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TABLE OF CONTENTS
BRIEF HISTORY
Leo et Violette is a Parisian brand founded by a young couple, Leo Dominguez and Violette Polchi, who share a passion for minimalist design and premium craftsmanship. Established in 2013, the brand originated from their desire to create everyday leather goods that balance elegance, functionality, and quality. Inspired by the timeless sophistication of French style, Leo et Violette offers a range of leather products, including bags, wallets, and accessories, crafted in Italy by skilled artisans using high-quality materials. Their designs are characterized by clean lines, subtle details, and a focus on practicality, appealing to individuals who value understated luxury.
Since its inception, Leo et Violette has gained a loyal following among style-conscious customers seeking durable and versatile leather goods. The brand has made a name for itself by maintaining transparency in production and emphasizing ethical practices. Their direct-to-consumer model allows them to offer exceptional quality at accessible prices, bypassing traditional retail markups. Leo et Violette continues to grow as a beloved brand that embodies modern elegance while staying true to its founders' commitment to quality and thoughtful design.
Brand Website: leoetviolette.com
AUDIENCE & CUSTOMER'S PERSPECTIVE
How would you rate Léo et Violette as a brand?
How would you rate Léo et Violette as a brand?
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PRODUCTS REVIEWED
Tearing Into the Details: A Closer Look at Léo et Violette's Le Marcia Bag
LÈO ET VIOLETTE's Le Marcia Bag
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Leo et Violette, a Paris-based brand, recently challenged me to 'rip' their Le Marcia bag. After seeing the smooth calf leather and Italian craftsmanship boasted on their website, I was intrigued. So, I spent $440 on this bag to put it to the test and see if it lives up to its promises.
DISCLAIMER: The “Rip My Bag Challenge” is a review series that tests leather products’ quality, price, and craftsmanship. While the brand supports the challenge financially, my opinions stay fair, unbiased, and truthful. Products featured are purchased anonymously without brand involvement. Brands have no control over content, publishing dates, or the review process. You may watch or read the full disclaimer here.
First Impressions: A Thoughtful Package
Upon receiving the Le Marcia bag, I was greeted with well-crafted packaging that felt intentional and artistic. As a bonus, they included a detailed canvas tote, which I’ll undoubtedly use for grocery shopping—an unexpected, but welcome extra.
At first glance, the bag looked great. The smooth calf leather felt refined, and the hardware caught my attention with its clever lock design. The way it opens and closes shows a level of thoughtfulness often missing in other brands. The edge paint and overall structure met my expectations for a bag made in Italy, but something about the leather didn’t quite sit right with me. It wasn’t heavily finished, but I could sense something beneath the surface that left me uncertain about its overall feel.
Diving Into the Leather & Hardware
LÈO ET VIOLETTE mentioned that the bag was crafted from calf leather sourced from an LWG-certified Italian tannery, which is a good sign in terms of environmental responsibility. However, my first dissection in my new studio in Ubrique, Spain, revealed some interesting details. Using acetone, I was able to remove a moderate amount of finish, indicating that the leather was top-grain, but it had been buffed slightly to enhance its look. The grain structure was fine, and while the leather felt premium, it wasn’t quite my favorite. It reminded me of the fashion-forward leathers used by many Italian brands—nice, but not outstanding.
As for the hardware, the website stated that it was coated with PVD technology. After trying (and failing) to scratch it with a razor, I could confirm this claim. PVD is known for being scratch-resistant and long-lasting, and in this case, it lived up to its reputation. I suspect the hardware is made from zamak alloy, with a top-tier PVD coating—definitely a quality finish at this price point.
The Interior: Nice, but a Bit Misleading
The inside of the bag featured a fabric lining that felt soft and sturdy. However, the website labeled this material as "suedine," which can be a bit misleading. Suedine, like other terms such as "leatherette," can give the impression of being leather or suede, when it’s actually a synthetic fabric. This is perfectly fine for a lining, but I would have preferred a more straightforward description that didn’t evoke leather at all. Despite this, the fabric felt nice and added to the overall appeal of the bag.
The Leather, Craftsmanship, and Cost Breakdown
Once I opened the bag up, I could see the attention to detail in its construction. The inside was as clean as the outside, with no rushed workmanship in sight. This was a good sign that the bag had been crafted by experienced Italian artisans who took their time with it.
After assessing the leather and hardware, I estimated the total amount of leather used for this project to be around 10 square feet, which is more than I expected given the bag's size. Based on my experience, I would value the leather at around $45. Adding the cost of labor for a bag of this size and caliber—around $90 for the Italian craftsmanship and the hardware—I estimate the total cost of materials and workmanship to be about $135.
At a retail price of $440, that gives us a price multiplier of roughly 3.2x to 3.3x, which is in line with what I would expect for a brand positioning itself in the luxury market. This markup seems fair, especially considering the quality of the materials and craftsmanship involved.
Final Thoughts: A Brand to Watch - LÈO ET VIOLETTE
Founded in 2013, Leo et Violette is a relatively new brand, but they’re making an impressive mark on the leather goods market. Their commitment to quality materials, solid craftsmanship, and reasonable pricing is refreshing to see, and I appreciate the balance they’ve struck between offering a premium product and keeping the price accessible.
This bag is one of the more pleasant surprises I’ve come across. I’ll be keeping an eye on this brand and might even dig deeper into who’s behind it. They’ve certainly got my attention with their thoughtful approach to leather craftsmanship, and I look forward to seeing more from them in the future.
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