Thoughtful details are everywhere in the design of The Midi New York, which boasts comfortable tubular handles that sit naturally in the hand or in the crook of the arm so you can show off your purchase in comfort. Choose from a range of luxe neutral hues and between real smooth grain leather or suede.
The design of this Hana Tote Bag by JW PEI is uncannily similar to DeMellier's Midi New York style. With the same trapeze-like shape that has given The New York its iconic status, the silhouette is spot on, and the handles are strikingly similar, too. The fabric of this bag might be polyester instead of real leather, but it still looks luxe, and it's available in a range of hues, too.
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This bag has recieved some glowing reviews online, with one stating, "I am amazed by the quality of this tote bag as it fits so much stuff without changing its shape." Others say it is 'very soft and comfortable to wear,' and point out that it can 'fit a laptop' so is a great choice of work bag.
You might have to do a double take when you look at this luxe-looking faux-suede handbag - it's so similar to DeMellier's iconic design. It is available in black or dark brown, with gold-toned hardware complementing the rich colours beautifully.
The dark brown colourway of this New Look handbag has already sold out and we're expecting this tan tone to do so, too. It is a bargain at £25.99, with its faux-suede fabric giving a luxe look to the sleek yet roomy bag.
On top of the nearly identical silhouette this JW PEI bag shares with DeMellier’s midi New York, what really stands out about it is its roomy opening. If you’ve been looking longingly at the DeMellier bag, you’ll know that its trapeze-like shape is not only designed to be aesthetically pleasing but also practical, with the generous side folds allowing the bag to completely open up its spacious interior. The JW PEI bag does just this, capturing the sophisticated shape and its practicality, too.
The big difference between the bags is their materials, with the JW PEI Hana tote bag made from polyester, rather than sustainable leather, to reduce its price. However, we do get something from the affordable Amazon find that we don’t get from DeMellier: more colours. There is a range of tones and textures when it comes to the midi New York bag, but JW PEI have clearly taken the spring/summer fashion colour trends for 2026 into account and has released both a trending red and an elegant earthy green shade, which are not on-trend options available from DeMellier – yet, at least.
Whichever bag draws your attention, it’s sure to become an everyday hero in your summer capsule wardrobe and beyond. It’s one of those bags that's the perfect size for every occasion, whether you’re pulling together date night outfit ideas or heading to the office – and we love an all-rounder when it comes to our handbags.
