The beauty calendar is marked by several tentpoles. From splurge-worthy sales to dazzling holiday collections, there is much to look forward to… though few events get the gals going like Merit’s signature makeup bag remix. A sort of yearly collectible, in the past, the brand has tapped designers ranging from Simone Rocha and Proenza Schouler to create versions of the bag true to their house codes. This year’s designer of choice? None other than Brandon Maxwell.

“The opportunity to collaborate on our original Signature Bag design with creative partners has been such a privilege,” says Aila Morin, the CMO of Merit. “It’s become a yearly project for us as a way to introduce our customers to the brands that we personally love and use. Brandon’s work has been on our moodboards for many years–he’s an iconic American designer who captures a similar sensibility as Merit, designing everyday classics, so it felt like a natural fit.”

Photo: Courtesy of Merit

This is not the first time the pair have collaborated. They’ve worked together for several seasons on the makeup look for Maxwell’s runway shows. It’s a sensible match given that both approach modern womanhood with a minimalist spin. It’s something the two have doubled down on for the bag design.

“The blending of soft and hard was the initial grounding point for our collaboration,” says Maxwell. “The knot detail is a staple of mine that I’ve used for many years, and that felt like an intentional choice to nod to the Brandon Maxwell brand and our evolution.”

And while it didn’t make its runway debut at Maxwell’s spring-summer 2026 show, it would have looked right at home on the runway. “The knot enhances the look and brings flair without being too flashy,” Maxwell continues. “It’s a confident, independent, and strong woman going about her day—and the bag is really living with her throughout it all.”

Photo: Courtesy of Merit

Photo: Courtesy of Merit

But that’s not where the partnership ends. Merit is also debuting a new Signature Lipstick in shade Maxwell—a mauvy, cinnamon brown is a satin finish that complements any complexion—housed in silver packaging that has Maxwell written all over it. “It’s always exciting to collaborate with a partner that has such natural alignment–not only in aesthetics, but also in the type of woman we design for and how we approach beauty.”

The Merit x Brandon Maxwell Signature Bag launches on October 2 exclusively at meritbeauty.com. Sign up for the waitlist here.