I have just read this entire thread. I'm so disappointed to continue to hear about poor quality alexas. I have not owned one myself, but I liked the ink very much. These bags are so expensive (for me) & I am very put off by the quality issues on top of the price. I like the style though. As someone else said it was supposed to be cross between a bays & elkington. Ha! neither of them are going to fall apart! If alexa existed in black or oak nvt with brass hardware, & well made (stitching etc) I could seriously be tempted. At the moment though I am keeping away.