Is anyone familiar with the French leather goods company Lancel?

[Mr. Moo]

I purchased a Lancel briefcase today from an estate sale, but I can't find much information online about the company, other than they do not have stores in the US outside of a few Duty Free Shops at 3-4 east coast airports. Apparently the company is big in Europe and Asia (Hong Kong especially), but there is very little other info that I could find. Any ideas on the retail value of a bag like this? There is a similar bag on their website, but there are no prices.

Thanks!

 

[Klobber]

Not able to help you regarding company, but just a note to say I like that briefcase. I will watch this thread.

 

[Staatsoper]

I've seen their shops in Europe. It's a very posh French brand, in the same league with Hermes and LV. I read their "cult object" Adjani women's handbag is about 1000 euros in calf.

So I think you've done well!

 

[yeungjai]

It's funny you should mention it, because I recently started using a Lancel shopper bag during my morning commute, and dug up a large (non-wheeled...!) suitcase from the basement. My father bought these pieces about probably 20-25 years ago and they're built like tanks.

While we're talking about fairly obscure french brands though - I'd also like to direct your attention to Gerard Henon (http://www.gerard-henon.com/the-brand.html). Recently dug up an attache that's no longer in use in the basement, and the craftsmanship is superb (at least, circa 198X)

 

[Mr. Moo]

Originally Posted by Klobber

Not able to help you regarding company, but just a note to say I like that briefcase. I will watch this thread.

Thanks

Originally Posted by Staatsoper

I've seen their shops in Europe. It's a very posh French brand, in the same league with Hermes and LV. I read their "cult object" Adjani women's handbag is about 1000 euros in calf.

So I think you've done well!

Wow, same league as LV and Hermes? The bag is made very, very well and the leather and fittings are of great quality, but same level as Hermes? I always felt that Hermes was on a different planet in terms of price, and maybe quality as well?

Originally Posted by yeungjai

It's funny you should mention it, because I recently started using a Lancel shopper bag during my morning commute, and dug up a large (non-wheeled...!) suitcase from the basement. My father bought these pieces about probably 20-25 years ago and they're built like tanks.

While we're talking about fairly obscure french brands though - I'd also like to direct your attention to Gerard Henon (http://www.gerard-henon.com/the-brand.html). Recently dug up an attache that's no longer in use in the basement, and the craftsmanship is superb (at least, circa 198X)

Do you have photos? Congrats on the two finds. This bag of mine is certainly sturdy.

 

[Staatsoper]

They don't have the quality of Hermes, I surmise, but they do occupy a rarified niche in the market. I've never come closer to one than through a shop window, because it didn't look to me that Lancel had any men's stuff.

 

[Mr. Moo]

Originally Posted by Staatsoper

They don't have the quality of Hermes, I surmise, but they do occupy a rarified niche in the market. I've never come closer to one than through a shop window, because it didn't look to me that Lancel had any men's stuff.

Gotcha, thanks.

 

[Staatsoper]

They have something like 20 shops in Paris alone!

 

[Mr. Moo]

Originally Posted by Staatsoper

They have something like 20 shops in Paris alone!

Wow...

I wonder why they are not selling these in the US outside of Duty Free Shops in some select airports?

 

[Staatsoper]

Originally Posted by Mr. Moo

Wow...

I wonder why they are not selling these in the US outside of Duty Free Shops in some select airports?

Probably because they have such low brand recognition over here.

 

[yeungjai]

I'd imagine for the same reasons why you didn't see those godawful nylon Longchamp bags everywhere until the last few years. I'm told by my father from the time he lived in Paris that quite a large number of artisanal Parisian brands prefer to limit their goods to sale within the country to preserve its exclusivity, in much the same way LV used to have quotas on the sale of their goods in each store.

Originally Posted by Mr. Moo

Wow...

I wonder why they are not selling these in the US outside of Duty Free Shops in some select airports?

 

[yeungjai]

Can check out some pictures of the suitcase and attache at http://soverycheeky.blogspot.com/201...-basement.html

 

[lasbar]

Lancel is a tad below Hermes but their products are very good...

Their main clientele is middle class French women...

I bought a crocodile belt there and it was good stuff..

 

[Birks and Grey Socks]

We have some Lancel goods, well made and very good quality. Not as good as LV and Hermes stuff, but not far off. Longchamp and Le Tanneur are two other great french brands to purchase for quality goods you don't see being carried by spoiled teenage girls in the malls of america.

 

[Shirtmaven]

my father was a fan of lancel he used several different bags over the years. he even bought me a nylon/leather trimmed briefcase that i used until it was way to beaten up to salvedge.

they had a store on madison ave in the 60's for many years. I guess it has closed.
I guess they figure the promotion costs are not worth the additional sales volume to create a larger customer base in the USA.