Design Ethos


To create timeless, effortless bags that women can wear every day
Melissa Del Bono, Founder

Melissa’s keen eye for seeing functional objects and transforming them into uniquely fashionable pieces is what sets the meli melo collection apart from its competitors. The iterative designs stay at the forefront of trends whilst maintaining and revisiting the classic DNA of the brand

Italian Terrazzo Moodboard
Melissa

The meli melo DNA, merging traditional Italian craftsmanship with a sense of London cool weaves together classic features like the buttery soft leather contrasted with suede drawstring closures, bold chain and symbolic chain detailing, and adjustable tubular drawstring straps. These features add structural dimensions to the designs giving an edge to practical and versatile creations.


Preserving the foundations of the design ethos is important in the colour palette and the signature hues, synonymous with the brand are upheld at the same time as the injection of a complementary range of seasonal colours.

The creative journey for meli melo bags starts about nine months prior to the debut of the new collection. Melissa begins designing each new style, often adding specific cultural features to her pieces as she discovers them. Sometimes, a design can be years in the making. Inspiration can come from a distant memory or a subject that requires meticulous research before it can be realised in bag form. Like the wicker baskets of her childhood, many of Melissa’s sources of inspiration come from the past.

Melissa’s passion for quality design means that she goes out of her way to ensure the most exceptional craftsmanship goes into every collection. Having every piece ‘Made in Italy’ by skilled artisans is an essential aspect which Melissa deeply believes elevates the pieces to a level of incomparable luxury design.

bag design drawing

As a designer living in London, I’m inspired by the urban buzz and eclectic tastes of the people who live here. My designs reflect the way that real women live their lives
Melissa Del Bono, Founder