Hi all, in a break between sessions at a conference in Manchester, I found myself (by magic shopping time traveller machine) in Harvey Nichols and Selfridges accessories departments. I wandered through the departments and did something I have never really done before except when I wanted to buy a particular bag, I had a feel of all sorts of bags without the least intention of buying.
I was amazed at the seductive softness of the Balenciagia bags and I have never considered them before as a structured, shape kind of person. I was thrown by the weight of the infamous Chloe padlock, I thought the Marc Jacobs quilted styles were unappealing but feeling the way they mould themselves to their original shape I was captivated. Then, as someone who has avoided LV for the logo-world associations, I stroked (yes, that is the only word) a few styles in Epi leather and was intrigued by its unique feel.
I know Tano don't like to sell on-line because they claim buying one of their bags is a sensory experience and I had pretty much dismissed that as marketing speak, but as someone who mostly identifies a bag by its shape and design, then buys to order online or over the phone, the experience of being up close and personal to these bags changed all that.
What do you think? Do you buy bags mostly for sensation or design? Are there some of you who will only buy what you have felt first? Has anyone had a similar experience to me and had their mind changed about a bag after seeing it in the 'flesh' so to speak?
I was amazed at the seductive softness of the Balenciagia bags and I have never considered them before as a structured, shape kind of person. I was thrown by the weight of the infamous Chloe padlock, I thought the Marc Jacobs quilted styles were unappealing but feeling the way they mould themselves to their original shape I was captivated. Then, as someone who has avoided LV for the logo-world associations, I stroked (yes, that is the only word) a few styles in Epi leather and was intrigued by its unique feel.
I know Tano don't like to sell on-line because they claim buying one of their bags is a sensory experience and I had pretty much dismissed that as marketing speak, but as someone who mostly identifies a bag by its shape and design, then buys to order online or over the phone, the experience of being up close and personal to these bags changed all that.
What do you think? Do you buy bags mostly for sensation or design? Are there some of you who will only buy what you have felt first? Has anyone had a similar experience to me and had their mind changed about a bag after seeing it in the 'flesh' so to speak?
...not if you're just going in for a quick togo sniff.....