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caren · Mar 1st, 2009, 03:00 PM

Hi ladies! I just bought my very first muse, an OS navy one!

I've been admiring all the muse pics that you have posted, and was confused with the different types of leather.

My leather is pebbled and it cost $1495. I've been seeing some colored muse pics, and the leather looks completely smooth. Is the new leather pebbled? The SA showed me 2 OS muses in black, one cost $1495 and the other $1895. One is buffalo, and the other is ?? I forgot what she said, and I don't remember which leather was the less expensive one.

I'm so confused! Does the navy muse come in a smoother leather as well? Or are all the new colored ones pebbled? Help! TIA!!

Cosmopolitan · Mar 1st, 2009, 05:18 PM

Yes, the navy comes in smooth leather as well.

Here's a pic on YSL.com:
http://www.ysl.com/us/en/onlineBouti...20Leather.aspx

The past couple of seasons YSL has done the Muse in both smooth and pebbled leather.

afterimage · Mar 1st, 2009, 06:51 PM

Originally Posted by caren

Hi ladies! I just bought my very first muse, an OS navy one!

I've been admiring all the muse pics that you have posted, and was confused with the different types of leather.

My leather is pebbled and it cost $1495. I've been seeing some colored muse pics, and the leather looks completely smooth. Is the new leather pebbled? The SA showed me 2 OS muses in black, one cost $1495 and the other $1895. One is buffalo, and the other is ?? I forgot what she said, and I don't remember which leather was the less expensive one.

I'm so confused! Does the navy muse come in a smoother leather as well? Or are all the new colored ones pebbled? Help! TIA!!

Hey Caren, I've not seen the OS navy muse in pebbled leather. Do post pics!
La fafinette and someone else also has the navy muse, but the leather on their bags look smooth to me. I think la fafinette's was also $1495.

littlerock · Jul 27th, 2009, 02:21 PM

I all-

I have fallen in love with the Muse bag. I know, I know.. I am a few years too late. I have always admired this bag but it wasn't until I picked one up this weekend at NM that I discovered that I simply HAD to have this bag.

Here is where I need help. My NM had two Muse bags, both black and both the Large size (although they called it medium but swore it was large..?) Anyhoo, one of these black Muse bags had very smooth, stiffer leather while the other one had a more pebbled relaxed leather.

Can anyone tell me what the names are of these skins? Also, the one that was pebbled was $1795 and I think the smoother one is only $1395.

Why such a big difference?? I really like the pebbled bag but I am reluctant to spend that kind of money right now if these bags are easier to find on sale.. help!

bubbleloba · Jul 27th, 2009, 02:32 PM

Hey littlerock and welcome to the YSL family! The muse is a lovely and classic bag.

I believe the pebbled leather is exclusive to NM. Here's the original thread comparing the buffalo vs. pebbled leather muse - Muse vs. updated muse. Was the hardware on the bag you saw silver or gold?

I know the classic muse ($1395) does not go on sale because it's a classic color. I'm not sure about the pebbled leather, but would venture to say because it's black and exclusive to NM, it will not go on sale either?

littlerock · Jul 27th, 2009, 02:39 PM

^ Thank you for the info! Both of the black bags that I was looking at had the brassy- gold hardware.

I will look at the link asap! I was so prepared to pay the $13-1400 but when I saw the $1800 tag I was a bit bummed. I really like that leather though!

Thank you for your help!!

littlerock · Jul 27th, 2009, 02:41 PM

Okay, I just looked at that thread and that is definitely different from the Muse bags I was looking at.

So, is the super smooth "updated" muse in that thread made of "Buffalo"? If so, what is the pebbled leather made of?

Sorry for all my questions

littlerock · Jul 27th, 2009, 03:36 PM

I figured it out after calling the NM SA..

Pebbled leather = Buffalo skin ($1795)

Smooth leather = Calfskin ($1395)

I am sure this is old news to all of you.. lol. Forgive me for being slow, I am new!

Cosmopolitan · Jul 27th, 2009, 06:47 PM

^Littlerock, this is a point of confusion and controversy in the YSL subforum. Some of us think (but aren't sure) that all of the Muses made since about 2007 have been calf, but that the calf leather has been treated different ways to be either smooth, textured, pebbled, glazed/pearlescent, or even grainy and "buffalo-like."

The early Muses, from 2005 and 2006, were definitely buffalo. The card on my 2006 Muse says "BUBALUS," which means water buffalo. The buffalo on the early Muses is very soft and light and distressed and shows wear easily. The calf versions are thicker and more durable.

The last couple of years, sometimes department store SAs have told tPFers that their Muse is buffalo, but when we ask them to look at the card it says "veau," or calf. I noticed that on ysl.com some of the newer Muses are labeled buffalo but I'm not sure if they really are.

Anyway, getting back to your main question, YSL has set different price levels for different calf leather treatments on the Muse. The pebbled leather that they started doing last year was more expensive than the smooth leather versions, for instance. Here are some examples of the pebbled leather, or check out the Reference Library for more. post pics of YSL MUSE bags here

littlerock · Jul 28th, 2009, 03:34 PM

Wow, that is totally helpful! Thanks Cosmo

I had asked the SA to look at the cards to tell me what the material was on each bag and that is what she got back to me with. I would not be surprised if there was a mix up though.. it's happened. This reminds of the people who claim that the Bal bags were always made of agneau even though earlier released were claimed to be Chevre.

It's all so confusing when even the manufacturer can't be trusted!

Thank you!

littlerock · Jul 30th, 2009, 11:07 AM

I'm bumping this because it is basically the same exact question I had except the OP of this thread was probably looking at teh larger size.

I really want to get to the bottom of the different priced leathers.. I can't move forward in my purchase until I know which leather it is that I want. My SA claims it's Buffalo but I'm being told here that people think that is wrong.

Also , when I go onto the YSL website to purchase a Buffalo Muse the price is a lot less that the NM "Buffalo" Muse. I am so friggin confused. Why is it this hard??

Cosmopolitan · Jul 30th, 2009, 11:51 AM

Littlerock, have you tried calling YSL directly? I'd be curious to hear whether they say that they are now making 2009 Muses in buffalo again.

I'm sorry that you are still confused about the pricing. As I tried to explain above, YSL has set different prices for the classic Muses versus those with the seasonal leather treatment styles (pebbled, pearlescent, etc.), which typically are more expensive.

littlerock · Jul 30th, 2009, 12:39 PM

Thanks hun, I took your advice and have put in a call to one of the NYC Boutiques. I am now awaiting a call back from their "leather expert". I also sent in my questions to the email address under 'Contact Us' but got a reply saying that I would be answered in 48 hours. Umm.. don't they know we need immediate answers!! LOL.

I'll let you know what I find out =)

Cosmopolitan · Jul 30th, 2009, 12:46 PM

^Honestly, I personally wouldn't worry so much about which leather it is. If you find a Muse style that you like I think you should buy it. Its all good, lol!

Much has been made about the buffalo vs. calf issue, and some people seem to suggest that buffalo is "better," because that's what the early 05/06 Muses were made of. I have one of those and its lovely soft leather but very prone to color fade and distressing. There were complaints about that problem in 06 and I suspect that's why YSL changed to predominately calf.

littlerock · Jul 30th, 2009, 12:51 PM

^ Well that's my whole dilema! I really want to buy the bag online somewhere and am hoping that once I find out exactly which bag it is I will find it somewhere OTHER than NM.

A) I don't have an Amex (which is all they accept) and
B) I really don't live close to the NM and am busy this weekend so I don't know when I'd be able to drive back and buy it in person...

So that is why I am so desperate to find out which bag it is.. so I can order it elsewhere. But perhaps it is a NM exclusive and I am just wasting my time

If NM took Visa or MC that bag would be mine and I would be posting a reveal by now.. le sigh..

Mar 1st, 2009, 03:00 PM	#1
caren OP Member Joined: Oct 2007 Posts: 124	Confused about Muse leather Hi ladies! I just bought my very first muse, an OS navy one! I've been admiring all the muse pics that you have posted, and was confused with the different types of leather. My leather is pebbled and it cost $1495. I've been seeing some colored muse pics, and the leather looks completely smooth. Is the new leather pebbled? The SA showed me 2 OS muses in black, one cost $1495 and the other $1895. One is buffalo, and the other is ?? I forgot what she said, and I don't remember which leather was the less expensive one. I'm so confused! Does the navy muse come in a smoother leather as well? Or are all the new colored ones pebbled? Help! TIA!!
caren OP Member Joined: Oct 2007 Posts: 124

Mar 1st, 2009, 05:18 PM	#2
Cosmopolitan YSL MOD Joined: May 2006 Location: Washington, D.C. Posts: 5,466	Yes, the navy comes in smooth leather as well. Here's a pic on YSL.com: http://www.ysl.com/us/en/onlineBouti...20Leather.aspx The past couple of seasons YSL has done the Muse in both smooth and pebbled leather.
	__________________ CLICK HERE: Cosmo's Collection

Jul 27th, 2009, 02:21 PM	#4
littlerock RM & Treesje Mod Joined: Apr 2007 Location: East Coast Posts: 7,938	YSL Newbie- Muse leather help! I all- I have fallen in love with the Muse bag. I know, I know.. I am a few years too late. I have always admired this bag but it wasn't until I picked one up this weekend at NM that I discovered that I simply HAD to have this bag. Here is where I need help. My NM had two Muse bags, both black and both the Large size (although they called it medium but swore it was large..?) Anyhoo, one of these black Muse bags had very smooth, stiffer leather while the other one had a more pebbled relaxed leather. Can anyone tell me what the names are of these skins? Also, the one that was pebbled was $1795 and I think the smoother one is only $1395. Why such a big difference?? I really like the pebbled bag but I am reluctant to spend that kind of money right now if these bags are easier to find on sale.. help!
	__________________ Last edited by littlerock; Jul 27th, 2009 at 02:42 PM.

Jul 27th, 2009, 02:39 PM	#6
littlerock RM & Treesje Mod Joined: Apr 2007 Location: East Coast Posts: 7,938	^ Thank you for the info! Both of the black bags that I was looking at had the brassy- gold hardware. I will look at the link asap! I was so prepared to pay the $13-1400 but when I saw the $1800 tag I was a bit bummed. I really like that leather though! Thank you for your help!!
	__________________

Jul 27th, 2009, 02:41 PM	#7
littlerock RM & Treesje Mod Joined: Apr 2007 Location: East Coast Posts: 7,938	Okay, I just looked at that thread and that is definitely different from the Muse bags I was looking at. So, is the super smooth "updated" muse in that thread made of "Buffalo"? If so, what is the pebbled leather made of? Sorry for all my questions
	__________________

Jul 27th, 2009, 02:32 PM	#5
bubbleloba Chanel newbie Joined: Sep 2006 Location: San Francisco Posts: 2,226	Hey littlerock and welcome to the YSL family! The muse is a lovely and classic bag. I believe the pebbled leather is exclusive to NM. Here's the original thread comparing the buffalo vs. pebbled leather muse - Muse vs. updated muse. Was the hardware on the bag you saw silver or gold? I know the classic muse ($1395) does not go on sale because it's a classic color. I'm not sure about the pebbled leather, but would venture to say because it's black and exclusive to NM, it will not go on sale either?

Jul 27th, 2009, 03:36 PM	#8
littlerock RM & Treesje Mod Joined: Apr 2007 Location: East Coast Posts: 7,938	I figured it out after calling the NM SA.. Pebbled leather = Buffalo skin ($1795) Smooth leather = Calfskin ($1395) I am sure this is old news to all of you.. lol. Forgive me for being slow, I am new!
	__________________

Jul 27th, 2009, 06:47 PM	#9
Cosmopolitan YSL MOD Joined: May 2006 Location: Washington, D.C. Posts: 5,466	^Littlerock, this is a point of confusion and controversy in the YSL subforum. Some of us think (but aren't sure) that all of the Muses made since about 2007 have been calf, but that the calf leather has been treated different ways to be either smooth, textured, pebbled, glazed/pearlescent, or even grainy and "buffalo-like." The early Muses, from 2005 and 2006, were definitely buffalo. The card on my 2006 Muse says "BUBALUS," which means water buffalo. The buffalo on the early Muses is very soft and light and distressed and shows wear easily. The calf versions are thicker and more durable. The last couple of years, sometimes department store SAs have told tPFers that their Muse is buffalo, but when we ask them to look at the card it says "veau," or calf. I noticed that on ysl.com some of the newer Muses are labeled buffalo but I'm not sure if they really are. Anyway, getting back to your main question, YSL has set different price levels for different calf leather treatments on the Muse. The pebbled leather that they started doing last year was more expensive than the smooth leather versions, for instance. Here are some examples of the pebbled leather, or check out the Reference Library for more. post pics of YSL MUSE bags here
	Last edited by Cosmopolitan; Jul 27th, 2009 at 06:50 PM.

Jul 28th, 2009, 03:34 PM	#10
littlerock RM & Treesje Mod Joined: Apr 2007 Location: East Coast Posts: 7,938	Wow, that is totally helpful! Thanks Cosmo I had asked the SA to look at the cards to tell me what the material was on each bag and that is what she got back to me with. I would not be surprised if there was a mix up though.. it's happened. This reminds of the people who claim that the Bal bags were always made of agneau even though earlier released were claimed to be Chevre. It's all so confusing when even the manufacturer can't be trusted! Thank you!
	__________________

Jul 30th, 2009, 11:07 AM	#11
littlerock RM & Treesje Mod Joined: Apr 2007 Location: East Coast Posts: 7,938	I'm bumping this because it is basically the same exact question I had except the OP of this thread was probably looking at teh larger size. I really want to get to the bottom of the different priced leathers.. I can't move forward in my purchase until I know which leather it is that I want. My SA claims it's Buffalo but I'm being told here that people think that is wrong. Also , when I go onto the YSL website to purchase a Buffalo Muse the price is a lot less that the NM "Buffalo" Muse. I am so friggin confused. Why is it this hard??
	__________________

Jul 30th, 2009, 11:51 AM	#12
Cosmopolitan YSL MOD Joined: May 2006 Location: Washington, D.C. Posts: 5,466	Littlerock, have you tried calling YSL directly? I'd be curious to hear whether they say that they are now making 2009 Muses in buffalo again. I'm sorry that you are still confused about the pricing. As I tried to explain above, YSL has set different prices for the classic Muses versus those with the seasonal leather treatment styles (pebbled, pearlescent, etc.), which typically are more expensive.

Jul 30th, 2009, 12:39 PM	#13
littlerock RM & Treesje Mod Joined: Apr 2007 Location: East Coast Posts: 7,938	Thanks hun, I took your advice and have put in a call to one of the NYC Boutiques. I am now awaiting a call back from their "leather expert". I also sent in my questions to the email address under 'Contact Us' but got a reply saying that I would be answered in 48 hours. Umm.. don't they know we need immediate answers!! LOL. I'll let you know what I find out =)
	__________________

Jul 30th, 2009, 12:46 PM	#14
Cosmopolitan YSL MOD Joined: May 2006 Location: Washington, D.C. Posts: 5,466	^Honestly, I personally wouldn't worry so much about which leather it is. If you find a Muse style that you like I think you should buy it. Its all good, lol! Much has been made about the buffalo vs. calf issue, and some people seem to suggest that buffalo is "better," because that's what the early 05/06 Muses were made of. I have one of those and its lovely soft leather but very prone to color fade and distressing. There were complaints about that problem in 06 and I suspect that's why YSL changed to predominately calf.

Jul 30th, 2009, 12:51 PM	#15
littlerock RM & Treesje Mod Joined: Apr 2007 Location: East Coast Posts: 7,938	^ Well that's my whole dilema! I really want to buy the bag online somewhere and am hoping that once I find out exactly which bag it is I will find it somewhere OTHER than NM. A) I don't have an Amex (which is all they accept) and B) I really don't live close to the NM and am busy this weekend so I don't know when I'd be able to drive back and buy it in person... So that is why I am so desperate to find out which bag it is.. so I can order it elsewhere. But perhaps it is a NM exclusive and I am just wasting my time If NM took Visa or MC that bag would be mine and I would be posting a reveal by now.. le sigh..
	__________________

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