Bags similar to Mulberry Bayswater? (Concened about Mulberry quality reports)

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M

Madison24

Member
Dec 3, 2018
14
3
#1
Hello all,

I’m looking to purchase an investment bag, spending around 1k USD, and fell in love with the Mulberry Bayswater. However, I’ve been rather heartbroken to read reports of a downturn in quality and customer service (have seen threads on the Mulberry forums here as well as other places, like https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.mulberry.com).

Any suggestions for a bag with a similar look? What I love: a very classic look I won’t get sick of; nice medium size; minimal hardware; satchel-style shoulder bag.

Basically, I’m looking for a super timeless, minimal feel, excellent quality and craftsmanship. I have a Mansur Gavriel lady bag which I love, but their other styles don’t grab me as much. I like the YSL sac du jour but don’t see any under about 2k.

I am also open to being convinced that Mulberry isn’t as big a risk as it seems! ;)

Thanks so much for any insight!
 
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#2
You said like shoulder bags, but the bayswater can not be worn as such at all, and is also rather heavy. Mulberry could be okay, but you do have to keep your eyes peeled for potential defects. I didn't have an issue with my order last year, but other experiences do indicate that the quality is not as it once was.
 
#3
I own 2 nvt bayswaters.
I wear both on shoulder.
Also own nvt bays double zip tote & tote.

All were purchased new from mulberry stores. Before 2016 company changes.
Not at outlets, not as "outlet specials," not from harrods or sefridges or such, not from resellers.

The oxblood bayswater begins to lose bit of color, on back corner. After >4 years using. And regular collonil applications.
No other problems. With anything mulb I own.
Consider my mulb wallets to be better than my hermes wallets.

However refuse to buy brand's items, now. Not same.
 
#4
I haven’t had any issues with my Mulberry bags, not the older or the newer ones. So I would definitely buy a new heritage Bayswater if I needed to. [emoji4]
 
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#6
Have you considered resale Mulberry? You might be able to get an older Bayswater for cheaper.

I have had several Mulberry bags pre-2016 and the quality was good but not sure what the deal is now.

For other options ~$1000
Lancel
Longchamp
Coach

I also signed up for Italic which is a new option that connects consumers with factories that manufacture for Celine, Prada, Burberry etc. Prices for bags appear to be $300 and under but I don’t know about the quality.
 
#8
renee_nyc said:
Have you considered resale Mulberry? You might be able to get an older Bayswater for cheaper.

I have had several Mulberry bags pre-2016 and the quality was good but not sure what the deal is now.

For other options ~$1000
Lancel
Longchamp
Coach

I also signed up for Italic which is a new option that connects consumers with factories that manufacture for Celine, Prada, Burberry etc. Prices for bags appear to be $300 and under but I don’t know about the quality.
Click to expand...

Thanks so much, great points!
 
#9
Here's something to think about. Are there any artisan leatherworkers in your community? You could commission a leatherworker to custom-make a bag similar to a Bayswater with much better leather, hand-stitching if you prefer, and at about half the cost of a Mulberry. The downside: custom leather workers are a dying breed so it might take some effort to find one but the good ones do amazing work.
 
#10
I echo many of remainsilly's thoughts. I have a number of Bayswaters (various sizes, including small, regular, and open tote) but all of mine are what they now call the heritage leathers. I think if you go with an NVT one it will last a long time. I also had the same experience with the oxblood that remainsilly noted, but I consider it patina.

I also wear mine on my shoulder regularly (it only does not fit when I wear a bulky down coat). It gets incredibly heavy when I load it up with my laptop and files, but It is extremely durable.

And I too, have not purchased a new Mulberry since it changed direction a couple of years ago.
 
#11
If you really want a M, then I recommend trying to find a Bays from before 2015 - that's when the quality went nose down. If you want something similar, you could try Poléne 2WAY, Longchamp Penelope or largest Madeleine.
 
#12
morejunkny said:
I echo many of remainsilly's thoughts. I have a number of Bayswaters (various sizes, including small, regular, and open tote) but all of mine are what they now call the heritage leathers. I think if you go with an NVT one it will last a long time. I also had the same experience with the oxblood that remainsilly noted, but I consider it patina.

I also wear mine on my shoulder regularly (it only does not fit when I wear a bulky down coat). It gets incredibly heavy when I load it up with my laptop and files, but It is extremely durable.

And I too, have not purchased a new Mulberry since it changed direction a couple of years ago.
Click to expand...

Thanks so much for these thoughts! Is NVT more vulnerable to the elements than other kinds of leather? I know that is true for the Mansur Gavriel bags, and it makes me nervous about carrying them if it is raining or snowing (which it does a lot in my climate...) But not sure if that is a characteristic always of vegetable tanned leather or just the MG ones.
 
#13
BigPurseSue said:
Here's something to think about. Are there any artisan leatherworkers in your community? You could commission a leatherworker to custom-make a bag similar to a Bayswater with much better leather, hand-stitching if you prefer, and at about half the cost of a Mulberry. The downside: custom leather workers are a dying breed so it might take some effort to find one but the good ones do amazing work.
Click to expand...

What an interesting idea! I certainly hadn't thought of that. I'll see what I can find!
 
#14
Amazona said:
If you really want a M, then I recommend trying to find a Bays from before 2015 - that's when the quality went nose down. If you want something similar, you could try Poléne 2WAY, Longchamp Penelope or largest Madeleine.
Click to expand...

Thank you for the ideas! Do you have any suggestions as to where to find a pre-2015 bag?
 
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