Kate Hudson and Gabrielle Union Love This $790 Ulla Johnson Bag—But You Can Get the Look from $50

The luxe look for less

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Kate Hudson Ulla Johnson Charlotte bag
Revolve/Felipe Ramales/Shutterstock

Every so often, a new bag will bounce down the runway and fashion watchers can instantly tell that it’s going to be a hit. The criteria? It’s distinctive enough to stand out sans a giant label, yet timeless enough not to be relegated to just one season. Fresh, but not faddish. And, of course, it must be completely chic.

The latest style to earn ‘It’ status? The Ulla Johnson Charlotte bag ($790). The petite crossbody originally made its debut on the designer’s Spring/Summer 2025 runway, and has since been spotted on celebrities including Gabrielle Union, Naomi Watts, Kate Hudson and Rose Byrne.

Ulla Johnson

Featuring a basket-woven design of thick leather bands with a structured, V-shaped top, there’s no question whether it’s unique. And honestly, it’s not as out of reach as some other coveted designer bags priced in the thousands. But if you love the look and don’t have an extra $790 (or $990 for the large version) lying around, I found a few similar styles that can serve as affordable alternatives this spring and beyond.

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With a triangular handle and removable strap, this little purse can be carried as a clutch or worn as a crossbody, offering a bit more versatility than the pricier pick. It has a thick, woven construction like that of the Charlotte, with a fabric pouch inside to ensure your wallet or lip gloss won’t slip through the cracks. Reviewers confirm that the vegan leather feels high-quality, and praise the sturdy, structured design. Better yet, it’s available in ten colorways, so you can find the perfect match for your outfit or occasion.

Like the bag above, this hybrid style can go from daytime crossbody to evening bag with a simple snap of a strap. This design from Belle & Bloom, however, is crafted from genuine leather, so durability is a given. It also has a canvas lining with zip closure to keep your essentials secure, whether you’re en route to grab a latte or hitting the dance floor at a wedding.

While this roomy leather shoulder bag lacks the all-over weave of the Ulla Johnson style, it boasts a strikingly similar silhouette—especially at the top, where leather-wrapped rods create a structured frame and V-shaped drop. Size-wise, it’s more on par with the larger Charlotte, making it an excellent choice for an everyday carry-all. I also love that it features a tassel detail (very trendy right now) and includes a zippered pouch you can use to stash your cards and cash.


stephanie maida

Senior Commerce Editor

  • Oversees PureWow's coverage of sales and deals, celebrity commerce and new launches across categories
  • Has worked as a writer and editor for 10+ years
  • Studied journalism at New York University

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