Koobas Just Don't Have What it Takes Anymore...

magpie! · Mar 26th, 2008, 01:11 AM

First I saw the Jacinda in a drab shade of Lavender...

now I see IMO quite possibly the most unattractive bag in Kooba's new spring line -- the Waverly.

Honestly, the first words that came to my mind when I first saw it was "clown" and "child's toy."

Following is a link to the bag:

http://www.jcmadison.com/browse.cfm/4,2730.html

Here goes, I know this will tick some people off, but IMO it seems like there are a lot of former Kooba lovers in denial -- "trying" very hard to still LIKE (not even LOVE like they used to) the bags in the new spring line, and don't forget (or maybe you want to!) that fall line. From the comments I've been hearing, it seems like many feel both the fall and spring bags simply don't compare to the classic Koobas from a few years ago. (i.e. the leather is not the quality it was, the styles are just not as "make your heart skip a beat" gorgeous). If you're buying a Kooba bag now, simply because it's a "Kooba" -- and "settling" or "having to accept" as I heard one member state, lesser quality leather and style, well, that just seems very sad -- especially in this area where the bags are not inexpensive, and there are so many designers competing for your business...and your loyalty.

I, myself, want to have my heart skip a beat...

Minimouse · Mar 26th, 2008, 01:59 AM

I have numerous older Kooba styles (Lucy, Jessie, Ginger, Marcelle, Renee, Taylor, Farrah, Brynne and Paige) which still make my heart skip a beat, but I have not been wowed by Kooba's Fall or Spring line, hence I have looked at other brands. Kooba quality and pricing is not what it used to be, so I'm walking (in the opposite direction).

KoobaBagLover · Mar 26th, 2008, 02:23 AM

I kind of like the slightly new direction only because, not that i have anything against the older styles I still love my sienna and carla, but it has always been leather and hardware, leather and hardware. Albeit, I understand that is where Kooba really made a name for itself, along with lines such as Botkier and Gustto, but it gets a little repetitive. I like some of the older more traditional mixed in with a newer take on leather handbags from the Spring line.

sdesaye · Mar 26th, 2008, 07:49 AM

I really hate to butt in on this, becasue I feel just the opposite. I've stayed away from Kooba because the bags are usually so heavy. Granted, I only have a Paige and now Talia in Black & Pink, so my collection is really tiny (if you could even call it a collection). I really love the glazed leather, plus they're lighter now. I find my self stopping in the Kooba section and checking the Kooba website regularly and I never used to do that.

I do however feel your pain, I hated when Juicy Couture changed the style of the original Baby Fluff.

Compass Rose · Mar 26th, 2008, 09:29 AM

I still love the looks of the Lola from their Spring line, but a vast majority of the rest just don't float my boat. I still check in on this forum quite often and am hoping for a great comeback.

paintednightsky · Mar 26th, 2008, 10:59 AM

Agreed. A lot of the newer styles leave a lot of room left to be desired. I wish they'd remake some of their older styles. They must not care as much as other companies to stay in business.

maggie7 · Mar 26th, 2008, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by magpie!

First I saw the Jacinda in a drab shade of Lavender...

now I see IMO quite possibly the most unattractive bag in Kooba's new spring line -- the Waverly.

Honestly, the first words that came to my mind when I first saw it was "clown" and "child's toy."

Following is a link to the bag:

http://www.jcmadison.com/browse.cfm/4,2730.html

Here goes, I know this will tick some people off, but IMO it seems like there are a lot of former Kooba lovers in denial -- "trying" very hard to still LIKE (not even LOVE like they used to) the bags in the new spring line, and don't forget (or maybe you want to!) that fall line. From the comments I've been hearing, it seems like many feel both the fall and spring bags simply don't compare to the classic Koobas from a few years ago. (i.e. the leather is not the quality it was, the styles are just not as "make your heart skip a beat" gorgeous). If you're buying a Kooba bag now, simply because it's a "Kooba" -- and "settling" or "having to accept" as I heard one member state, lesser quality leather and style, well, that just seems very sad -- especially in this area where the bags are not inexpensive, and there are so many designers competing for your business...and your loyalty.

I, myself, want to have my heart skip a beat...

I agree with this, I want a bag to make my heart skip a beat as well and my eyes have wondered elsewhere lately...

KoobaLover · Mar 26th, 2008, 10:35 PM

I've been walking the thin line for months and months now. There was one bag from the Fall collection that I liked: the Pewter Hannah. I was less then impressed with it in real life and sold it less than 2 months later.

I don't think I'll buy anything from the spring line, but I'm still hopeful. For now though, my focus will primarily stay on RM's and Bbags...

chinkee21 · Mar 27th, 2008, 05:01 AM

This is sad to hear, magpie, sorry to crash your thread, but I was a Kooba fan myself, first I loved the Sienna, first Kooba I purchased, I loved the leather so much, nice and thick, but it was also a little too heavy for me

so I couldn't carry it as much as I wanted to, then I got the Chiara which I also loved but sold after a while cuz I just couldn't take care of white bags. Now I only have 1, the Jillian which I love! It is still on the heavy side, but I think I will keep this one for now. Needless to say, after that, I haven't purchased any Kooba's since, and I had no idea the quality's changed, this is sad...at the moment I am contemplating getting the Patent Hudson...any of you know if this is heavy as well? Sdesaye did mention they are lighter now..?

jchiara · Mar 28th, 2008, 03:16 PM

Sorry guys - I haven't been on the Kooba boards in MONTHS. The styles leave me feeling "

" so what can I say. I don't have the excitement anymore for the Spring styles, but that's okay. I still love my Siennas (all four of them - espresso, smooth black, ivory and luggage). The only other one I still have is a silver Lucy still unused. Sheesh. I've sold everything else.....I wonder if they changed designers somewhere along the way...

Janinevs · Mar 31st, 2008, 07:29 PM

I hated Fall '08, but there's quite a few Spring '08 bags that I love.

Compass Rose · Mar 31st, 2008, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janinevs

I hated Fall '08, but there's quite a few Spring '08 bags that I love.

Janinevs.......I knew we would all come back to the forum sooner or later, and it is very interesting to note that the majority of the posters from way back feel the very same way.....

KoobaBagLover · Mar 31st, 2008, 10:14 PM

Fall 08 came out already?

lovekoobabags · Apr 1st, 2008, 01:09 AM

I agree....my Brynne, Lucy, Marcelle... the leather is just so much substantial than my new Elisha! It's so sad...I feel like they haven't been "making them like they use to".

coach4me · Apr 1st, 2008, 03:49 PM

I've been staying away from Kooba for a while too.... the only offerings I like that are out now are two bags that have actually been carried over... the penelope clutch and the Elisha... all the new stuff just leaves me cold. I've been shopping elsewhere, because I too want to be wowed by a handbag... and Kooba hasn't done it for me for a while.

Mar 26th, 2008, 01:11 AM	#1
magpie! Sofa King Banned Location: Chicago, Illinois	Koobas Just Don't Have What it Takes Anymore... First I saw the Jacinda in a drab shade of Lavender... now I see IMO quite possibly the most unattractive bag in Kooba's new spring line -- the Waverly. Honestly, the first words that came to my mind when I first saw it was "clown" and "child's toy." Following is a link to the bag: http://www.jcmadison.com/browse.cfm/4,2730.html Here goes, I know this will tick some people off, but IMO it seems like there are a lot of former Kooba lovers in denial -- "trying" very hard to still LIKE (not even LOVE like they used to) the bags in the new spring line, and don't forget (or maybe you want to!) that fall line. From the comments I've been hearing, it seems like many feel both the fall and spring bags simply don't compare to the classic Koobas from a few years ago. (i.e. the leather is not the quality it was, the styles are just not as "make your heart skip a beat" gorgeous). If you're buying a Kooba bag now, simply because it's a "Kooba" -- and "settling" or "having to accept" as I heard one member state, lesser quality leather and style, well, that just seems very sad -- especially in this area where the bags are not inexpensive, and there are so many designers competing for your business...and your loyalty. I, myself, want to have my heart skip a beat...

Mar 26th, 2008, 01:59 AM	#2
Minimouse Member Location: Work in the Middle East	Re: Koobas Just Don't Have What it Takes Anymore... I have numerous older Kooba styles (Lucy, Jessie, Ginger, Marcelle, Renee, Taylor, Farrah, Brynne and Paige) which still make my heart skip a beat, but I have not been wowed by Kooba's Fall or Spring line, hence I have looked at other brands. Kooba quality and pricing is not what it used to be, so I'm walking (in the opposite direction).

Mar 26th, 2008, 02:23 AM	#3
KoobaBagLover Member Location: New York City	Re: Koobas Just Don't Have What it Takes Anymore... I kind of like the slightly new direction only because, not that i have anything against the older styles I still love my sienna and carla, but it has always been leather and hardware, leather and hardware. Albeit, I understand that is where Kooba really made a name for itself, along with lines such as Botkier and Gustto, but it gets a little repetitive. I like some of the older more traditional mixed in with a newer take on leather handbags from the Spring line.

Mar 26th, 2008, 07:49 AM	#4
sdesaye Shoe Girl Location: Charlotte, NC	Re: Koobas Just Don't Have What it Takes Anymore... I really hate to butt in on this, becasue I feel just the opposite. I've stayed away from Kooba because the bags are usually so heavy. Granted, I only have a Paige and now Talia in Black & Pink, so my collection is really tiny (if you could even call it a collection). I really love the glazed leather, plus they're lighter now. I find my self stopping in the Kooba section and checking the Kooba website regularly and I never used to do that. I do however feel your pain, I hated when Juicy Couture changed the style of the original Baby Fluff.

Mar 26th, 2008, 09:29 AM	#5
Compass Rose Opie, My Schmopie!! Location: Southwest Florida	Re: Koobas Just Don't Have What it Takes Anymore... I still love the looks of the Lola from their Spring line, but a vast majority of the rest just don't float my boat. I still check in on this forum quite often and am hoping for a great comeback. __________________ Teddie says......"They'll never find me in here"! Visit Me! www.greenfeatherdesigns.com

Mar 26th, 2008, 10:59 AM	#6
paintednightsky Member	Re: Koobas Just Don't Have What it Takes Anymore... Agreed. A lot of the newer styles leave a lot of room left to be desired. I wish they'd remake some of their older styles. They must not care as much as other companies to stay in business. __________________ Waiting For Tano Grape Minilisa Wishlist RM BBW or Violet, Kooba Smooth Black Sienna, Ignes Chiara/Ormala My Bag Collection http://forum.purseblog.com/your-bag-...on-293432.html

Mar 26th, 2008, 10:35 PM	#8
KoobaLover I Want That Bag Location: Minneapolis, MN	Re: Koobas Just Don't Have What it Takes Anymore... I've been walking the thin line for months and months now. There was one bag from the Fall collection that I liked: the Pewter Hannah. I was less then impressed with it in real life and sold it less than 2 months later. I don't think I'll buy anything from the spring line, but I'm still hopeful. For now though, my focus will primarily stay on RM's and Bbags... __________________ B A L E N C I A G A

Mar 27th, 2008, 05:01 AM	#9
chinkee21 Member Location: Hong Kong	Re: Koobas Just Don't Have What it Takes Anymore... This is sad to hear, magpie, sorry to crash your thread, but I was a Kooba fan myself, first I loved the Sienna, first Kooba I purchased, I loved the leather so much, nice and thick, but it was also a little too heavy for me so I couldn't carry it as much as I wanted to, then I got the Chiara which I also loved but sold after a while cuz I just couldn't take care of white bags. Now I only have 1, the Jillian which I love! It is still on the heavy side, but I think I will keep this one for now. Needless to say, after that, I haven't purchased any Kooba's since, and I had no idea the quality's changed, this is sad...at the moment I am contemplating getting the Patent Hudson...any of you know if this is heavy as well? Sdesaye did mention they are lighter now..? __________________ YSL Besace in Faux Croc Eggplant (coming soon!)

Mar 28th, 2008, 03:16 PM	#10
jchiara is a Mommy of 4 ♥s	Re: Koobas Just Don't Have What it Takes Anymore... Sorry guys - I haven't been on the Kooba boards in MONTHS. The styles leave me feeling "" so what can I say. I don't have the excitement anymore for the Spring styles, but that's okay. I still love my Siennas (all four of them - espresso, smooth black, ivory and luggage). The only other one I still have is a silver Lucy still unused. Sheesh. I've sold everything else.....I wonder if they changed designers somewhere along the way... __________________ be thankful for all that you have.....

Mar 31st, 2008, 07:29 PM	#11
Janinevs Member	Re: Koobas Just Don't Have What it Takes Anymore... I hated Fall '08, but there's quite a few Spring '08 bags that I love.

Mar 31st, 2008, 10:14 PM	#13
KoobaBagLover Member Location: New York City	Re: Koobas Just Don't Have What it Takes Anymore... Fall 08 came out already?

Apr 1st, 2008, 01:09 AM	#14
lovekoobabags Sale Goggles are ON Location: Northeast USA	Re: Koobas Just Don't Have What it Takes Anymore... I agree....my Brynne, Lucy, Marcelle... the leather is just so much substantial than my new Elisha! It's so sad...I feel like they haven't been "making them like they use to". __________________ I should have been saving for the 2008 recession!

Apr 1st, 2008, 03:49 PM	#15
coach4me my first two loves Location: Probably shopping for another bag	Re: Koobas Just Don't Have What it Takes Anymore... I've been staying away from Kooba for a while too.... the only offerings I like that are out now are two bags that have actually been carried over... the penelope clutch and the Elisha... all the new stuff just leaves me cold. I've been shopping elsewhere, because I too want to be wowed by a handbag... and Kooba hasn't done it for me for a while. __________________ come meet me! visit my blog at www.randommusingsofamommy.blogspot.com Looking for: Epi Mandarin speedy or alma (why oh why do I have to fall in with a color that has been discontinued?) Wants: More Hermes scarves. dreams of: Hermes black box Kelly 28! Black LV Suhali Lockit GM!