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TABLE OF CONTENTS
BRIEF HISTORY
Matière Studio was founded in 2021 by Mariana Uzcanga, who sought to shift from careless consumption to conscious consumerism and foster honest relationships between brands and consumers. With a background in the fashion industry, Uzcanga aimed to create handbags from premium materials responsibly and offer them at reasonable prices. Disillusioned by the fast-paced fashion industry, which emphasized rapid trends, short product lifecycles, and outsourced production at the cost of transparency and ethical practices, she envisioned a brand aligned with her values of honesty, consciousness, and respect for artisans.
The name "Matière Studio" reflects Uzcanga's childhood experiences with art and design, shaping her passion for creating unique and timeless pieces. The brand focuses on luxury defined by simplicity and comfort, blending simple forms with organic, sculptural shapes to produce elegant, practical accessories. Emphasizing natural materials with smooth textures, Matière Studio's designs offer a sense of comfort and high quality, resulting in products meant to be treasured for a lifetime. Uzcanga's diverse cultural background and business expertise culminate in a brand that prioritizes artistic integrity and responsible production.
Brand Website: matiere-studio.com
AUDIENCE & CUSTOMER'S PERSPECTIVE
How would you rate Matiere Studio as a brand?
How would you rate Matiere Studio as a brand?
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PRODUCTS REVIEWED
A Closer Look at Matiere Studio's Francis Mini Bag from Ubrique
Matiere Studio' s Francis Mini Bag
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When I found out that Matiere Studio, a Spanish brand, was participating in the Rip My Bag challenge, I thought it would be fun to review their product while I was in Ubrique. To ensure an unbiased experience, I ordered the bag to my new Ubrique address under a made-up name so they wouldn't know it was coming to me. Let's see if their $320 Francis Mini bag will pass this test and deliver on its promise of quality and style.
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 read the full disclaimer here.
First Impression
The anticipation built up as I opened the meticulously packaged box. The presentation was impressive—elegant packaging and a handwritten note added a personal touch that set a positive tone for the experience. First impressions matter, and Matiere Studio nailed it with their thoughtful details.
Aesthetics Design
At first glance, the Francis Mini bag impressed me with its sleek shape and sophisticated color choice. However, upon closer inspection, I noticed a slight lack of structural support. The bag felt a bit loose, which raised concerns about its long-term ability to maintain its form. The bottom of the bag, however, had a solid structure, hinting at a mix of strengths and weaknesses in the design.
The leather had an intriguing grain, reminiscent of lambskin. However, the website described it as bovine leather, which is derived from cows. This discrepancy piqued my curiosity, prompting a deeper investigation into the material.
Materials and Craftmanship
Opening the bag revealed materials of average quality—not quite the top-tier luxury standard but still decent. The craftsmanship, while not messy or dirty, was simple and straightforward. The most glaring issue was with the edge paint, which had noticeable imperfections. For a product from Ubrique, known for its exceptional leather craftsmanship, this was a bit disappointing. The edge paint could definitely use some improvement to meet the high standards expected from this region.
Testing the Leather
Applying acetone to a small area, I was able to remove a medium level of pigmented finish, revealing the genuine grain underneath. It was indeed cowhide, confirming the website's claim. The leather quality was good, but the finish seemed somewhat loose, lacking the professional, luxurious appearance typical of other high-end Spanish leathers.
Hardware Quality
Examining the hardware, I found it to be a zinc alloy with a nice coating. Sanding down the plating exposed multiple layers, indicating a decent level of quality and attention to detail. The hardware was above-average quality mid-market hardware.
Cost Analysis
Breaking down the costs, I estimated the leather used in the bag to be worth around $12. Adding approximately $40 for labor and hardware, the total production cost in Ubrique would be about $52. Given the $320 retail price, this represents a cost multiplier of 6. For a new brand without an established premium, this markup is on the higher side. However, considering the investment in packaging and overall presentation, it might be justified for those who appreciate the design and colors Matiere Studio offers.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Francis Mini bag from Matiere Studio is a mixed bag—literally and figuratively. It excels in presentation and initial aesthetics but falls short in structural integrity and some aspects of craftsmanship. The leather quality is good, but the finish could be more refined to match the luxurious feel of other Spanish leathers. The hardware is solid, though not exceptional.
For $320, the bag is priced on the higher end for its category, especially for a new entrant in the market. However, if you value unique design, thoughtful packaging, and are willing to pay a premium for a stylish piece, the Francis Mini bag might be a worthwhile addition to your collection. Just keep in mind that there is room for improvement, particularly in craftsmanship and structural support, to fully justify the price tag.
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