KAAI Pyramid Review: A Bag That Handles All Our Needs And Desires

Why you can trust Luxe Digital? Luxe Digital’s Belgian founder first discovered the Belgian brand while living in Brussels back in 2020. Since then, we have experienced and tested many KAAI bags, with most of our editors owning several models themselves. For this article, we tested the KAAI Pyramid in all three sizes, paying particular attention to how each size functions in various situations—from office commutes to school drops to grocery runs. 

For more on how we test products, see our HAPPY philosophy for buying luxuries.

Kaai Pyramid review: A triumvirate of craftsmanship, class, and care

Unboxing: Wrapped in luxury

Like any great gift (the ones to yourself included), unveiling hidden treasures is a huge part of the pleasure. KAAI amplifies the experience with its exceptional attention to detail and impeccable packaging. Each KAAI Pyramid is wrapped in premium tissue paper and comes with its own dust bag. Even the metal feet are protected by silicone covers, a seemingly small detail that speaks to just how thoughtful and sophisticated the Belgian brand really is. 

Materials & craftsmanship: Art is all in the details

Constructed from leather sourced from a single tannery in Italy, KAAI is a brand that resonates with our strong appreciation for quality and sustainable craftsmanship. 

The premium leather undergoes advanced treatment processes to create a bag that is as durable as it is desirable. Resistant to scratches, water, and UV rays, the KAAI Pyramid maintains its color and structure season after season. And while it may look like an intricate work of art, you don’t have to worry about handling it as such.

Further reflecting the brand’s unmistakable attention to detail, the Pyramid is adorned with KAAI’s blue suede lining, adding a signature complementary contrast to any hue. The soft interior gently caresses our fingers every time we reach for our lip balm while simultaneously protecting our tech from light bumps.

While it may seem small to some, we’re aware that the bag’s strategically placed metal feet play a big role in the design and longevity of the KAAI Pyramid. 

Aesthetic & design: Subtle sophistication

Designed in Antwerp, Belgium—the diamond capital of the world—the KAAI Pyramid draws its inspiration from Art Deco’s timeless allure. Playing with the simplicity of geometrical shapes (its namesake in particular), the monochromatic bag showcases clean lines and sharp angles, as well as elegant curves. 

We love that the KAAI Pyramid is both structured and fluid—a reinterpretation that encapsulates the modern woman and her multifaceted lifestyle. 

Functionality: Minimalist in form but maximalist in function

We’ve already mentioned that the KAAI Pyramid is scratch- water- and sun-resistant—and overall, one of the most durable bags we’ve experienced. But it’s also one of the most functional everyday totes in terms of organizational features. 

The two triangular fold-up sides play double duty as design features and magnetic external pockets, big enough to make your phone or wallet easily accessible on the move. Although the bag appears to be effortlessly sleek and simple, the fully zipped (read: extra secure) interior has plenty of slips and sleeves. 

The one downfall of the KAAI Pyramid is that it is on the heavier side. But the handles are reinforced to handle the extra weight, and they’re soft and wide enough not to dig into your shoulders. 

The KAAI Pyramid comes in three sizes—the Pyramid (or large), the Midi Pyramid, and the Mini Pyramid. Every size is capsule-wardrobe-ready and thoughtfully designed for various occasions, paying careful attention to exactly what tech fits inside, from a 15” laptop to an e-reader. 

What fits inside the three different sizes

KAAI Pyramid

As the largest of the three bags, the KAAI Pyramid is designed for work and play, with tech-specific sleeves and multiple compartments and pockets. 

Basically, we never feel like we have to compromise or leave anything behind. 15” laptop? It fits. Water bottle? Yep. Wallet, diary, reading book? It’s all in there. We sometimes even pack a spare sweater for when the air conditioner hits an all-time low. 

Capacity aside, what’s really great about this work tote is that everything has its place. Your keys have a key fob. Your laptop has a protective sleeve. Your water bottle or small umbrella has a side pouch. Your phone and wallet have external pockets. Your pens and lip balm slip into three side pockets. And your bigger belongings have a spacious middle compartment. 

Everything remains securely zipped inside. And while this may seem obvious, we’ve found that it’s actually pretty tough to find a large luxury tote with a zip and even harder to find one with a zip that doesn’t break. We especially appreciate this added feature when we slam on emergency brakes, and our bag topples over without the contents spilling out (yep, we had to test that). 

KAAI Midi Pyramid

The Midi Pyramid is a lighter, less-obtrusive everyday tote, perfect for those who don’t require the extra room. 

Like the KAAI Pyramid, the Midi size packs a (zipped-up) punch. It also has external pockets, a water bottle holder, a key fob and a roomy main compartment (minus the spare sweater.) 

However, the key difference is that the laptop sleeve is only big enough for a 13” device. And the interior only has two (as opposed to three) side pockets. 

KAAI Mini Pyramid

The distinguishing feature of the KAAI Mini Pyramid (besides its obviously smaller size) is the crossbody strap. Compact enough to wear as a crossbody, the lightweight silhouette doesn’t have space for a laptop or water bottle. 

However, it does make room for a tablet or e-reader, a power bank, and other small essentials. While the two (easily accessible) exterior pockets are still large enough for your phone and cardholder. 

Colors: A rainbow of refinement

KAAI’s signature color selection is inspired by the muted hues of the Art Deco period, many of which are evident in the range of KAAI Pyramid colorways. 

As one of the brand’s best-selling bags, the KAAI Pyramid comes in many timeless colors, including black, taupe, and cognac. But it also comes in hues that are equally versatile but a little more dramatic, such as forest green, merlot, and terracotta. 

The KAAI Midi comes in additional hues like light khaki and beige. While the KAAI Mini comes in classic neutrals but also more distinctive colors like light yellow, winter pink, and naplack sangria. Arm candy, you say?

Most certainly. KAAI is the finest Belgian truffle (think Neuhaus Irrésistibles) in our handbag collection—iconic in shape and filled with pure decadence.

Care & maintenance: Easy maintenance, easy styling

Thanks to its impenetrable materials and reinforced stitching, the KAAI Pyramid is just as easy to maintain as it is to style. As hard-working women, we don’t have the time to worry about carefully placing down our bags. We just want to plop it down wherever. We also don’t want to worry about weather changes (If, like us, you are regularly experiencing four seasons in one day, this is a revelation).

Come rain or shine, the KAAI Pyramid doesn’t show signs of wear and tear. The premium Italian leather ages beautifully. And the microsuede interior is incredibly easy to wipe down. 

Every now and then, we give our bag a once-over with water (no leather-care formula!) And that’s it. 

Price: Not the most affordable, but it promises years of wear

The KAAI Pyramid retails at $799. The Midi Pyramid retails at $725. And the Mini Pyramid retails at $495. We agree it isn’t exactly cheap. However, while the KAAI Pyramid is undoubtedly a luxury item, it still feels like good value compared to big-name designer brands that are well into the four-digit territory. 

This is especially true if you consider that the quality is the same as (and sometimes even better than) some of those luxury labels. 

It’s a capsule-worthy piece that can handle a lot of wear and heavy use while maintaining its high-end aesthetic.

Who it is best for: Wonder women

Created by women for other multifaceted women, KAAI bags address the everyday dichotomies of what it is to be a woman. The brand’s designs are feminine and robust. They’re fashionable and functional. And they’re seemingly simple yet possess the uncanny ability to discern your latest desires and how to fulfill them best.

KAAI Pyramid

Designed for the powerhouse modern woman, who is constantly switching between work and play, the KAAI Pyramid is averse to compromise and leaving anything behind. Including your 15” laptop and water bottle. 

KAAI Midi Pyramid

If you don’t have a device bigger than 13”, this is the size we would recommend. It’s lighter and a little more versatile. 

KAAI Mini Pyramid

The KAAI Mini Pyramid is for the ladies who lunch and the light packers who don’t lug around laptops. 

Pyramid size comparison

Alternatives to KAAI bags

Senreve

Like KAAI, Senreve only sources the highest quality leather. Featuring more elaborate silhouettes, Senreve bags marry everyday functionality with a sense of fantasy.

Senreve has a bigger product range, including scarves, hats and pet accessories, while KAAI specializes in minimalist bags. Senreve’s price tag is also slightly higher than KAAI. 

Senreve is a great alternative if you’re looking for more extravagant designs. 

For more information about the brand, check out our dedicated Senreve story. 

Cuyana

Renowned for its “fewer, better” philosophy, Cuyana echos KAAI’s minimalist approach to luxury with high-quality, capsule-worthy classics. 

And if you’re looking for a more affordable alternative to KAAI, the San Francisco brand is a great option. That being said, Cuyana has an extensive product range, from clothing to accessories, so it doesn’t specifically specialize in flawless handbag designs as KAAI does. 

To learn more about this sustainable label, read our dedicated Cuyana brand page.

Where to buy the KAAI Pyramid?

Eager to get your hands on (or arms into) this Luxe Digital-approved handbag? Pick yours up on KAAI’s official website. 

KAAI’s delivery is super speedy (we received ours in 2 working days.) And international shipping is free, so you aren’t limited by location. 

If you happen to be in Antwerp as you read this, KAAI’s studio store is just outside the main district. And the Belgium-based brand has also opened a flagship store in the Galerie du Roi in Brussels.

Frequently asked questions about KAAI