Heritage
About Meli Melo
Meli Melo is the embodiment of designer Melissa Del Bono’s rich Italian roots and English heritage, blending timeless craftsmanship with modern design. Named after Melissa herself—‘Meli,’ her affectionate nickname—and the phrase “meli melo,” meaning a harmonious mix, our brand reflects a unique fusion of style, culture, and inspiration from her life’s journey.
Born into a family of entrepreneurs, Melissa’s passion for creativity and craftsmanship was sparked during her childhood on the volcanic Aeolian Island of Lipari, Sicily. There, she admired the traditional wicker baskets carried by local women and, in 2005, reimagined them into her first iconic creation, the BB Bag. Without formal design training, Melissa combined the relaxed silhouette and inverted handles of those baskets with the finest Italian leather, producing a truly distinctive handbag.
From her London home, Melissa launched Meli Melo, using her PR experience at Harper’s Bazaar, Tanner Krolle, and Asprey to introduce her brand to the world. Meli Melo quickly became a favorite among fashion insiders and celebrities, known for its luxurious craftsmanship, understated branding, and timeless style. Early fans included the Duchess of Cambridge, Sienna Miller, and Pippa Middleton.
Why Choose Meli Melo?
• Craftsmanship: We source only the finest Italian leather, handcrafted by local artisans for superior quality.
• Timeless Design: Our collections, like the BB Bag and the Thela Tote, offer a perfect blend of elegance and functionality that transcends trends.
• Celebrity-Endorsed: Our bags have been spotted on style icons such as Olivia Palermo, Poppy Delevingne, and more.
• Exclusive Collections: Discover our limited-edition collaborations, including the Severine Collection with Olivia Palermo and the Rose Thela—a contemporary twist on our iconic Thela Tote.
Key Milestones
• 2005: Launch of the BB Bag, earning acclaim from British Vogue as a “brand to watch.”
• Duchess of Cambridge: A Meli Melo bag became her signature accessory.
• Thela Tote: Worn by Olivia Palermo, solidifying its status as a must-have.
• Portobello Road Flagship: Opening of our London store in Notting Hill.
• Art Bag Collection: A collaboration with renowned art collector Federica Fanari.
• Regent Street Pop-Up: Our debut pop-up store in London’s prestigious shopping district.
At Meli Melo, we’re dedicated to creating luxury accessories that blend heritage and modernity, offering you beautifully made, timeless pieces without the heavy price tag. Join our journey of craftsmanship and elegance.
The story of meli melo began on the volcanic island of Lipari with the traditional Sicilian wicker basket, the label’s core inspiration
2005
meli melo’s first creation, the B.B. bag, interpreted the wicker basket’s inverted handles, establishing them as the defining feature of its luxuriously minimalist design
2012
The hero Thela tote, an evolution of the B.B. Bag, is widely recognised for its design. Leading in originality, the handbag can be worn in five different ways, encouraging self-expression
2017
A contemporary reinterpretation of the Thela design, the limited-edition Rose Thela has a ring closure symbolising eternity and an interchangeable wide shoulder strap
2018
Born six years after the launch of our well-loved classic, the new Linked Thela, featuring a statement contrast interior, is the ideal collector’s piece, drawing together the different elements which have become an intrinsic part of the meli melo DNA