I didn't say my SA confirmed, just that it was confirmed. I know that seems very sketchy, but I've actually had folks here on TPF who frequent the same store "report back" to the store if I've revealed too much on something here. So much for freedom of speech. But I digress...
ANYWHO...I agree that the handles are thinner. They are still substantial though so that isn't necessarily a bad thing in my opinion. The suede did seem a lighter pill, if that makes sense. However, the ones that I was looking at had a printed interior and I'm not sure the printing on the suede could have come through as well had the suede been thicker. Just a thought. I guess my bigger point is if the leather is thinner and the handles are thinner why is the bag still the same price?
Sorry for throwing my sour opinion of this particular situation and product launch on you all. That was never my intention.