When Troubadour founders Samuel Bail and Abel Samet couldn’t find the perfect bag to take them from the office to a weekend getaway with friends, they set off in 2011 on an 18-month odyssey around Europe – tracking down the best independent artisans to create the bag themselves. And, while many Troubadour designs are refined and minimal enough to be carried by men and women, its first dedicated women’s collection has just launched, comprising three sophisticated styles.

As is typical of all Troubadour designs, every detail of each women’s bag has been carefully considered by Troubadour creative director Samantha Jacob, who describes her inspiration as ‘world-changing women and their modern lifestyles, architecture, subtle landscapes, and women with busy lives who yearn for simplicity’. For example, discreet outside pockets with zipper openings enable quick yet secure access to belongings, while natural, waterproof high-grade Italian leather provides protection from the elements.

What’s more, the shoulder straps have been engineered to eliminate pressure points, and are made of three layers, which are fused together rather than stitched. The outer layer is leather for a luxe feel, the inner layer is neoprene, and the backing is made from a technical non-slip fabric, so it won’t slide off the shoulder.

The streamlined Ki cross-body bag is made from one piece of leather, and, despite being the smallest bag in the collection, it’s still spacious enough to hold everyday essentials. Featuring a detachable strap, the Ki can also be worn as a clutch by tucking the d-rings away neatly under the side leather tabs – ideal for transitioning from day to evening.

For days when you’re carrying a gym kit or large items such as a laptop, the Zola shoulder bag is a chic yet practical option. Made from two pieces of leather seamed together with a hand-painted raw edge and no visible stitching, it has a zipped pocket on the inside for valuables, and the asymmetric, triple-bonded strap can be worn on the shoulder or across the body.

The Contour oval bag is equally practical, but comes in a boxy bucket silhouette, with a discreet raw edged front pocket on the outside. Featuring handles and a shoulder strap, it’s available in black, navy, grey and pale pink.

From £379; troubadourgoods.com