Strathberry Charlotte: Charlotte vs Charlotte Midi, Nappa, Suede and Beaded

The Strathberry Charlotte is a drawstring bucket bag made in two sizes: the Charlotte Drawstring at 23 x 15.5 x 10 cm and the Charlotte Midi Drawstring at 29 x 21 x 11.5 cm, both handcrafted in Spain. Coveti stocks it in nappa leather, suede, woven leather and a limited grey beaded edition, from $600 in our bucket bags edit and on the Strathberry hub. For the wider category, see our guide to designer bucket bags.

What is the Strathberry Charlotte?

The Charlotte is Strathberry’s drawstring bag. Where most of the line is defined by a flap and the polished Music Bar, the Charlotte opens from the top: a leather cord gathers the body into soft folds, and you loosen it to reach inside. Nappa versions add a magnetic closure inside the drawstring, so the bag stays shut even when the cord is relaxed.

It is a bucket bag in shape, round at the base and soft at the top, and it is the most relaxed bag Strathberry makes. That is why it suits autumn winter 2026/27: it looks right with a chunky knit and a long coat, and it does not demand a polished outfit.

Charlotte vs Charlotte Midi: which size?

Choose the Charlotte for evenings and weekends

The Charlotte Drawstring holds a phone, a card case, keys and a lipstick, with a little room for gloves. Worn crossbody it leaves both hands free, which is what you want at a Christmas market and a long lunch.

Choose the Charlotte Midi as a daily bag

The Midi adds 6 cm of width and 5.5 cm of height. That is enough for a small wallet, sunglasses, a paperback and a scarf, and the interior zipped pocket keeps keys in one place. If you only buy one Charlotte, the Midi is the more useful size.

Nappa vs suede vs beaded: the materials compared

Nappa leather

Nappa is the original Charlotte. Strathberry calls it the brand’s “softest and most supple Nappa leather”, and it shows: the bag collapses into deep folds when the drawstring is pulled. Nappa is smooth, so it wipes clean more easily than suede and handles light rain better. Choose it if the bag will be worn every day.

• Charlotte Drawstring in Black ($760): the smaller size in the most useful colour.
• Charlotte Midi Drawstring in Oxblood ($990): deep red nappa for the AW26 season.
• Charlotte Midi Drawstring in Taupe ($990): a grey brown neutral that pairs with black and camel.
• Charlotte Midi Drawstring in Walnut ($990): a warm brown for autumn.

Suede

Suede gives the Charlotte a matte, brushed surface that works with wool, corduroy and knitwear. The Charlotte suede is calf split suede with gold hardware. It is softer to the touch than nappa, but it needs more care: avoid heavy rain and brush it regularly. See our guide on how to clean a suede bag.

• Charlotte Drawstring in Tan Suede ($760): a classic tan with the signature Music Bar.
• Charlotte Drawstring in Chocolate Suede ($600): the lowest price point for the Charlotte at Coveti.
• Charlotte Midi Drawstring in Chocolate Suede ($990): the larger size in chocolate suede, with an interior zipped pocket.

If suede is your direction, our suede bags edit covers the wider category.

The limited beaded edition

The Charlotte Drawstring in Grey Beaded Embroidery ($1,400) is the special one. Each bag is hand-embroidered in India by a family atelier whose craft spans more than 150 years, and each piece takes around 27 hours of handwork. The embroidery combines sequins, metallic thread and bullion over soft nappa leather, with silver hardware in place of the usual gold.

It is a limited edition, and it is the Charlotte to buy for party season. Grey beading reads festive without the obvious shine of gold, so it works with black, navy and cream for Christmas 2026 dinners. For more embellished bags, see our beaded bags guide.

Woven leather

The Charlotte Midi Drawstring in Chocolate Woven Leather ($1,270) adds texture without the fragility of suede. The woven body gives the drawstring shape a little more structure.

A brighter colourway

Not every Charlotte is a neutral. The Charlotte Drawstring in Lime and Khaki ($760) pairs a sharp green with an olive tone. It is the one to choose if your coats and knits are all grey, navy and camel and you want a single bag to lift them.

Caring for a Charlotte

The drawstring is the part that works hardest, so treat it gently. Loosen the cord fully before you reach inside instead of forcing a hand through a half-closed top, and avoid knotting it. When the bag is not in use, stuff it lightly with tissue so the gathered folds keep their shape, and store it upright in its dust bag away from direct sunlight.

Nappa needs little more than a dry soft cloth after each wear and an occasional leather conditioner. Suede needs a suede brush, used in one direction, and a protective spray before the first rainy day. The beaded edition should be stored flat in its own bag so the embroidery does not catch on zips and buckles. Our guide on how to clean a leather bag covers the smooth versions in more detail.

How to wear a drawstring bucket bag

A drawstring bucket bag is casual by nature, so the trick is to pair it with something sharp.

With tailoring

Charlotte Midi in Taupe nappa on the shoulder with a navy blazer, white shirt and straight trousers. The soft bag stops the outfit from looking stiff.

With knitwear

Charlotte in Tan Suede crossbody with a cream cable knit, dark denim and suede boots. Matching textures make the look.

For evening

The beaded Charlotte on the shoulder with a black slip dress and a cashmere wrap. Pull the drawstring tight so the beading gathers into folds.

Is the Strathberry Charlotte worth it?

The Charlotte is one of the most accessible ways into Strathberry, with prices from $600 at Coveti. Like the rest of the line, it is designed in Edinburgh and handcrafted in Spain. If you want the brand’s signature flap and bar, look at the Mosaic and the East/West instead; our guide to the best Strathberry bags sets them side by side. If you want a soft, relaxed shape for every day, the Charlotte is the right Strathberry. For a structured alternative in the bucket category, compare the Corda Bucket in Black ($1,030) and read is Strathberry a luxury brand for the background on the house.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size is the Strathberry Charlotte Drawstring?

The Charlotte Drawstring measures 23 x 15.5 x 10 cm. It has a drawstring closure and an adjustable crossbody strap. It holds a phone, a card case, keys and a lipstick.

What is the difference between the Charlotte and the Charlotte Midi?

The Charlotte Midi Drawstring is larger at 29 x 21 x 11.5 cm and has an interior zipped pocket. The standard Charlotte Drawstring is 23 x 15.5 x 10 cm. The Midi works as a daily bag, while the smaller size suits evenings and weekends.

Is the Strathberry Charlotte a bucket bag?

Yes, the Charlotte is a drawstring bucket bag with a rounded base and a soft gathered top. It is worn on the shoulder and crossbody. Strathberry makes it in nappa leather, suede and limited embellished editions.

How is the beaded Strathberry Charlotte made?

The limited Grey Beaded Embroidery Charlotte is hand-embroidered in India by a family atelier whose craft spans more than 150 years. Each piece takes around 27 hours of handwork, using sequins, metallic thread and bullion. It costs $1,400 at Coveti.

Is nappa better than suede for a Charlotte?

Choose nappa if the bag will be worn every day, because it is smooth, easier to wipe clean and copes better with light rain. Choose suede for a softer, matte texture that pairs well with knitwear. Suede needs regular brushing and should be kept away from heavy rain.