Recent LV quality -- Taiga leather

[Sazerac]

So I swing by the local bourgeois mall today because Sak's is closing (picked up a casual Elie Tahari jacket and a scarf for next to nothing.) Anyway, I decided to stop in the local LV mart. I hadn't been to one in years.

I asked the saleslady to see a briefcase in Taiga, which I've always liked. I was shocked to discover that the leather seemed almost brittle to the touch. On top of that, the craftsmanship was so subpar -- I mean, loose, unevenly spaced stitches everywhere, flimsy lining -- that I almost thought I was down on Canal St.

I know LV doesn't get much love around here, but has there quality fallen so dramatically in the last few years? I have no idea how this company survives selling mid-90's GM quality at Audi prices.

/rant

 

[SirGrotius]

Might have been that piece. I've seen many of their Taiga pieces (it's the only leather that doesn't scream LV), and the quality is often top notch at a reasonable price. Did you just look at that one item?

 

[sf_esq]

More quanity = less quality. The internet and Asian markets have probably affected quality control. How could it not?

 

[Recoil]

I haven't bought anything LV in probably 2 years but I have a wallet that I use daily and when I take it our of my back pocket and flatten it out it looks like the day I got it. It was made in France, did you check where the briefcase was made? Italy or USA? (Also heard they started making stuff in India but never seen anything)

 

[SirGrotius]

As a fan, I can vouch for Made In France items. Made anywhere else seems to be "different." Hard to put my finger on it.

 

[patrickBOOTH]

I have a taiga briefcase from the 90's. I personally love it. I got a deal on it and it was the right size and style that I wanted and cheaper than an SAB so I pulled the trigger. The leather on it is very supple and still smells brand new. I can't comment on the new stuff, but I was thinking about getting a portfolio in taiga leather to match. I better look on ebay for some old ones it seems...

 

[emmanuel]

Im am sure it was jus that piece. Vuitton is overpriced but quality is still pretty good.

 

[ThatGuy]

Originally Posted by sf_esq

More quanity = less quality. The internet and Asian markets have probably affected quality control. How could it not?

Mis-informed and let's blame it on Asian. Rolex churns out a large volume of luxury watches. I would wager that the defect rate is comparable to small exclusive watch companies.

OP, I would say you experienced a one-off bad piece from LV. They are excellent products overall.

 

[Recoil]

Originally Posted by emmanuel

Vuitton is overpriced but quality is still pretty good.

My general sentiment about the brand as well.

 

[bleachboy]

I have a late 90's Taiga garment bag and I love it. Really well made and well organized, with zippered cases for ties and accessories, and a separate compartment for shoes, etc. Haters can hate, but when it comes to luggagey items, Louis Vuitton is a great brand.

 

[sf_esq]

Originally Posted by ThatGuy

Mis-informed and let's blame it on Asian. Rolex churns out a large volume of luxury watches. I would wager that the defect rate is comparable to small exclusive watch companies.

OP, I would say you experienced a one-off bad piece from LV. They are excellent products overall.

Misinformed? It's my opinion. I'm not blaming "Asian", it simple - higher volume means more difficult to maintain quality. That's typically the way it works for most brands, not all.