High End Alternatives to a Birking

[luvparis21]

I purchased a lovely bag from Atelier Renard in Paris not too long ago - the Charleston Soft - which I actually like much better than my birkin. It was around 3000 eur.

@pasdedeux1 I am trying to find more info about Atelier Renard. I love the fact that they are made to order but haven’t found much info so far. What do you think about your bag after a few months of owning it?
Thanks much.

If you prefer, feel free to DM me.

 

[poleneinblack]

Technically it's just a tote with some hardware, so any tote would do.
I like the Demellier New York tote.
There's also the Celine Conti bag, but I haven't seen it online or any reviews at all.

 

[goodatlife]

I purchased a lovely bag from Atelier Renard in Paris not too long ago - the Charleston Soft - which I actually like much better than my birkin. It was around 3000 eur.

Wow, could you share a pic? I an very curious

 

[ParisBound]

Wow, could you share a pic? I an very curious

I just ordered my second bag from Atelier Renard. The first one was the Charleston soft which I just love. Today I ordered the Le Cindy. I got the Charleston to "replace" my B and am getting the Le Cindy as I have wanted a Plume style bag for some time. Happy to share a picture of my Charleston soft. And happy to share a picture of my Le Cindy when I get it in a couple of months. Can also share a picture of the samples they sent me to choose from, if that helps. I am over playing games for bags that everyone has or are impossible to get. Buying French bags that are made in Paris and getting to select the leathers and colors is so much more fun. And the prices are very reasonable.

 

[Sa26]

YSL sac de jour.

and not a Birkin look-a-like but Valentino's VSLING bag gives me Kelly vibes.

I didn’t make the thread but these kind of alternatives are the ones I prefer now and literally changed my mind within months. I used to be a dupes obsessed. Like looking for identical or almost identical contemporary bags or high end but slightly less expensive bags to dream bags but now I prefer to just get the vibe or the function.

For example a few months ago if you would ask me for a speedy 20 alternative I would have suggested you

This Michael Kors

Grayson Small Empire Signature Logo Duffel Crossbody Bag | Michael Kors

www.michaelkors.com

Now I’d suggest you this bag

Le Pliage Energy XS Handbag Black - Recycled canvas | Longchamp US

Le Pliage Energy XS Handbag.L1500HSR001.Black - Recycled canvas.Online purchase. Home delivery. Free in-store pickup.

www.longchamp.com

The first one is almost identical but says Michael Kors instead of LV. The second one will give you that stylish casual carefree and practical feel of the LV Speedy 20 but won’t remind you every freaking day the bag you want and can’t have.

 

[renee_nyc]

I just ordered my second bag from Atelier Renard. The first one was the Charleston soft which I just love. Today I ordered the Le Cindy. I got the Charleston to "replace" my B and am getting the Le Cindy as I have wanted a Plume style bag for some time. Happy to share a picture of my Charleston soft. And happy to share a picture of my Le Cindy when I get it in a couple of months. Can also share a picture of the samples they sent me to choose from, if that helps. I am over playing games for bags that everyone has or are impossible to get. Buying French bags that are made in Paris and getting to select the leathers and colors is so much more fun. And the prices are very reasonable.

I’ve been drooling over the Hortense ever since I saw your post and checked out their site.

 

[Joeli7]

I just ordered my second bag from Atelier Renard. The first one was the Charleston soft which I just love. Today I ordered the Le Cindy. I got the Charleston to "replace" my B and am getting the Le Cindy as I have wanted a Plume style bag for some time. Happy to share a picture of my Charleston soft. And happy to share a picture of my Le Cindy when I get it in a couple of months. Can also share a picture of the samples they sent me to choose from, if that helps. I am over playing games for bags that everyone has or are impossible to get. Buying French bags that are made in Paris and getting to select the leathers and colors is so much more fun. And the prices are very reasonable.

I'd love to see pictures and hear about the process. These are exactly the reasonably priced, discreet bags I need in my life.

 

[luvparis21]

I just ordered my second bag from Atelier Renard. The first one was the Charleston soft which I just love. Today I ordered the Le Cindy. I got the Charleston to "replace" my B and am getting the Le Cindy as I have wanted a Plume style bag for some time. Happy to share a picture of my Charleston soft. And happy to share a picture of my Le Cindy when I get it in a couple of months. Can also share a picture of the samples they sent me to choose from, if that helps. I am over playing games for bags that everyone has or are impossible to get. Buying French bags that are made in Paris and getting to select the leathers and colors is so much more fun. And the prices are very reasonable.

@ParisBound, if and when you have a moment, would love to see your bag from Atelier Renard. Thanks so much.

Please let me admire yours while I wait for mine. I just placed an order with them and can’t wait to receive it!

 

[Christofle]

Quyn

 

[ParisBound]

Hi All. Sorry for the delay in responding. Attaching some pictures of the options for my new bag and pictures of my "old" bag from last year from Atelier Renard. The process is super easy. After picking the style I want from their website, I email them with some ideas on leathers and colors and they send me screen shots of options. Once I have a couple I like, they mail me actual samples so I can see and feel the leathers (see picture). I then make my selection and voila! I place my order. You need to pay 50% up front and have to do a bank transfer to their accounts. They send you all the information and it's pretty easy. Then in a few months they send you the bag and you make your final payment. I always have my initials put on my bag too. This time I did a cardboard rendering (see last picture) of the bag I want to order so I could be sure of size on my frame. My husband thinks it's hilarious and keeps asking me why I am not "using that purse today?" LOL. My bags are in the $3K USD range. So reasonable for a custom made bag from Paris.

 

[Farkvam]

Another great option I just found, possible my favourite alongside the Sac de Jour.

The Tusting Kimbolton, made in England. The ONLY thing I don't love about it is that the handles don't stand up, otherwise I'd be all over it!

Kimbolton Leather Handbag | Made in England by Tusting

Tusting's iconic Kimbolton leather handbag is British luxury at its finest, a designer leather work bag is designed and handcrafted in the UK

www.tusting.co.uk

 

[ParisBound]

Hi All. I just got pictures of my completed bag from Atelier Renard. I picked out the style, color, both interior and exterior, the handle type and the thread color. I am happy so happy with my decisions. They are shipping her to me soon (Paris to US). I don't know that I can ever go back to paying $10K for a mass produced bag when something like this is available. The whole Birkin thing is just over for me (though this is more of a Plume than a Birkin...but you get my point).

 

[LolaWhisp]

Hi All. Sorry for the delay in responding. Attaching some pictures of the options for my new bag and pictures of my "old" bag from last year from Atelier Renard. The process is super easy. After picking the style I want from their website, I email them with some ideas on leathers and colors and they send me screen shots of options. Once I have a couple I like, they mail me actual samples so I can see and feel the leathers (see picture). I then make my selection and voila! I place my order. You need to pay 50% up front and have to do a bank transfer to their accounts. They send you all the information and it's pretty easy. Then in a few months they send you the bag and you make your final payment. I always have my initials put on my bag too. This time I did a cardboard rendering (see last picture) of the bag I want to order so I could be sure of size on my frame. My husband thinks it's hilarious and keeps asking me why I am not "using that purse today?" LOL. My bags are in the $3K USD range. So reasonable for a custom made bag from Paris.

Love that nubeck. I was so tempted by it! The anthracite was such a beautiful grey blue!

Hi All. I just got pictures of my completed bag from Atelier Renard. I picked out the style, color, both interior and exterior, the handle type and the thread color. I am happy so happy with my decisions. They are shipping her to me soon (Paris to US). I don't know that I can ever go back to paying $10K for a mass produced bag when something like this is available. The whole Birkin thing is just over for me (though this is more of a Plume than a Birkin...but you get my point).

That is such a lovely le Cindy! Which color did you go with?

 

[LolaWhisp]

So I too went on my own Renard journey this summer.

I’ve been looking for an appropriate bag for work for a long time. I had a LOT of prerequisites and couldn’t find anything that truly fit the bill. I discovered Atelier Renard by reading the forum and following @thebaghag on IG and started to inquire about getting a truly bespoke experience,

Brigitte and the team are so kind and personable! She answered a number of questions regarding design specifications by email and did an introductory call with me to show me a few bags and walk me through the process.

Fortunately, I had plans to visit Paris in June and stopped by the Atelier to see the bags in person and look at leather options. I’m so glad I did! The store is small, but beautiful and it was amazing to see the bags, leathers, and live artisans at work. It was truly a special experience.

While I originally wanted a Le Charleston, it ended up being the Le Cindy that called to me. It’s made of Taurillon Clemence exterior and lambskin interior. I cannot believe how light it was! It’s so much lighter than my B30, but was a good 38cm wide. Not a small bag at all. The team worked with me to include a special lambskin pocket that perfectly fits my laptop and added a carabiner for my keys or AirPods too! The lambskin is exceptionally soft and buttery, and I selected a dark teal for the interior. I debated the exterior options for a while between a marine taurillion and an anthracite (dark grey blue) soft suede nubeck. I ended up with the marine. I also fell in love with their croc leather options. I couldn’t afford to do the full pockets in croc this time, but ended up working with Renard to find some remnant strips to create an racing stripe detail on the pockets, which I think adds some elegance and style to the bag. Brigitte also suggested adding croc to the zippers too, which was such a thoughtful touch.

I was so impressed by the team’s care, professionalism, and craftsmanship. They were with me every step of the way and handled everything so beautiful (especially considering I asked about a LOT of design changes and things they haven’t done before). I cannot wait to buy another bag with them next year. It’s a truly special experience and a beautiful piece of artistry I will treasure.

 

[ParisBound]

So I too went on my own Renard journey this summer.

I’ve been looking for an appropriate bag for work for a long time. I had a LOT of prerequisites and couldn’t find anything that truly fit the bill. I discovered Atelier Renard by reading the forum and following @thebaghag on IG and started to inquire about getting a truly bespoke experience,

Brigitte and the team are so kind and personable! She answered a number of questions regarding design specifications by email and did an introductory call with me to show me a few bags and walk me through the process.

Fortunately, I had plans to visit Paris in June and stopped by the Atelier to see the bags in person and look at leather options. I’m so glad I did! The store is small, but beautiful and it was amazing to see the bags, leathers, and live artisans at work. It was truly a special experience.

While I originally wanted a Le Charleston, it ended up being the Le Cindy that called to me. It’s made of Taurillon Clemence exterior and lambskin interior. I cannot believe how light it was! It’s so much lighter than my B30, but was a good 38cm wide. Not a small bag at all. The team worked with me to include a special lambskin pocket that perfectly fits my laptop and added a carabiner for my keys or AirPods too! The lambskin is exceptionally soft and buttery, and I selected a dark teal for the interior. I debated the exterior options for a while between a marine taurillion and an anthracite (dark grey blue) soft suede nubeck. I ended up with the marine. I also fell in love with their croc leather options. I couldn’t afford to do the full pockets in croc this time, but ended up working with Renard to find some remnant strips to create an racing stripe detail on the pockets, which I think adds some elegance and style to the bag. Brigitte also suggested adding croc to the zippers too, which was such a thoughtful touch.

I was so impressed by the team’s care, professionalism, and craftsmanship. They were with me every step of the way and handled everything so beautiful (especially considering I asked about a LOT of design changes and things they haven’t done before). I cannot wait to buy another bag with them next year. It’s a truly special experience and a beautiful piece of artistry I will treasure.View attachment 6067433

I love my Le Cindy so much. It's my workhorse bag that I use daily. I am thinking of getting another in a darker color for the fall/winter months. I am so happy to see yours, it's so pretty. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy mine.