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TABLE OF CONTENTS
BRIEF HISTORY
Furla, an Italian luxury brand renowned for its leather goods, was established in 1927 by Aldo Furlanetto in Bologna. Initially focusing on distributing women's accessories, the company opened its first store on Via Ugo Bassi in 1955. In the 1970s, Aldo's children—Carlo, Paolo, and Giovanna—joined the business, leading to the launch of Furla's first collection of bags and accessories.
The 1980s and 1990s marked Furla's international expansion, with stores opening in France, the United States, and Japan. In 2008, the Fondazione Furla was established to support emerging talents in contemporary art. Today, Furla operates over 300 stores worldwide, maintaining its commitment to quality and innovative design.
Brand Website: furla.com
AUDIENCE & CUSTOMER'S PERSPECTIVE
How would you rate Furla as a brand?
How would you rate Furla as a brand?
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PRODUCTS REVIEWED
Ostrich or Illusion? A Deep Dive into Furla’s Ostrich-Style Bag
Furla’s Ostrich-Style Bag
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At Leather Bureau of Investigation, we frequently dive into the specifics of leather bags, examining both the materials used and the craftsmanship behind them. In this review, we explore the Furla ostrich-printed leather bag, which was submitted by one of our viewers for a closer look. The bag, which resembles ostrich leather, uses a clever technique to replicate the exotic look at a fraction of the cost. Let’s dig into the details of this leather and see if it holds up to scrutiny.
DISCLAIMER: This is an UNSPONSORED review. I 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.
What Is Furla Ostrich Leather Print?
At first glance, the Furla bag looks like it’s made from genuine ostrich leather, known for its distinct bumpy texture. However, the reality is a little different. The bag uses a print applied to cowhide leather, giving the appearance of ostrich skin. This technique is a common way to achieve the high-end look of ostrich leather while keeping production costs lower. The reason behind this choice is simple: ostrich leather is expensive, and by using cowhide with a print, the price of the bag is significantly reduced.
Acetone Test: What Happens When We Dig Deeper?
To understand the quality of the leather used, we conducted an acetone test. Acetone is a solvent that can break down leather finishes, and it can provide insights into the leather’s true nature. When we applied the acetone to the bag’s surface, we noticed that the print resisted the solvent to some extent. However, as the finish wore off, the underlying cowhide became visible. The characteristic ostrich-like bumps faded, revealing a smooth cowhide texture underneath. This demonstrates that the bag's exterior is not made from real ostrich skin, but rather a printed layer on cowhide, which is a key factor when considering its true value.
Leather Cost and Craftsmanship Evaluation
Now, let's break down the material cost. From what we can see, the bag likely uses around eight square feet of ostrich-printed cow leather. At current market prices, we estimate this leather to be worth about $56. Along with the materials and labor for a medium-complexity bag construction, the total cost to produce this item comes out to approximately $120. This is a fair estimate based on the materials used and the level of craftsmanship involved.
Speaking of craftsmanship, the overall quality of the bag is decent but not extraordinary. While the leather itself is fine, the stitching and design details leave something to be desired. The handles, in particular, seem a bit flimsy, with stitching that could have been done more carefully.
The handles are stitched in between the leather, which makes them appear too thin and less durable. This is a point where the bag falls short in terms of overall construction. That said, the rest of the bag is put together well enough, though it doesn’t stand out in terms of craftsmanship.
Is It a Good Bargain?
The original price of this Furla ostrich-printed leather bag was $300. However, the viewer who submitted it to us bought the bag during a sale event for just $120. Based on our analysis, this price is a great bargain, especially considering the cost of materials and labor to produce it. At $120, the bag offers reasonable value, even if the craftsmanship isn’t exceptional. The original price of $300, however, seems a bit high when compared to the actual cost of production, which makes this bag feel like more of a luxury markup.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Furla ostrich-printed leather bag falls into the "mediocre" category in terms of both leather quality and craftsmanship. While it’s not a bad product by any means, it also doesn’t offer the level of refinement one might expect from higher-end bags. The printed cowhide is a smart way to mimic the look of ostrich leather without the steep price, and at $120, it’s a solid deal. However, if you were to pay the full retail price of $300, it might not feel as justified given the quality and construction.
For those looking for a stylish bag with an exotic look at a more affordable price point, this could be a great option. But if you’re seeking high-end craftsmanship and durability, you may want to explore other choices.
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