Official APRIL IN PARIS (custom leather artisan) Thread: Feedback, Pics, Reviews

[rach2jlc]

Originally Posted by iammatt

I'm so happy you guys enjoyed working with Bea. I am quite fond of her, and have used her extensively. The bag and wallet look great. I believe she still works in plain site, and I think she has a little help, but not much. Maybe a person or two, all trained by her. She is very (and rightfully) proud of the edging. I've seen her do it. It is an extensive job.
+1. Having seen the Hermes Verlan men's tote in AW2007, which is somewhat similar to this bag in terms of style/size, though considerably less complicated (the interior was basically just an open, space with no pockets or contrast-leather lining), it was $7800. This bag from Hermes would easily be north of $9,000, without the bespoke/custom details, the choice of leathers, or the one-on-one personal service. For 1/3 of that, all together, I think anybody would be nuts to go with Hermes over Bea, unless they are just enamored with that tiny 12-point gold font saying "Hermes Paris". Really, LV wants more than this one for their full-leather totes, as does Valextra, and they are glued together with machine stitching, and with inferior hides. Seriously, folk, if you are considering spending $3000+ or so on a "lifetime" piece, talk to Bea. Don't blow it at Bottega Veneta or Dunhill.

 

[Douglas]

nice bag, rach.

question re: linings: I saw apropos bashing the use of a canvas lining. I've been thinking of having a bag made (not by Bea - I iz 2 poor) with either a snap-out or zip-out cotton lining. It'll be a cheapie because I'll have it done in HK, but is that an equally terrible idea? I figured I could wash it if I could get it out.

 

[BrianVarick]

Very nice, I think it came out a lot better than I was expecting. I really like the full length zipper on the outside.

 

[rach2jlc]

Originally Posted by Douglas

nice bag, rach. question re: linings: I saw apropos bashing the use of a canvas lining. I've been thinking of having a bag made (not by Bea - I iz 2 poor) with either a snap-out or zip-out cotton lining. It'll be a cheapie because I'll have it done in HK, but is that an equally terrible idea? I figured I could wash it if I could get it out.
Thanks! I think there is nothing wrong with a canvas lining; the bashing was (I think) in response to a question that assumed canvas linings were superior to leather, or that a leather lining was somehow "less" than canvas. It's not... largely canvas linings by brands were done to save costs... it's much cheaper to put a canvas lining into a bag than a full leather one. Hermes is one of the few brands that will put a full leather lining in... some do cheaper suede, others a "leatherette," but few will do it in a decent hide. BUT, all in all, there is nothing wrong with one, especially if it will snap or zip out in case it gets wet and or funky over time. Definitely post pics of whatever you get... it's great to have more ideas for bag styles!

 

[Lightbringer]

Wow, the bag looks amazing.

 

[imatlas]

Beautiful bag, Professor!

Originally Posted by iammatt

I'm so happy you guys enjoyed working with Bea. I am quite fond of her, and have used her extensively. The bag and wallet look great. I believe she still works in plain site, and I think she has a little help, but not much. Maybe a person or two, all trained by her. She is very (and rightfully) proud of the edging. I've seen her do it. It is an extensive job.
I haven't ordered anything from Bea, but I've stopped by and chatted with her a couple of times. She's a lovely person, very friendly and warm and never annoyed by interruptions.

 

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by rach2jlc

Bag arrived today! I'm really thrilled with the result.

Outstanding! I like the craftsmanship, style, and overall look. Enjoy it!

 

[rach2jlc]

Originally Posted by JayJay

Outstanding! I like the craftsmanship, style, and overall look. Enjoy it!
Thanks! I updated with some better pics of the stitching and edging this morning, when the sun was out. Hopefully it shows a little better the details. They're on the previous page, at the bottom.

 

[james_timothy]

Amazingly nice- I'm not a real fan of this style of bag, but yours may is close to making me a convert. That leather looks gorgeous.

 

[HORNS]

Man, she does such exquisite work. Rach, I love the blue small pockets you had placed at each end.

 

[Superfluous]

What have people bought off the site that's not custom designed? Pics?

 

[w.o.e.is.me.]

nice.

 

[Superfluous]

One of the two is April in Paris, any guesses as to which one is?

Both:

Number 1:

Number 2:

General thoughts?

 

[SimonC]

Personally I woul guess the right an bottom sample - unless specified by the client the cut of leather isn't as good on the other specimen.

 

[binge]

Picked up the wallet the other day....here comes the AiP Appreciation...

Burgundy lizard outer, grey calf inner.