I have to admit: I was never a big fan of Valextra bags. While I have no doubt they’re high quality products and made with a superior fit and finish, I could never justify their exorbitant prices (why not just buy Hermès?) So you can imagine my delight upon spying the new spring B-Cube bucket bag, which was shown to editors during Milan Fashion Week as part of the Spring 2011 preview. Immediately I was drawn to its equestrian silhouette and elegance of closure; I love that simple yet statement-making clasp. The good news is that this bag, which was inspired by a historical model from the fifties, will be available in three dimensions: a small top handle, a medium shoulder version and a maxi weekender. There’s also several choices when it comes to finishes: a soft and feminine powder pink leather, a “Capri” version mixing leather and intertwined jute fibers and, of course, the house signature “techno” white–a special leather treated to be waterproof and resistant to minor abrasions. On top of it all, it’s also reasonably priced–for Valextra.
I only wish they made a version large enough for a guy to carry as an everyday tote. I’ve been looking for that perfect tote that blends sophistication with utility and I think this is it–but it appears that only my female socialite friends, and Martha Stewart, will be able to sport this bag. For now.
$1,431 for the bicolor capri version
$1,610 for the gab techno leather in pergamena
$1,867 for the bag in soft leather
I lvoe Valextra and this bag are so amazing….fantastic!! !very glamour!!
Um… not to be a drag, but this looks like a So Kelly. Usually, Valextra and Hermes have very different styles and I can admire them separately. Not in this case.
It’s very Hermes to me too but that’s probably why Man Snob likes it. LOL
The hardware detail is reminiscent of Hermès but I love the shape and the ivory and dusty pink shades are to die for!
Maybe it’s just because I recently purchased a So Kelly and I’m a huge fan of the design…. BUT it really seems like Valextra has crossed over the “inspired by” line with this item. Even if it’s just with one little fashionable toe – that’s too much for a brand like Valextra. They just lost me as a client.
Looks like it started out to be an Hermes bag then took a turn for the worse !
I like it, for the pricepoint and workmanship it’s a good option
It’s obviously so similar to Hermes, but at a lower price point and excellent quality. I love the pretty pink color.
Just goes to show you how much Hermes overcharges:)
Nice review, Jim! This bag is exactly what I was looking for. Hopefully, it will look good on me.
Sassy looking. I was looking for somthing like these and found them here. Thanks for posting. Hermes are nice, but just overly priced. Thanks Jim. Where did you get this info? Beside here i only saw them on style.com for Spring 2011 collections. I checked Barneys but it is not carrying them yet, already April 2011. I am getting this for my wife, bet he will be very happy!
Ordered for my wife. The actual price for the Mid size shoulder calf skin cobalt blue is $2,190 (04/2011) to be shipped from Barneys NY. I was told US only will get 2 sizes, may be the oversized will not come. SF, BH, Dallas stores did not answer my inquiry.
…cont’n from above. FedEx delivered it today, the wife called me at work screaming her heart out! I came home later helped her inspect the quality. Cobalt blue is such a nice color, the bag is well made. The mid size she got fit her just right, she’s a petite woman. The quality leather is very nice, and if you hadn’t seen one, the material is somewhat harder than Hermes’; which make it stand nice (empty) without collapsing over. Over all, very nice for the $.