I feel much better giving her my business than the established designers who don't seem to care about their customers and quality anymore (Balenciaga).
I had so many quality issues this year with the highend designers that I don't want to spend 1500$ plus on bags anymore which have a poor quality so I'm very happy that I finally decided to try BE out.
I completely agree with you! I just ordered the same bag in pewter crash and though I don't have it yet, I will say that if it's as nice as other TPFers have said (which I fully expect due to all the rave reviews about B.E.) that it is
most definitely worth full price and in fact, is a bargain compared to what we pay for all those so-called "premier" designers. Remember that B.E. bags are made in Italy (not China!) by the finest, native, master artisans whose techniques have passed through generations. This is why countries like Italy and Spain are reknowned for the care and artistry of their leather work. There is a vast difference in experience and expertise between a bag produced by them and the ones that are produced in China or by Chinese workshops that get around this by locating in Italy so that top designers can say that bags are made there (unfortunately becoming more and more common).
This in no way is any reflection on the Chinese. It is an amazing, ancient and rich culture reknowned and respected for many, many well-deserved reasons. But, handbags made and hand-finished by master artisans with beautiful, italian, spanish etc. leathers are a cut above, and for a true connoisseur, the ultimate luxury, if one defines luxury by the highest quality materials combined with master workmanship and, fortunately for us in the case of Belen Echandia, beautiful, chic, functional design.
Like you guys, I can't wait to receive my bag! Everyone simply MUST post when they arrive!