Ah! In my search for a Bottega Veneta woven bag lookalike, I came across the Cole Haan Genevieve Collection.
I like the leather on Cole Haan bags. They are of excellent quality and very soft and supple. Very nice for an everyday bag that will take some abuse.
I’m partial towards the Genevieve Small Triangle Tote (First in the picture) (US$395). Its got a nice shape and size. I can only imagine one problem with it - there is no zip. True, there is a clasp, but still, I’m wary about bags without zips.
For a zippered bag, the Genevieve Hobo (2nd in picture)(US$425) would be a better choice. It reminds me a little of the Coach Ergo Hobo though.
I guess I’ll have to check out Cole Haan’s stores here in Malaysia and see how the Genevieve Collection feels. But from previous experience with Cole Haan, prices here are marked up quite high compared to the US prices - pity really. I think they are pretty under-rated and definitely worth a look.
Just when I find something I like from Louis Vuitton in the Lockit, they go and do something crazy like release the Louis Vuitton Summer 2008 collection.
Just look at the horror!
I hate it!
The bags are tacky and look terrible. I cannot imagine anyone wanting to pay those crazy prices for something that looks like that.
I passed by the LV store in KLCC a couple of days ago and saw the Rayures Tote PM up on the shelf. I’m sorry, it looks even more foul in person. Marc Jacobs - are you on drugs or something?!
*shudder*
Ok remember I was gushing on and on about the Bottega Veneta woven bag? While I was in Isetan KLCC one day, I saw a brand that had woven leather bags too - Sabrina Scala.
I managed to find some information about Sabrina Scala from their website. I read in a forum that Sabrina Scala too carries woven leather bags ala Bottega Veneta except Sabrina’s prices are way lower of course. Based on the website, the target reach is that of Asia so this might be an Asian brand - they don’t say on their site. The countries they cover are Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, China Singapore and Indonesia. They can also be contacted in USA and Canada so I’d assume it might also be sold there but in smaller boutiques and stores.
The bag I saw in Isetan was quite large and cost in the region of RM600+. Affordable for a leather bag and it felt soft. However, I was in a bit of a rush and I thought it felt a little plasticky so I’m going back to take another look and maybe see if there’s anything on sale.
Will report once I have further thoughts!
