Dé Lanthe brings back the wooden-frame Bermuda bag
A handbag with a wooden frame last sold in 1985 is returning to shops.
dé Lanthe, the American label behind the Bermuda bag, is re-entering the market with an updated version of its best-known design. The news was reported by WWD on 24 September 2026.
Delores "Dee" Hyers started the company in 1969. The Bermuda bag followed in the early 1970s. It was built around a single walnut frame with covers that could be swapped to change the look. In simple terms, one rigid handle-and-frame set did the work of a bag, while the fabric outer could be lifted off and replaced.
The idea caught on. dé Lanthe worked with Lilly Pulitzer, the American label known for bright prints, and with shoe designer Jacques Cohen. A line of interchangeable covers was also produced for Pappagallo, the American boutique chain. The original business closed in 1985.
The relaunch is led by Allison Hyers, the founder's daughter-in-law, who serves as creative director. She previously worked at West Elm, the American homeware retailer, JetBlack, the shopping service, and J.Crew, the American clothing chain. The new Bermuda keeps the classic shape with a modern update.
Each bag is made in the United States with a hand-cut frame in black walnut. Covers come in different colours, textures and patterns and snap on and off the frame. The design now has a magnetic closure and an interior pocket, according to the brand's website. The bag is offered for pre-order and is described on the site as in production for the first time in more than forty years.
Covers are central to the plan. The range already includes Harbor, a striped design shown on Instagram, and The Hearth, listed on the brand's website. The brand describes the offer as "One handcrafted Bermuda Bag. A wardrobe of covers." Its tagline for the bag is "One bag. Endless possibilities."
The collection is due to debut at Residenza Vignale, a venue in Milan, as part of Emerging Talents Milan during Milan Fashion Week, the Italian stage of the season of runway shows. Emerging Talents Milan gives runway space to independent and returning labels alongside the main calendar.
What makes this stand out is the mechanics. Most bags are one and done. Here the frame stays and the outside changes. For a shopper, that means the purchase splits in two: the frame once, then covers as wanted.
