Luxury Look for Less

Anne Hathaway has long been associated with luxury fashion houses such as Valentino, Versace and Armani, but one of her most memorable off-duty accessories proves that high style doesn’t always come with a couture price tag. In 2021, The Devil Wears Prada star stepped out carrying the JW Pei Women’s Maze Crossbody — a compact, quilted design retailing for around $120 — offering a masterclass in accessible elegance.

Channeling her iconic Andy Sachs sensibility, Hathaway paired the understated black bag with a herringbone wool coat, a mini sweater dress and knee-high Isabel Marant boots. The result was a polished, fashion-forward look that blurred the line between high street and high fashion — a balance famously explored in the 2006 film alongside Meryl Streep’s formidable Miranda Priestly.

JW Pei, a brand that has steadily built momentum in the “affordable luxury” space, has attracted a growing celebrity following. Bethenny Frankel, Selena Gomez, Kyle Richards and Mindy Kaling have all been spotted with the label’s designs, from the sculptural Abacus Top Handle Bag to the textured Orla Weave Handbag. The brand’s rise also reflects a broader industry shift toward sustainability and accessibility — a movement embraced by younger consumers and echoed by designers like Stella McCartney, who has long championed vegan materials.

The Maze Crossbody itself is crafted from vegan leather and finished with silver hardware, featuring an adjustable strap that allows it to transition easily from crossbody to clutch. Despite its compact size, the bag includes multiple compartments designed for everyday essentials, combining practicality with a sleek, padded aesthetic.

Its design has drawn comparisons to premium styles like Bottega Veneta’s Padded Cassette, highlighting JW Pei’s ability to deliver a similar aesthetic at a far more accessible price point.

The bag has also earned strong reviews from shoppers, with one verified buyer noting, “This beautifully crafted, soft vegan leather, bubble-designed crossbody bag is giving high-end fashion, hands down.”

Blending versatility, polish and affordability, the Maze Crossbody remains a standout piece that transitions seamlessly from celebrity styling to everyday wear.