Whats the deal with Valextra?

I've seen their leather goods, which seem quite nice, although quite unsuspecting, but I fail to comprehend why they command such a high price tag. Is there more to them than meets the eye or is it just the marketing machine in overdrive?

They have some cool signature pieces (see the double money clip wallet in white) and my handbag-designer friend says the edging is some of the best she's seen.

But expensive? Yes.

I can't argue that their wallets are worth the money when alternatives perform the same function for 1/100 the price. But when I shopped for a new wallet a year ago and investigated many suggestions from this forum, I ended picking Valextra simply because I liked the appearance and thinness best. Price became a non-issue once I found what I wanted.

A year later, the wallet continues to look like new and get compliments from others. Their products are distinctive, and I'm happy in hindsight with the value received.

Realize that Valextra didn't used to be priced like this; they're trying to market it as an Italian alternative to Hermes.

I really don't like this name for a luxury goods company...it sounds like an antidepressant.

They also won one or more compasso d'oro (design prize)

Jackie O' liked it apparently.

In my experience and with the goods I've owned/seen... Valextra is very, very high quality; not perhaps at the Hermes level, but certainly beyond the other major leather goods makers (LV, Gucci, etc.). I think, certainly, they add a premium to give it perceived clout, but nevertheless they do put out a very good product. For someone looking for an item of superlative quality that is very unassuming and won't draw attention to itself, I can't think of a better brand to do it.

Like many other luxury brands (LV, Loewe, Borbonese, Bottega Veneta, etc.) valextra was a little out date and dusty in the 80's, but still had a good name, when somebody bought it and revived it. So, as somebody else mentioned, older Valextra probably wasn't as expensive, but it also wasn't nearly as interesting.

Finally, I agree with Fade to Black... I'm not crazy about the name, either. It's an old company, so you can't really blame them for keeping the name, but I agree it sounds pharmaceutical and not-very-luxurious.

I'm surprised to hear it's an old company...i have no idea about the history of this brand, so if i come across as disrespectful forgive me but it sounds like a 21st century trendy/gimmicky name brand started by some random LA stylist...

Originally Posted by Fade to Black

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I really don't like this name for a luxury goods company...it sounds like an antidepressant.

You don't feel happy when you buy luxury goods??

Originally Posted by Fade to Black

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I'm surprised to hear it's an old company...i have no idea about the history of this brand, so if i come across as disrespectful forgive me but it sounds like a 21st century trendy/gimmicky name brand started by some random LA stylist...
I can't remember the exact date, but I think I remember reading once it was started back in the 30's. In any case, much older than the name might sound. Probably back then, it sounded very ultra-modern. I doubt they had any idea as a society we'd be as doped up as we are...

Originally Posted by Fade to Black

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I really don't like this name for a luxury goods company...it sounds like an antidepressant.

Kinda like Incotex...

Originally Posted by william

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Kinda like Incotex...

Both are better than "Lardini" or, as some SF members have affectionately termed it, "Lardassi."

Incotex ain't that bad...i could see that name working for a company that specializes in tech-ish outerwear, like the north face or patagonia.

just don't tell me it's a brand that does fully canvassed 3 piece suits and cordovan wingtips.

valextra started in milan in 1937
giovanni fontana was the founder

i don't know where the name comes from though
it's current revival comes from the hands of their new ceo, massimo suppancig, who previously was a ceo for hugo boss and escada brands, and just bought the brand in 2003ish

apparently he has been able to lure back out of retirement the artisans who retired in the 70s when fontana retired