Meet Melissa
Melissa Del Bono
Founder & Creative Director, meli melo
Welcome to Meli Melo, the brand I founded in 2005 with a clear mission: to create beautifully designed, timeless, and versatile handbags that every woman can cherish. My inspiration for starting Meli Melo began in my childhood on the small island of Lipari, Sicily, where I was captivated by the local women and their elegant wicker baskets. I dreamed of having something just as beautiful to carry, which ultimately sparked my passion for handbag design.
The traditional Sicilian basket, with its practical inverted handles used to feed donkeys, inspired the signature Thela Bag, which became one of our most iconic designs. When I received my own wicker basket as a child, it became my constant companion, and that memory continues to influence my approach to handbag design today.
Growing up in the serene beauty of Sicily, and now living in the vibrant, urban landscape of London, my designs are a reflection of these two contrasting worlds. I draw from the raw, natural elegance of island life and the dynamic energy of London’s streets to create handbags that suit the modern woman—whether she’s navigating the city or relaxing on a secluded beach. My goal is to design bags that are not only functional and stylish but are also pieces that women will love for years to come.
At Meli Melo, we combine luxury Italian craftsmanship with a touch of London cool, resulting in versatile designs that exude understated elegance. Our bags are made to complement the lifestyle of real women who move effortlessly between busy appointments and quiet escapes, all while maintaining their unique sense of style and confidence.
Today, Meli Melo is proud to be a favorite of stylish women around the world, including A-list celebrities like Olivia Palermo, Alessandra Ambrosio, and Lily Aldridge. Each collection is a celebration of timeless style, designed to empower women to look and feel their best.
I hope you enjoy every piece as much as I’ve enjoyed creating them.
Love,
