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MADEWELL

Strathberry Bag Review by Tanner Leatherstein

TABLE OF CONTENTS



BRIEF HISTORY


Madewell's history is a tale of reinvention and resilience, tracing back to its origins as a workwear brand established in 1936 by Russian immigrant Julius Kivowitz. Seeking refuge from antisemitism and conscription, Kivowitz and his wife arrived in the United States in 1908, eventually settling in New Bedford, Massachusetts. With a passion for textiles and quality craftsmanship, he filed for the Madewell trademark and opened his first factory in 1937. Known for his appreciation of luxurious things and ambition, Kivowitz laid the foundation for a brand that would eventually become a household name in fashion.


Fast forward to 2004, when Mickey Drexler, then CEO of J. Crew, acquired the Madewell name and began transforming it into a stand-alone brand. By 2006, Drexler had turned the label into a millennial favorite, blending its workwear heritage with modern, ethical, and innovative designs. Under his leadership, Madewell evolved from its humble origins into a multi-million dollar fashion icon, reflecting both Drexler's visionary approach and the enduring legacy of its founder's craftsmanship and ambition.


Brand Website: madewell.com


AUDIENCE & CUSTOMER'S PERSPECTIVE

How would you rate Madewell as a brand?

How would you rate Madewell as a brand?

  • 5

  • 4

  • 3

  • 2


PRODUCTS REVIEWED


Madewell's Piazza Mini Crossbody Bag Review

Madewell's Piazza Mini Crossbody Bag

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Madewell Piazza Mini Crossbody Leather Bag review by Tanner Leatherstein: A deep dive into its quality, natural crust leather, craftsmanship, and affordability

For those who appreciate quality and timeless design, investing in a leather bag could be a wise move. There's nothing quite like a well-made leather bag. It can be a statement piece or a trusty companion for your daily commute. However, with so many options in the market, finding the perfect bag can be a challenging task. You want to make sure you're getting the best quality at an affordable price. So as a lover of all things leather, I recently purchased a Madewell leather bag and was eager to share my experience with it.


After looking at their store in New York City, I came across the Madewell Piazza Mini Crossbody leather bag and was instantly drawn to its modest design. I knew I had to get my hands on it. The bag's quality, design, affordable price, and the craftsmanship of its leather that was made in India impressed me greatly. I decided to purchase it and was blown away by the quality of the leather after a detailed inspection. I couldn't be more pleased with its quality, design, and price point.


In this blog post, I'll be sharing my experience with the Madewell leather bag and why I believe it's worth the buy. We'll explore the quality of the materials, the craftsmanship, and the design to help you determine if this bag is right 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. 



Let me start by saying that Madewell bags are worth the splurge! My wife used the bag for a week, and she's in love with it. She wouldn't let go of the bag but luckily, she accepted the bag's fate in the end and agreed to dissect it. Firstly, the quality of the leather is impressive and feels durable. It can withstand daily wear and tear, making it a worthwhile investment that can last you for years to come. It's perfect for someone who is always on the go but needs only a small bag.


This leather bag's modest design initially caught my eye and made me buy it for $118. The leather used for the Madewell bag is called 'crust,' and it's natural without any finish on it, except for a tiny topcoat. The quality of the leather is exceptional, and the natural texture of the bag set a baseline for good, natural leather which made my tactile and olfactory experience very pleasing.


Although the lack of a finish on the Madewell bag means that it will absorb water and other contaminants, it also bears the potential to age well with time. The patina created with regular use could add character and charm and increase the bag's value. The estimated cost of materials and assembly for a similar project is about $35, which was another reason I found the Madewell leather bag's price of $118 reasonable. It highlights the bag's affordability and value for money.


Upon further research, I discovered that the Madewell leather bag is crafted in India, which is perhaps why the brand can offer high-quality handcrafted leather with affordability. They have the ability to make their bags more affordable possibly due to the lower wages of Indian craftsmen compared to their European or American counterparts.


The leather used in the Madewell bag is sourced from cowhide from the Lahore region, between Pakistan and India, known for its exquisite grain patterns. This hide is often procured by Italian tanneries to be processed in Italy, giving rise to a variety of Italian leathers. This information gave me more insight into the bag's material quality, and I felt even happier with my purchase.


As someone who appreciates quality leather, I was thrilled with the durability of the Madewell leather bag. The bag has proved to be a trusty companion for daily use, comfortably accommodating some of my wife's daily essentials such as wallet, phone, keys, and makeup products when she used it for a week. The Madewell bag's quality has exceeded my expectations, especially considering its affordable price point. I also admire Madewell's commitment to sustainable practices. The company's leather scored a "gold" rating by the Leather Working Group for its environmental, social, and animal welfare practices which I believe says a lot about the brand's image. 


The craftsmanship of the Madewell leather bag is impressive, with careful stitching, refined hardware, and attention to detail. The bag's simple, yet timeless design is suitable for both casual and formal occasions, making it a versatile option for any wardrobe. In summary, if you're in the market for a high-quality leather bag that doesn't break the bank, the Madewell Piazza Mini Crossbody leather bag is an excellent option that deserves your consideration.

Conclusion


When it comes to investing in a leather bag, quality and craftsmanship should be at the top of your priorities. The Madewell leather bag ticks all the right boxes, with its natural and high-quality crust leather, excellent craftsmanship, and affordable price. The bag's aesthetic appeal, simplistic design, and versatility make it a valuable addition to any wardrobe. Investing in a quality bag like the Madewell Piazza Mini Crossbody leather bag could be a wise move that rewards you for years to come.


Overall, my experience with the Madewell leather bag has been overwhelmingly positive. It's undoubtedly a bag I would recommend to anyone looking for quality leather at an affordable price range. The bag's modest design, naturally processed leather, and high quality craftsmanship make it an easy choice for anyone looking for a sturdy, dependable, and stylish bag.


The Madewell Piazza Mini Crossbody leather bag, more specifically, is worth the buy for its quality, design, and affordability. The use of natural, high-quality, and sustainable leather makes it a unique and practical addition to anyone's wardrobe. My experience with the bag speaks of the craftsmanship and dedication that goes into the making of each bag. I highly recommend giving the Madewell leather bag a chance and seeing for yourself why it's worth the buy. I hope this post has provided enough insight into the quality and craftsmanship of the Madewell leather bag and encourages you to give it a try!

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