A personal review of the Agnes 12 in black: the vintage-inspired top-handle bag that's stealing attention from the viral Margaux.
The quiet alternative to the Margaux
The Row's Margaux may have dominated headlines with its 2025 virality, but the brand's Agnes bag has developed a devoted following among those who favor subtlety over spectacle. Having carried the Agnes 12 in black since purchasing it before her wedding, the reviewer found it quickly became an unconscious choice—the bag she reached for without deliberate thought.
Unlike the Margaux, which arrived as an immediate It bag, the Agnes has cultivated recognition more gradually. It first appeared in The Row's spring/summer 2026 collection, though given Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen's meticulous approach, development likely stretched across years before release.
Design and character
The silhouette borrows from vintage bowling bags, but The Row's interpretation introduces distinctive elements: soft structure and a deliberately slouched base that distinguishes it from rigid traditional purses. The reviewer describes her initial reaction as positive puzzlement—finding the design "a little weird" in the best possible sense.
The bag maintains the defined top and neat proportions of a structured doctor bag, yet features an unexpected fold at the bottom that resists straightening. This "nonchalant imperfection," as the reviewer terms it, prevents the Agnes from feeling overly prim or conventionally ladylike. The twisted detail near the bag's feet became increasingly appealing through continued use.
Specifications and availability
The Agnes 12 measures 12.99"W x 5.91"D x 8.27"H and is crafted from finely grained calfskin leather with a soft, natural finish. It features a curved-top zipper closure and top handle only—no crossbody or shoulder strap option exists. The collection also includes a larger Agnes 15 and several clutch-style pouch variants. Color offerings span black, cinnamon brown, and dark brown.
Pricing begins at approximately $4,400 for the Agnes 12 in calfskin, with costs fluctuating based on size, material, and season. Stock remains inconsistent, making specific styles and colors difficult to secure.
Styling approach
The absence of a crossbody strap lends the Agnes a more polished sensibility than casual shoulder bags. The reviewer favors pairing it with relaxed tailoring, jeans and quality outerwear, or uncomplicated knit-and-trouser combinations where the bag itself contributes significant stylistic weight. This intentionality, she suggests, separates the Agnes from everyday errand bags while maintaining versatility.