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DEMELLIER
- May 2
- 9 min read
Updated: Jul 8
Brand Scorecard:
★★★☆☆
Leather: 3.5
Hardware: 4
Design: 3.75
Engineering: 3.5
Craftsmanship: 3.75
TOTAL: 3.70
Brand Website: demellierlondon.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
First Impressions: The Leather and Finish
Design: A Timeless Shape with Unique Elements
Structure: Well-Engineered with Smart Support Materials
Craftsmanship: Clean Workmanship with Room for Improvement
Hardware: Exceptional Coating and Durability
Leather Quality: Standard Yet Reliable
BRIEF HISTORY
DeMellier, founded by Mireia Llusia-Lindh, designs ethically and sustainably crafted handbags in Europe, using the finest materials. Each purchase funds vaccines and treatments to save the lives of children in need.
Mireia, with a background in strategy advising for luxury brands and an MBA from Harvard, created DeMellier to offer high-quality, socially conscious handbags that empower women. The brand combines heritage and modernity, reflecting Mireia's noble Spanish and French lineage and her commitment to integrity and social responsibility.
FIVE PILLARS OF A GOOD LEATHERCRAFT
READING MY ASSESSMENT SCORES
LEATHERVERSE MATRIX
The Leatherverse Brand Matrix visually compares leather brands based on sophistication and pricing, helping consumers understand their market positioning.
Legend
Vertical Axis: Ranges from simple artisan crafts to exclusive, master-crafted items.
Horizontal Axis: Covers pricing from low (no brand premium) to high (perceived luxury), with 2x multipliers for basic products and up to 15x for heavily marketed luxury items.
Diagonal Line: Represents the balance between price and performance. Brands on the line offer good value, those below suggest poor value, and those above offer exceptional value.
AUDIENCE & CUSTOMER'S PERSPECTIVE
How would you rate DeMellier as a brand?
How would you rate DeMellier as a brand?
5
4
3
2
PRODUCTS REVIEWED
DeMellier's London Clutch Review
DeMellier's London Clutch
Watch the videos here:
As a lover of leather, I'm always on the hunt for high-quality products that won't break the bank. That's why I was so excited to discover DeMellier, a brand that promises to deliver affordable luxury without compromising on quality.
After hearing rave reviews from our viewers, I decided to try out their London Clutch for myself. As someone who has had the opportunity to review this product, I'll be sharing my thoughts on the quality and craftsmanship of this clutch bag. I will share my experience with a DeMellier London Clutch bag, which arrived from Neiman Marcus, and compare it with other affordable luxury brands like Polene, Strathberry, Mlyoue, and La Portegna. With this review, I hope to help you decide whether DeMellier is the right brand for you.
DISCLAIMER: This is an UNSPONSORED review. I purchased all of these products myself and am not affiliated with the brand mentioned in any way. All statements and expressions made about the products are solely the opinion of Tanner Leatherstein and are not meant to be conclusive or definitive. The purpose of this video is for informational and educational purposes only. We recommend that as a consumer, you exercise your due diligence and research on the products before adopting the opinion of Tanner Leatherstein.
Upon receiving the DeMellier London Clutch, I was immediately impressed by its premium hardware. The bag arrived in a dust bag inside a plastic bag, which was an underwhelming unboxing experience. However, when I opened the dust bag, the bag itself was impressive. The color was a beautiful black. The bag's design was simple yet elegant, with a gold-tone metal chain that could be used as a shoulder or crossbody strap. The weight of the clutch itself and the snap closure both felt of high quality and comparable to luxury hardware.
The leather itself had a good amount of pigmented finish, providing a uniform look and protection. I estimate that the cost of leather and assembly would total around $65, which makes the final $330 price slightly above my range of affordable luxury pricing.
Furthermore, DeMellier proudly mentions that its bags are made in Ubrique, where most top luxury brand bags are crafted. However, upon closer inspection, I noticed a few red flags that did not match up to the level of detail I witnessed in my Polene, Strathberry, and other luxury brand bags that were also made in Ubrique.
In my opinion, the inside lining, more specifically, the patches that cover up some internal parts of the bag can be improved. It felt like the materials were just slapped onto the leather without giving much thought to the design. I haven't seen this in the other brands I reviewed such as Polene and Strathberry which were both made from Ubrique. Better materials could be used to improve the inside lining and details considering the bag's price.
DeMellier's Ubrique workshops may not be as detailed and precise as those of high-end luxury brands workshops (most of which are also from Ubrique), which gives the clutch a more budget-friendly look.
All in all, the craftsmanship was good but not exceptional.
Despite its slightly higher price point, the DeMellier London Clutch still has a lot of great qualities. The leather itself is of good quality. While it may not necessarily be the absolute best, it is still great for its price range. In addition, the design and production of the clutch itself were well done. DeMellier's aesthetic is modern and fresh, with sleek lines and simplistic designs. Overall, I believe that DeMellier is a nice alternative to luxury leather brands.
While the DeMellier London Clutch has some positive qualities, it did not meet my heightened expectations due to the brand's popularity and the "Made in Ubrique" branding behind it. However, this does not mean that the DeMellier leather products are not of good quality overall. The brand offers nice designs and production, which make their leather a nice alternative to luxury brands. Furthermore, DeMellier's affordable pricing has allowed them to make a name for themselves in the fashion industry. This is important as not everyone can afford luxury leather goods, and having an alternative option is always beneficial.
However, there is still room for improvement for DeMellier. I suggest a slightly lower price point that would better fit the brand's definition of “affordable luxury pricing”. While the leather and production are good, there are some budget-friendly details that still make the clutch look like it was crafted with a lower budget. I suggest that DeMellier could tweak these details and really elevate their products closer to luxury status to fully satisfy their definition of affordable luxury pricing.
You might also be wondering why DeMellier bags are priced so affordably compared to luxury houses that charge three to ten times more for comparable products. Well, it's all about the business model. DeMellier does not engineer an elite status and load that onto high-quality leather goods. Instead, they focus on providing affordable luxury to customers by using cost-effective yet high-quality materials.
Another standout feature of DeMellier is the brand's commitment to social responsibility. For every bag purchased, DeMellier donates a vaccine to a child in need. I appreciate the brand's approach to giving back to society, and I believe it adds value to the product.
While the DeMellier London Clutch may not be the absolute best, it can still be considered good quality. The brand's overall production is on par with luxury brands, and the affordability factor is a clear advantage. DeMellier offers a nice balance to those looking for designer-quality leather goods without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
DeMellier is a brand that offers affordable luxury options while also contributing positively to society. The DeMellier London Clutch bag I reviewed was good but not exceptional in terms of craftsmanship. It is a good option for those who want luxury leather without a luxury price tag.
The leather and hardware are of good quality, and the design and production are both on point. While there is still room for improvement, DeMellier is a great alternative to pricier luxury leather brands. The affordability of DeMellier bags makes it an attractive option for customers who want to own a quality leather bag without breaking the bank. If you're looking for an affordable luxury brand with a social responsibility component, DeMellier is worth considering.
Scorecard
NEUTRAL
★★★☆☆ - 3.40
Beyond the Price: Is Demellier’s Vancouver Bag Worth It?
Demellier London’s Vancouver
Watch the review here:
When it comes to luxury leather bags, Demellier London is a brand that has caught the attention of many, including those on my website who voted for this review. Today, we're taking a closer look at the Vancouver bag, priced at $535, and evaluating whether it's worth that hefty price tag. Let's dive into the details.
DISCLAIMER: This is an UNSPONSORED review. I purchased all of these products myself and am not affiliated with the brand mentioned in any way. All statements and expressions made about the products are solely the opinion of Tanner Leatherstein and are not meant to be conclusive or definitive. The purpose of this video is for informational and educational purposes only. We recommend that as a consumer, you exercise your due diligence and research on the products before adopting the opinion of Tanner Leatherstein.
First Impressions: The Leather and Finish
At first glance, the Vancouver bag features a small grained leather that has a noticeably heavier finish. The embossed small grain pattern adds texture to the leather, making it visually striking. Upon closer inspection, the cotton fabric lining inside is a nice touch, adding a bit of luxury to the bag’s interior. However, there is one noticeable flaw—the edge paint. The finish on the edges is subpar, with layers showing through the paintwork. This could be easily improved with a better coating to ensure a smoother and more polished finish.
Design: A Timeless Shape with Unique Elements
Design-wise, the Vancouver bag embodies a timeless shape that will likely never go out of style. The bag’s simple yet elegant silhouette is complemented by signature hardware that gives it a refined, luxury feel. The unique way the handles are attached is another design element that sets this bag apart. This thoughtful approach to design scores it a solid 4. The only downside is the edge paint, which affects the overall appearance and is something the brand could easily improve.
Structure: Well-Engineered with Smart Support Materials
One of the standout features of the Vancouver bag is its structure. As I opened the bag, I was impressed by the number of support materials used inside. There are multiple layers, at least four or five different types, strategically placed to maintain the bag's shape. This shows that a lot of engineering went into creating a product that not only looks good but also stands the test of time. For the impressive structural integrity, I would rate it a 4.
Craftsmanship: Clean Workmanship with Room for Improvement
The craftsmanship of the Vancouver bag is mostly solid, with clean stitching and a well-executed interior. However, the lack of proper edge paint detracts from the overall quality. Despite this, the bag’s construction is still commendable, earning it a 4 for craftsmanship.
Hardware: Exceptional Coating and Durability
Another area where Demellier excels is in the hardware. I tested the bag’s hardware by scratching it to see what kind of material and coating it had. The plating proved to be exceptionally resistant, standing up well to the test. The high-quality PVD coating used here is one of the best in the industry, providing superior protection and durability. For this reason, I would give the hardware a 4.5. It's clear that the brand invested in high-quality materials to ensure longevity.
Leather Quality: Standard Yet Reliable
The leather used in the Vancouver bag is top-grain calfskin, which is a solid choice for a bag like this. It offers a standard texture and coloring, making it relatively easy to maintain and clean. However, the leather doesn’t stand out as much as some of the other premium options on the market. With that said, it does its job well, offering a good balance between aesthetics and practicality. For this reason, I would rate the leather a 3.5.
Cost of Materials and Assembly
Let’s take a look at the estimated cost of materials and assembly. For a bag like the Vancouver, the leather used is estimated to cost around $30. The assembly, including hardware, would likely cost around $115 in Europe. This brings the total cost to make the bag to approximately $145. Given that the bag is priced at $535, the effective price after import duties and taxes is around $450. This means the bag carries a price multiplier of 3X to 3.5X, which falls within the reasonable range for a luxury item.
Is It Worth the Price?
After evaluating all aspects of the Vancouver bag, I can confidently say that it offers good value for the price. While there are some areas that could be improved, such as the edge paint, the overall craftsmanship, design, and hardware make it a solid investment. The price multiplier is fair, and considering the quality of the materials and construction, it's definitely worth considering if you're in the market for a high-quality, timeless bag.
In conclusion, Demellier London has done a commendable job with the Vancouver bag. It’s a well-designed, well-constructed piece with minor areas for improvement. I’m excited to see what other products the brand will offer in the future and look forward to reviewing more of their bags.
Scorecard
TANNER'S APPROVED
★★★★☆ - 4.00
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Bucaspor kuruluş tarihi 1928 yılıdır. 1928 yılında kurulan İzmir’in Buca ilçesi merkezli spor kulübüdür. Bucaspor Kulübü futbolun yanı sıra voleybol ve basketbol gibi branşlarda da aktif bir şekilde faaliyet göstermektedir. Aynı zamanda 1928 – 1984 yılları arasında güreş, masa tenisi ve atletizm gibi çeşitli spor branşlarında da faaliyet göstermiştir.
I purchased a brand new Demellier Vancouver bag in green and it was making these bite marks from the hardware. So you're right about the quality and construction.
They were very nice about the return and so I did purchase another New York bag in burgundy from them. Waiting for it to arrive in February.
Thank you for all your reviews. The next bag on my bucket list is definitely from Pegai. Any chance you would make a custom order for a red suede Hampton bag ?